Author Topic: Near-Constant Fatigue  (Read 7302 times)

LilTazzy

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Near-Constant Fatigue
« on: February 21, 2018, 03:39:15 PM »
Has anyone experienced near-constant fatigue no matter how long you sleep? I have had this issue for the past 16 or so years, but seems to be getting worse as I get older. I am a 39 year-old female and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety since my early 20s. I take medications for those issues. My depression and anxiety manifest themselves through trouble sleeping and anxiety about work and finances. I am overweight and do not have the most healthy of diets. I don't use alcohol, cigarettes, or any controlled substances, but do drink soda. In addition to depression and anxiety, I have Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease and ovarian issues. I have a desk job and find myself too exhausted when I get home to exercise.

FWIW, One of my parents has been diagnosed with what I believe is called Chronic Fatigue syndrome and also suffers from depression.

I have blood and urine samples taken regularly, but I am not sure what needs to be tested to check for fatigue issues. I have been living with it because I figured that the fatigue is just part of my depression and anxiety. I also am not happy at my job which does not help. I would appreciate any suggestions in addition to exercising and improving my diet. Thank you all!

wenchsenior

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2018, 03:44:10 PM »
Has anyone experienced near-constant fatigue no matter how long you sleep? I have had this issue for the past 16 or so years, but seems to be getting worse as I get older. I am a 39 year-old female and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety since my early 20s. I take medications for those issues. My depression and anxiety manifest themselves through trouble sleeping and anxiety about work and finances. I am overweight and do not have the most healthy of diets. I don't use alcohol, cigarettes, or any controlled substances, but do drink soda. In addition to depression and anxiety, I have Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease and ovarian issues. I have a desk job and find myself too exhausted when I get home to exercise.

FWIW, One of my parents has been diagnosed with what I believe is called Chronic Fatigue syndrome and also suffers from depression.

I have blood and urine samples taken regularly, but I am not sure what needs to be tested to check for fatigue issues. I have been living with it because I figured that the fatigue is just part of my depression and anxiety. I also am not happy at my job which does not help. I would appreciate any suggestions in addition to exercising and improving my diet. Thank you all!

Make sure you are having iron, B12, and especially thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, and free T3) checked when you have blood drawn.  Also, when you say you have ovarian issues and are overweight, is it PCOS? Because abnormal blood sugar/insulin function can seriously mess up energy levels and mood. In addition, it can mess up reproductive hormones and cause even MORE energy and mood problems.

ETA: how much soda and how many simple carbs do you eat? Even if you don't have pcos, you can improve your energy by cutting sugar and simple carbs way down in the diet.
« Last Edit: February 21, 2018, 03:48:16 PM by wenchsenior »

one piece at a time

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2018, 03:52:49 PM »
For exercise with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) you'll want to stress the anaerobic system without putting additional load on the aerobic system, and without over-doing it. One way to do this is to pick a light weights or calisthenics program and stick to the basic level for months before progressing, and then progressing in small increments only. Having enough protein is also important as it is a preferred muscle fuel in CFS (preferentially to sugar)* however, with kidney disease getting enough protein into your system without causing other issues will require discussions with your kidney doctor. The best you can do may be to time the protein intake so that it is around your exercise time.

Having said that, there is no reason for you to drink soda if you're not a 12 year old running off to play sport somewhere, or you've just finished digging a trench. Just stop it. It is stupid.


*there is a bunch of research on this at test-tube scale  which I don't fully understand

« Last Edit: February 21, 2018, 07:52:49 PM by one piece at a time »

FI4good

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2018, 03:57:10 PM »
Yes,
 i had sleep apnea.

trollwithamustache

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2018, 04:03:09 PM »
another vote for sleep apnea. the silly machine does actually work.

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2018, 05:25:01 PM »
Been there. I spent years so exhausted that I'd collapse into bed as soon as I got home from work. Same sort of age as you also. Now I'm a bit older at 45 and I've discovered that I'm gluten intolerant. No bowel or stomach symptoms whatsoever, instead I'd get terrible skin flare up and constant fatigue. Soooooo much better now that I've cut out gluten. I also sleep better, I have more stable moods, I can actually grow my nails long etc. Something to consider maybe.

Metta

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2018, 05:55:45 PM »
Isn't serious fatigue one of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease? You may want to talk with your nephrologist. My father went through this (and died of it). He also experienced serious fatigue with kidney disease.

Civex

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2018, 06:48:10 PM »
Have you had your hemoglobin level checked? Low hemoglobin levels are common as kidney function declines-less ability to move oxygen=fatigue. Kidneys stimulate hemoglobin creation.

Jumping on the soda bandwagon-lots of dark sodas have higher amounts of phosphate, which can accumulate in people with decreased kidney clearance; I'd try to limit or remove. IDK if that would directly contribute to fatigue.

cheddarpie

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2018, 07:19:38 PM »
I echo everyone above. It could be something serious, or it could be something relatively easy to fix. In my case, I discovered some food sensitivities by doing an elimination diet (a la Whole30) and that helped a lot with my energy level. In addition, I have also recently confirmed that I have a deviated septum. I don't breath well at night, and I can sleep for 10+ hours and still be tired; not a scientific/medical opinion, but my working theory is that I am not getting enough oxygen at night and even though it feels like I'm sleeping "well," I'm not. Better breathing => better sleep => better energy.   
« Last Edit: February 21, 2018, 07:38:14 PM by cheddarpie »

lilactree

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #9 on: February 21, 2018, 08:28:45 PM »
If you haven’t already had a blood test for celiac disease, I think it’s worth asking for one at your next doctor visit. I also felt a huge difference after cutting gluten, including more energy and better mood/less anxiety. It’s best to get tested prior to going gluten-free though, since changing the diet first can make the tests less accurate. If the test comes out negative, I would definitely still try the diet at that point. If it comes out positive, there may be further tests before you would change your diet.

I don’t know anything about the kidney issues, though.

I hope you will feel better soon.


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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2018, 11:48:13 PM »
Also, when you say you have ovarian issues and are overweight, is it PCOS? Because abnormal blood sugar/insulin function can seriously mess up energy levels and mood. In addition, it can mess up reproductive hormones and cause even MORE energy and mood problems.

Yes, before I was diagnosed with PCOS I was suffering from insane fatigue. Sleeping 9 hours a night and still being exhausted. Things like standing up out of a chair were a real effort just due to the overwhelming tiredness. I was in my 20s and otherwise healthy aside from being a bit overweight, so it was pretty bizarre to feel that way. I was on a big health kick, eating really well and exercising every day (even though it just about killed me with that exhaustion). I think my body just couldn't deal with the extra stress of weight loss on top of the PCOS hormonal imbalance. Instead of losing weight with the calorie deficit, my body seemed to be trying to make me stop using calories. I made an appointment with the doctor after I fell asleep in my clothes at 6PM and didn't wake up until the next day with only a vague recollection of how I got there. I was also having short-term memory problems. They tested me for a bunch of things (anemia, thyroid, etc.) and the blood tests showed up with PCOS.

I'm still not a terribly high-energy person now, and I have other unrelated health issues that wear me out, but I have never had those extreme symptoms again since medicating the PCOS (hormonal BC and off-label metformin). So I guess that was the cause in my case.

I'm sorry you've been struggling with this. I can't imagine living like that for years! I hope you find a solution.

Marty50

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2018, 03:28:22 AM »
Do you have any indication of auto immune issues? Recently diagnosed with lupus here and now I have a possible explanation of the many years of exhaustion I chalked up to life. I know it's a long shot and probably not the case, but I just wanted to mention it.

chasesfish

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2018, 04:53:45 AM »
Unfortunately a bunch of these issues are compile upon one another, especially since a body is supposed to be moving and you either use it or loose it.  We got a lot of experience with this when my wife suffered a spine injury, a LOT of other stuff started piling on.  Pain led to anxiety, lack of exercised exposed an issued called POTS, along with a lot of other issues.

My only advice is to treat your body as if its a car.  Put the right fuel in it and use it.  Exercise in the morning, put the right fuel (food) in it.  If you're exhausted, just get a 20-30 minute walk in for the mornings.  Use a step counter.  It may take 3-6 months before you notice any changes.  The additional weight is unfortunately a "pile on" issue that makes everything else more difficult.  Also be careful on medication changes, a lot of the anxiety meds need to have long ween off periods because of the body dependency issues.

The advice I got when I was 18 - Eat reasonably well, exercise more days than you don't, and spend less than you make, and you'll be better off than most people.




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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2018, 06:55:02 AM »
Isn't serious fatigue one of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease? You may want to talk with your nephrologist. My father went through this (and died of it). He also experienced serious fatigue with kidney disease.

Yes, there are various issues relating to the kidney disease that could be the culprit. If your nephrologist or other doctors haven't investigated this yet, ask them to. There might be labs beyond your usual monitoring they'll want to order to rule stuff out. Make sure they understand the nature of your fatigue, that it's beyond simply being tired, that it's beyond what's normal for you, and that you're concerned because it's negatively impacting your ability to perform day-to-day activities. Lifestyle changes are great but will only accomplish so much if there's a more significant issue that needs to be medically addressed.

NextTime

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2018, 07:56:53 AM »
Unfortunately a bunch of these issues are compile upon one another, especially since a body is supposed to be moving and you either use it or loose it.  We got a lot of experience with this when my wife suffered a spine injury, a LOT of other stuff started piling on.  Pain led to anxiety, lack of exercised exposed an issued called POTS, along with a lot of other issues.

My only advice is to treat your body as if its a car.  Put the right fuel in it and use it.  Exercise in the morning, put the right fuel (food) in it.  If you're exhausted, just get a 20-30 minute walk in for the mornings.  Use a step counter.  It may take 3-6 months before you notice any changes.  The additional weight is unfortunately a "pile on" issue that makes everything else more difficult.  Also be careful on medication changes, a lot of the anxiety meds need to have long ween off periods because of the body dependency issues.

The advice I got when I was 18 - Eat reasonably well, exercise more days than you don't, and spend less than you make, and you'll be better off than most people.


Solid advice. A sleep study would also be a good idea because as stated, you very well could have developed sleep apnea with the weight gain.

wenchsenior

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #15 on: February 22, 2018, 08:01:22 AM »
Also, when you say you have ovarian issues and are overweight, is it PCOS? Because abnormal blood sugar/insulin function can seriously mess up energy levels and mood. In addition, it can mess up reproductive hormones and cause even MORE energy and mood problems.

Yes, before I was diagnosed with PCOS I was suffering from insane fatigue. Sleeping 9 hours a night and still being exhausted. Things like standing up out of a chair were a real effort just due to the overwhelming tiredness. I was in my 20s and otherwise healthy aside from being a bit overweight, so it was pretty bizarre to feel that way. I was on a big health kick, eating really well and exercising every day (even though it just about killed me with that exhaustion). I think my body just couldn't deal with the extra stress of weight loss on top of the PCOS hormonal imbalance. Instead of losing weight with the calorie deficit, my body seemed to be trying to make me stop using calories. I made an appointment with the doctor after I fell asleep in my clothes at 6PM and didn't wake up until the next day with only a vague recollection of how I got there. I was also having short-term memory problems. They tested me for a bunch of things (anemia, thyroid, etc.) and the blood tests showed up with PCOS.

I'm still not a terribly high-energy person now, and I have other unrelated health issues that wear me out, but I have never had those extreme symptoms again since medicating the PCOS (hormonal BC and off-label metformin). So I guess that was the cause in my case.

I'm sorry you've been struggling with this. I can't imagine living like that for years! I hope you find a solution.

Yeah, that's why I asked about it.  I wasn't diagnosed until I was almost 30, even though I had EVERY symptom except the weight gain from the time I was a teen.  OB/GYNs can be so incompetent and oblivious.  But the energy swings were the worst; they were absolutely insane...at times I was almost narcoleptic, like dropping in my tracks mid-hike to sleep next to the trail (not a joke).  At the same time, I'd wake up several times a night with racing heart and starving hungry and shaking, thinking I was having anxiety attacks.  It wasn't anxiety, it was blood sugar crashes giving me adrenaline dumps.  GOOD TIMES.

Almost every symptom normalized once I started eating low glycemic. 

ReadySetMillionaire

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #16 on: February 22, 2018, 09:50:44 AM »
Has anyone experienced near-constant fatigue no matter how long you sleep? I have had this issue for the past 16 or so years, but seems to be getting worse as I get older. I am a 39 year-old female and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety since my early 20s. I take medications for those issues. My depression and anxiety manifest themselves through trouble sleeping and anxiety about work and finances. I am overweight and do not have the most healthy of diets. I don't use alcohol, cigarettes, or any controlled substances, but do drink soda. In addition to depression and anxiety, I have Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease and ovarian issues. I have a desk job and find myself too exhausted when I get home to exercise.

FWIW, One of my parents has been diagnosed with what I believe is called Chronic Fatigue syndrome and also suffers from depression.

I have blood and urine samples taken regularly, but I am not sure what needs to be tested to check for fatigue issues. I have been living with it because I figured that the fatigue is just part of my depression and anxiety. I also am not happy at my job which does not help. I would appreciate any suggestions in addition to exercising and improving my diet. Thank you all!

I empathize with your issues, I do, but I think the first thing you need to do is stop acting like a victim and start taking control of your life to the best of your ability.

My mother suffers from several medical issues, including depression.  She used to talk like you--as if all these things happening in her life (including having pre-diabetes) was somehow the result of things beyond her control rather than things she was directly doing to herself. 

We had a couple long talks a year ago and she is a completely different person now.  She reduced her expenses and took a 20% pay decrease to work less hours.  She walks 1.5 miles every morning no matter what the weather.  And I bought her a Nutribullet, which is invaluable if you don't like eating salads all the time (two handfuls of spinach, a banana, and some berries tastes amazing). She starts every day off with a shake and that 1.5 mile walk.  She's probably lost 25 pounds and she is better than I've seen her in the last ten years.

Your post sounds just like my mom did--"this and this is happening to me, and ya I know I eat Milk Duds and drink Sprite all the time, but this and this is happening to me and I can't help it."  Just stop with that mentality altogether.  Treat your body right for 21 days (which is the amount of time it takes to start a positive habit) and I think you will notice significant differences.

LilTazzy

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #17 on: February 22, 2018, 12:52:32 PM »
First off, thank you so much for everyone's thoughtful and helpful replies. I am just starting to see a nephrologist so will plan on talking to him about fatigue and kidney disease.

As for PCOS, I was told that I have one abnormally large ovary and large cysts on my ovaries. The doctor never said anything about PCOS, but did schedule another ultrasound in a couple of months.

I was treated for sleep apnea several years ago with an at home test. I went to the hospital and they outfitted me with the device and strapped it on my body. Then I went home for the night and had to return it the next day. I haven't had any significant weight gain since then, but I will talk to my doctor about having it redone.

Thank you for all the other suggestions about possible issues and the tests that I should request. At least it gives me a general idea as to what to ask the doctor about.

To the last poster, I did not think I was playing myself as a victim. I was simply explaining my situation and asking for advice. I agree completely that I am the decision maker for what goes into my mouth and how much I exercise. However, some of us face additional challenges in life ( whether it be mental illness, addiction, physical disabilities) and I wanted insight as to what may be causing my fatigue. Thank you again everyone.

NextTime

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #18 on: February 22, 2018, 01:47:53 PM »

I was treated for sleep apnea several years ago with an at home test. I went to the hospital and they outfitted me with the device and strapped it on my body. Then I went home for the night and had to return it the next day. I haven't had any significant weight gain since then, but I will talk to my doctor about having it redone.



What do you mean by "I was treated for sleep apnea"? What you describe after that is the sleep study, not a treatment. Did they say you tested negative for sleep apnea?

LilTazzy

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #19 on: February 22, 2018, 01:54:32 PM »
Sorry, meant to say I was tested for sleep apnea (stupid auto correct) with the at home test. They did not find any evidence of sleep apnea.

living small

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #20 on: February 22, 2018, 05:05:00 PM »
One thing that I found is unbelievably helpful is to fine a clinical pharmacist. they can work hand in hand with your MD to help read tests, as well as to figure out which tests might be more helpful. I had very similar symptoms as well as a cyst and had some hormone testing-not just a blood test, but a saliva test that measured things. the clinical pharmacist was a-mazing in helping understand the labs...whereas I feel that many MD's  are simply looking for abnormal labs. 

good luck to you

jax8

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #21 on: February 23, 2018, 02:59:39 PM »
See your doctor and share what you're experiencing.  I felt similar, and my PCP ordered:

- full bloodwork to test for everything like anemia, diabetes, thyroid, mono, and even celiac (after I mentioned I feel so much better on a grain-free diet)

- sleep study (this was a 2 night test in a lab--1st night is to record how you sleep, 2nd night if needed is to fit you for a machine)

- non-nuclear stress test (this is because my blood pressure is low, and I mentioned I get lightheaded while working out if I change altitude, like going from push-ups to jumping jacks)

For me, everything checked out fine.  I was shocked, like seriously?  I'm not even anemic?!?

Right now I'm recovering from pneumonia (I was hospitalized in mid-January) and I'm experiencing REAL FATIGUE and it's no joke.  Before, I felt tired and lethargic and didn't want to do anything but nap in my free time.  Now?  HAHAHAHA.  I'm lightheaded and ill, dizzy and slightly queasy.  This isn't tired, this is GIRL YOU'RE SITTING DOWN NOW! as my body shuts down.  I will be thrilled to go back to my old "fatigue".

Some things to try as you make an appointment with your PCP:

- Cut out grains and processed foods, and see if this helps you feel better after 1-2 weeks.  At first you're going to feel terrible, but after a few bad hangover days, you should feel a new lightness and energy.

- After work, don't go straight home.  Stop at Target (or similar) and walk around the entire perimeter of the store just once  You don't have to buy anything--you're there to walk.  Lean on the cart if you're feeling really exhausted.  Give it a week and see if that little side trip helps you to have more energy in the evenings.

- Eat more.  Sounds weird, but if you're trying to lose weight you might not be fueling your body enough.  Eat a snack at 4 pm before you leave work (peanut butter on an apple, a protein bar, etc.) and see if that makes a difference in your evenings.  If you're starving yourself at work, by the time you get home and feed your body with a large dinner, your body is going to be like, FINALLY! WE HAVE CALORIES! QUICK, SHUT HER DOWN TO SLEEP SO WE CAN PACK THESE AWAY FOR THE NEXT FAMINE!!!

Hang in there!  I can so, so relate to everything you're going through!

FireHiker

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #22 on: February 23, 2018, 03:51:28 PM »
I can relate to the near-constant fatigue and anxiety, borderline depression. I found going to a less artificial diet (the Michael Pollan "eat food, not too much, mostly plants" approach) and taking up yoga helped enormously since tests ruled out anything specific in my case. If you don't have reasonable access to yoga in-person there are lots of free options online. I've heard good things about doyogawithme.com although I go to an in-person studio so I haven't tried it. I find for me that it is a vicious cycle: if I don't exercise enough or eat well enough, I end up being super tired. The more tired I get the harder it is to force myself to exercise and eat well. I just started training for a half marathon (I have never run a race in my life) and I feel SOOOO good after running or doing other strenuous exercise, but it is torturous to get myself to do it in the first place. Obviously if you have certain medical conditions I wouldn't recommend running, but yoga is such a great place to start because it will give you some physical exercise and help on the mental side as well. Also, try to get outside and walk a little bit each day if it's at all possible.

Good luck!

Metta

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #23 on: February 23, 2018, 06:00:36 PM »
I know that everyone means well with their advice on diet and it seems counter-intuitive that lean protein and lots of fresh vegetables could be bad advice, but kidney disease changes everything. Depending on your stage of the disease high protein and foods rich in potassium (beans, vegetables, etc.) can be harmful.

My strong recommendation is that you consult with your nephrologist and a dietician who specializes in nephrology before changing your diet in the ways that people are recommending here. The last thing you want to do is hasten your progress to stage 4 kidney disease.

wenchsenior

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #24 on: February 23, 2018, 06:43:00 PM »
I know that everyone means well with their advice on diet and it seems counter-intuitive that lean protein and lots of fresh vegetables could be bad advice, but kidney disease changes everything. Depending on your stage of the disease high protein and foods rich in potassium (beans, vegetables, etc.) can be harmful.

My strong recommendation is that you consult with your nephrologist and a dietician who specializes in nephrology before changing your diet in the ways that people are recommending here. The last thing you want to do is hasten your progress to stage 4 kidney disease.

That is an excellent point.

PKate

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #25 on: February 23, 2018, 07:50:49 PM »
I am on what my sister and I refer to as the medical mystery tour.   I am trying to get help with my crushing fatigue and some other problems.  Mine stem from a rare connective tissue disorder that runs in my family.   While this may not be the case for you  I do have some suggestions to make getting help less frustrating. 

Get copies of  any imaging, test results, and the raw data of any tests you have done.  It helps as you go along to have information on hand when you see new doctors.  Definitely ask for images from ultra sounds, MRIs and other scans.  It is so much easier when the new specialist can look at them while you are at the appointment you have waited weeks or months to get.   

Keep pushing to see new doctors if the ones you see can't help you. Track your symptoms so they know you are not doing better.  Also track what you are eating and drinking, what your sleep is like including how long you sleep and when and how often you wake up.  Track you exercise and any other things that may help.  This way when a doctor assumes your problem is you are just fat and need diet and exercise you have documentation on what you are doing and what is and isn't working.   

I also keep spreadsheets of meds that don't work for me, allergies, and family history.  It is so much easier to hand them a print out instead of having to write it each time.  I need to update these and add a list of everything they have ruled out and which doctors tested for it. 

Once you get a diagnosis  find some support groups to find hacks to help manage whatever is going on and research so you can educate yourself and the medical professionals you encounter.  If you have something unusual or hard to treat you will find that you will spend a good deal of time trying to educate people who are trying to help you.  It helps to have printout of medical research and to let them know the best sites to google.  I often have had doctors google my connective tissue disorder in front of me during the appointment.


cl_noll

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #26 on: February 23, 2018, 08:44:58 PM »
[quote author=ReadySetMillionaire link=topic=88253.msg1908252#msg1908252
I empathize with your issues, I do, but I think the first thing you need to do is stop acting like a victim and start taking control of your life to the best of your ability.

My mother suffers from several medical issues, including depression.  She used to talk like you--as if all these things happening in her life (including having pre-diabetes) was somehow the result of things beyond her control rather than things she was directly doing to herself. 

[/quote]

Sometimes people legitimately feel fatigued for physiological reasons out of their control. It's really not OK to just toss out the victim line...

FWIW, I'm an otherwise healthy looking 33 y/o male who deals with far more than my fair share of joint issues, fatigue, brain fog, and weakness, amongst other things.  I exercise and eat an exceedingly healthy diet, yet I wake up most mornings somewhere on the spectrum of feeling merely crummy to a veritable train wreck. The last thing I'd want to hear is someone telling me to stop acting like a victim.

That said, proactively prioritizing health and wellness is key. That much should be obvious, and she seems to be going that way. If OP is eating a relatively balanced diet, nutrient deficiency shouldn't be an issue like others have suggested.

One avenue that I would suggest reading more into is the role of chronic infection and immune system response. At least, I suspect that's at the root of my symptoms, as evidenced by my dramatic improvement after taking a course of doxycycline and subsequent reversion. Of course, it probably won't help if you're dealing with a viral or true autoimmune condition, but things like West Nile, shingles, Bartonella, hepatitis, and many others can all take a long-term toll on some people's bodies and trigger our immune systems to attack invaded tissues.


Mezzie

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #27 on: February 24, 2018, 04:44:21 AM »
My chronic pain comes with chronic fatigue. I'm still in the diagnosis process, but it's looking like Fibromyalgia. The medicine helps.

I hope you figure out what's going on.

gaja

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #28 on: February 24, 2018, 05:06:12 AM »
Lack of vitamin D can cause, or worsen, depression and fatigue. Looks like there are som links to kidney disease, both as a cause, and as something you have to monitor if you start taking vitamin supplements.

If you have access to sunshine, that is the best cure for vitamin D. Sit in the sunshine for at least 20 minutes a day, or go for a stroll. If you live in a cold dark place, a couple of spoonfulls of cod liver oil a day is a horrible, but effective, medicin.

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #29 on: February 24, 2018, 11:11:42 AM »
I have Sjogren's which causes bone-deep fatigue and sharp drop-offs of energy and brain fog among other innocuous symptoms like dry mouth and dry eyes. It is an autoimmune disease.

Vitamin D deficiency is common for both kidney disease and Sjogren's. I take 15000 IU? capsules daily and my doctor constantly monitors via bloodwork. Vit D helps and I don't know how I'd do if I stopped going for a monthly B-12 shot - it works wonders for me:)

Fatigue is to be expected with kidney issues (my mother has had issues all her life-then stage 3 and there was talk of stage 4). It would be smart to explore with your doctor, if there are other undiagnosed issues that are easily resolved and would improve your life.

I can't give you any advice, because who knows what you are dealing with, but pay attention to your body and if you find that a soda is a trigger, then stop. Some things are that simple:)
 

KelStache

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #30 on: February 24, 2018, 09:47:46 PM »
Just a quick suggestion for the soda- perhaps try something to replace the habit with. I like La Croix (flavoured bubbly water), kombucha, or unsweetened iced herbal teas. Good luck with everything!

SavinMaven

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #31 on: February 25, 2018, 03:07:13 PM »
OP, you mentioned depression, anxiety, and insomnia. I can't recommend meditation strongly enough to help with all of those and more. It doesn't have to be fancy or difficult, and it gets easier the longer you stick with it. The Calm app is wonderful and I use it myself; I've also heard good things about the HeadSpace app.

Good "sleep hygiene" also includes sleeping in a slightly cool, very dark room; no caffeine, alcohol or heavy meals within a few hours of bedtime, having a wind-down 20 min or so bedtime routine to use the power of habit in telling your brain it's time to rest, reserving the bed for only sleep and sex, and keeping the same wake/sleep times regardless of weekends or holidays. You simply won't feel well if you're not sleeping well, so I recommend working on that first.

Once you have a handle on mental relaxation leading to a good night's sleep, you'll be in a better position to tackle the other building blocks of well-being: a healthful diet, good social connections, some form of spiritual refreshment, and daily movement. These are the big 6, and once they are in order you may no longer need medical interventions. Even if you do need medical interventions, the more of the big 6 you can get supporting you instead of working against you, the better you will feel. You can do this!

tinkertailor

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #32 on: February 25, 2018, 04:24:11 PM »
I used to drink Cola in the evenings, then wondered why I was having trouble sleeping and felt exhausted the next day.  It took me an embarrassingly long time to make the connection between drinking loads of sugar and caffeine right before bed and not sleeping properly.  I cut out the soda and started sleeping better immediately.  Perhaps you could try it for a couple of weeks and see if it makes a difference?  I found lemon and lime sparkling water to be a healthier alternative at first, and these days drink mostly green tea or sugar-free fruit cordial/squash (think you may call it something different if you're in the US?)

LilTazzy

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #33 on: February 25, 2018, 08:07:33 PM »
Thank you to those that posted since my last reply. The suggestions are very helpful and I am so grateful for everyone's encouragement.

I recently had a kidney biopsy and will be seeing the nephrologist in early March to discuss the results and treatment plan. I will also be asking him about the fatigue issue and what type of foods/drink are the best for my condition.

The last several days have been difficult sleep-wise. I fall asleep fine, but then wake up during the night with my heart pounding. I plan on discussing my GP the vitamin deficiency issues and also perhaps a referral for counseling.

Again, thank you all for your advice and suggestions!!! Best to you all!!

garion

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #34 on: February 26, 2018, 10:37:54 AM »
What meds are you on for depression/anxiety? It might be helpful to review these with your psych and see if any of them could be adding to your fatigue and whether switching them up could help.

Lmoot

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #35 on: February 26, 2018, 06:55:49 PM »
Do you feel fatigued after eating/ or after eating certain foods? If so, it could be metabolic in nature; allergies and sensitivities to sugar or carbs can also make you feel lethargic. Personally I used to be tired throughout the day, and getting up really early and going to bed at a reasonable time, at the same time 7 days/week, plus drinking green tea throughout the day, helped keep my energy level up. I also discovered that I was dehydrated throughout the day, so drinking alot of water, plus the tea, helped me. Coffee messed with my energy levels and I only drink it before a workout, since the workout helps me to expend the energy the caffeine gives me, plus it  helps "tire" me out so I sleep well.
« Last Edit: March 02, 2018, 05:20:17 AM by Lmoot »

wenchsenior

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Re: Near-Constant Fatigue
« Reply #36 on: March 02, 2018, 07:29:20 AM »
Thank you to those that posted since my last reply. The suggestions are very helpful and I am so grateful for everyone's encouragement.

I recently had a kidney biopsy and will be seeing the nephrologist in early March to discuss the results and treatment plan. I will also be asking him about the fatigue issue and what type of foods/drink are the best for my condition.

The last several days have been difficult sleep-wise. I fall asleep fine, but then wake up during the night with my heart pounding. I plan on discussing my GP the vitamin deficiency issues and also perhaps a referral for counseling.

Again, thank you all for your advice and suggestions!!! Best to you all!!

That was exactly what I was experiencing before I found out I was severely reactive hypoglycemic.  The pounding heart and anxiety at night would start about 3 hours after I fell asleep with no problem.  I also remember I'd have a sensation of the bed vibrating like there was a low grade earthquake (the vibration was internal, but it felt external) and I'd feel 'weak' and my hands would shake.  Often I'd be hungry.  It was caused by my blood sugar dropping too rapidly.  It was worst after a carb heavy or sugar heavy dinner.