Fight fatigue with exercise: 7 steps

Dr Ruben Mesa treats and studies MPDs as a haematologist at the Mayo Clinic (US). In his years working with MPD patients, he’s found that fatigue is the most common problem patients face. “Physicians don’t always appreciate just how fatigued MPD patients can feel. They often overlook or undervalue the symptoms that MPD patients report,” he explains. In the future, better treatments may hold the key to overcoming symptoms, but exercise is a great way to feel better today. Dr Mesa suggests the following approach:

1. Define your goals Writing down your objectives will build your motivation. Your goals can include improving muscle tone, sleeping better and feeling less fatigue. It’s useful to define a specific goal that you can measure, such as walking to the bottom of the garden every day or running a 10km race.

2. Ramp up slowly “The classic error in any exercise programme is doing too much too soon – it’s the ‘New Year’s resolution phenomenon,’” says Dr Mesa. You will need to increase activity very slowly over time to avoid exhausting or injuring yourself.

3. Team up with your GP “People with MPDs cover a broad range, so it’s important to create a bespoke programme for your particular situation,” explains Dr Mesa. You should develop a reasonable and modest plan with your GP, taking into account any limiting factors such as a history of clots. MPD medications are not a major hurdle to physical activity, but do check with your physician before you begin.

4. Gather your tools “It can be a challenge to implement a programme at home,” says Dr Mesa. New tools can help you get started. Use a pedometer to record the number of steps you walk each day. Keep track of your progress in a logbook. Invest in a comfortable pair of walking shoes and comfy, loose-fitting exercise clothing.

5. Measure gains over time You may need to wait many weeks or even months to see an improvement in your energy level and physical condition. That’s the case for healthy people and it’s equally true for those with MPDs. Increase your level slowly and gradually, then measure your progress against your goals every few months.

6. Push the limit “The net change over your baseline has the biggest impact. Over time you can push the limit further and further out,” says Dr Mesa. Check back with your GP and haematologist and redefine your goals when you feel ready to take on some new challenges.

7. Enjoy your new energy It’s clear from the latest research that even a very modest exercise programme can yield tremendous results – you can reduce fatigue, become more mobile, improve circulation and get more oxygen to your tissues. You may never feel quite as good as you did before you had an MPD, but you can feel a whole lot better.

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