Tired all the time
Tara43613 posted:
Hi,
I am 39 years old and for most of my life I have been tired, I could sleep all day get up for a few hours then go right back to sleep. I have been tested for thyroid, sugar, I've lost weight, gained weight (after kids lol) worked out 7 days a week for a year, watched what I ate, You name it, I've probably done it. I just feel drained all the time I have a hard time thinking, I feel like I walk around in a fog all day, hard time focusing. I've been this way my whole life and at this point I'm not sure what to ask my Dr. to do. We have recently moved so I have had to get a new Dr. and i'm sure she will run all the routine tests....again, and i'm sure they will be fine, so what now? what do i ask for? Oh and I have tried a multi-vitamin. I'm just tired of being tired
Thank you
Tara
I am 39 years old and for most of my life I have been tired, I could sleep all day get up for a few hours then go right back to sleep. I have been tested for thyroid, sugar, I've lost weight, gained weight (after kids lol) worked out 7 days a week for a year, watched what I ate, You name it, I've probably done it. I just feel drained all the time I have a hard time thinking, I feel like I walk around in a fog all day, hard time focusing. I've been this way my whole life and at this point I'm not sure what to ask my Dr. to do. We have recently moved so I have had to get a new Dr. and i'm sure she will run all the routine tests....again, and i'm sure they will be fine, so what now? what do i ask for? Oh and I have tried a multi-vitamin. I'm just tired of being tired
Thank you
Tara
29 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeHi, <br /> <br />I am 39 years old and for most of my life I have been tired, I could sleep all day get up for a few hours then go right back to sleep. I have been tested for thyroid, sugar, I've lost weight, gained weight (after kids lol) worked out 7 days a week for a year, watched what I ate, You name it, I've probably done it. I just feel drained all the time I have a hard time thinking, I feel like I walk around in a fog all day, hard time focusing. I've been this way my whole life and at this point I'm not sure what to ask my Dr. to do. We have recently moved so I have had to get a new Dr. and i'm sure she will run all the routine tests....again, and i'm sure they will be fine, so what now? what do i ask for? Oh and I have tried a multi-vitamin. I'm just tired of being tired<br /> <br />Thank you<br />Tara
Anon_6061 responded:
Those symptoms sound classic for hypothyroidism but you said you've had your thyroid checked. You could be on the hypo end of normal and need meds. Be sure your new doctor does a complete panel including antibody tests. Most of the thyroid websites also recommend that free T3 and free T4 levels be checked. They say the TSH isn't the "be all and end all" of thyroid health since it's produced by the pituitary to tell the thyroid how much hormone to secrete. Here are a couple of websites that may be helpful -
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/
http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/u/symptomsdiagnosis.htm
Other possibilities that come to mind are mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus but since these generally run their course and then became dormant, they're unlikely to be the cause. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also a possibility and is thought to have a number of possible triggers.
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/
http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/u/symptomsdiagnosis.htm
Other possibilities that come to mind are mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus but since these generally run their course and then became dormant, they're unlikely to be the cause. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also a possibility and is thought to have a number of possible triggers.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeThose symptoms sound classic for hypothyroidism but you said you've had your thyroid checked. You could be on the hypo end of normal and need meds. Be sure your new doctor does a complete panel including antibody tests. Most of the thyroid websites also recommend that free T3 and free T4 levels be checked. They say the TSH isn't the "be all and end all" of thyroid health since it's produced by the pituitary to tell the thyroid how much hormone to secrete. Here are a couple of websites that may be helpful - <br /><a href="http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/">http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/</a><br /><a href="http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/u/symptomsdiagnosis.htm">http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/u/symptomsdiagnosis.htm</a><br /><br />Other possibilities that come to mind are mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus but since these generally run their course and then became dormant, they're unlikely to be the cause. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also a possibility and is thought to have a number of possible triggers.
Thank you,
you mentioned mono, I forgot I did have mono but I had it when I was around 8 or 9 years old. Dr thought I caught it from a drinking fountain? Don't remember much about it but could that be affecting me all these years later still? I know it goes away but I think someone told me it makes you tired easily for the rest of your life? Not sure. Will check out web sites as well, Thank you so much
you mentioned mono, I forgot I did have mono but I had it when I was around 8 or 9 years old. Dr thought I caught it from a drinking fountain? Don't remember much about it but could that be affecting me all these years later still? I know it goes away but I think someone told me it makes you tired easily for the rest of your life? Not sure. Will check out web sites as well, Thank you so much
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeThank you, <br />you mentioned mono, I forgot I did have mono but I had it when I was around 8 or 9 years old. Dr thought I caught it from a drinking fountain? Don't remember much about it but could that be affecting me all these years later still? I know it goes away but I think someone told me it makes you tired easily for the rest of your life? Not sure. Will check out web sites as well, Thank you so much
I also remember around that time I had a gland in my neck that had to be cut open and drained and left to heal open I have a scar on it, my mother just told me it was infected and that was it. I do not know if it was when I had the mono or after or what.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeI also remember around that time I had a gland in my neck that had to be cut open and drained and left to heal open I have a scar on it, my mother just told me it was infected and that was it. I do not know if it was when I had the mono or after or what.
That could have been a goiter or nodule on your thyroid which is generally a symptom of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. The resulting inflammation can destroy the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease and tends to occur in families with other autoimmune diseases. This website has a lot of info - http://www.medicinenet.com/hashimotos_thyroiditis/article.htm.
A complete thyroid panel would include antibodies to see if you have Hashimoto's (which is much more common in women than men). Some people complain of feeling like they have a lump in their throat. Even if you don't have the goiter any more, it more than likely compromised your thyroid function. It seems like that would show on your lab results though. Again, maybe you're in the normal range but on the hypo side of normal.
A complete thyroid panel would include antibodies to see if you have Hashimoto's (which is much more common in women than men). Some people complain of feeling like they have a lump in their throat. Even if you don't have the goiter any more, it more than likely compromised your thyroid function. It seems like that would show on your lab results though. Again, maybe you're in the normal range but on the hypo side of normal.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeThat could have been a goiter or nodule on your thyroid which is generally a symptom of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. The resulting inflammation can destroy the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease and tends to occur in families with other autoimmune diseases. This website has a lot of info - <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/hashimotos_thyroiditis/article.htm">http://www.medicinenet.com/hashimotos_thyroiditis/article.htm</a>. <br /><br />A complete thyroid panel would include antibodies to see if you have Hashimoto's (which is much more common in women than men). Some people complain of feeling like they have a lump in their throat. Even if you don't have the goiter any more, it more than likely compromised your thyroid function. It seems like that would show on your lab results though. Again, maybe you're in the normal range but on the hypo side of normal.
smbtx74 responded:
I agree with Anon_6061 in that it sounds like you have hypothyroidism or Hoshimoto's. I like you had these symptoms and was told by my regular physician that my tests came back negative. It wasn't until I took it upon myself to go to an endocrinologist and have the tests run differently (sensitive; free T3 and T4 as well as other autoimmune bloodwork) that I found out that I had Hoshimoto's. Seek out a specialist and leave your primary physician to colds and flu.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeI agree with Anon_6061 in that it sounds like you have hypothyroidism or Hoshimoto's. I like you had these symptoms and was told by my regular physician that my tests came back negative. It wasn't until I took it upon myself to go to an endocrinologist and have the tests run differently (sensitive; free T3 and T4 as well as other autoimmune bloodwork) that I found out that I had Hoshimoto's. Seek out a specialist and leave your primary physician to colds and flu.
StellaLane responded:
I have had your problem which I first noticed when I was about your age and I'd get vitamin B shots and it relieved the problems somewhat but then the doctor checked my levels and my B was fine -- it was my folic acid level that was out of whack which works in conjunction with the B. I now take one or two folic acid (otc) a day and don't need the shots, but my doctors make certain I don't use too much folic acid as with anything, you can get too much. A couple years ago, I fell asleep at the stop light at 1:30 p.m.on a Saturday afternoon and crashed into the car ahead of me which awakened me! I went back to the doctor right then and he sent me for a sleep study. Those tests revealed I have restless legs syndrome and my legs jerk 80 times an hour and also, my oxygen level goes to 80 while I sleep. I now take a pill for restless legs and sleep with oxygen through a cannula (not the mask people have to use for sleep apnea). I also take a pill each morning which keeps me from falling asleep but, if I'm going to be driving any distance, I take a second pill at noon! My life is entirely different now!! I might get tired -- but it is a normal tired.
Best of luck in finding a solution to your problem. I sincerely pray your problem is as simple as mine as my life is so much easier now!!
Best of luck in finding a solution to your problem. I sincerely pray your problem is as simple as mine as my life is so much easier now!!
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeI have had your problem which I first noticed when I was about your age and I'd get vitamin B shots and it relieved the problems somewhat but then the doctor checked my levels and my B was fine -- it was my folic acid level that was out of whack which works in conjunction with the B. I now take one or two folic acid (otc) a day and don't need the shots, but my doctors make certain I don't use too much folic acid as with anything, you can get too much. A couple years ago, I fell asleep at the stop light at 1:30 p.m.on a Saturday afternoon and crashed into the car ahead of me which awakened me! I went back to the doctor right then and he sent me for a sleep study. Those tests revealed I have restless legs syndrome and my legs jerk 80 times an hour and also, my oxygen level goes to 80 while I sleep. I now take a pill for restless legs and sleep with oxygen through a cannula (not the mask people have to use for sleep apnea). I also take a pill each morning which keeps me from falling asleep but, if I'm going to be driving any distance, I take a second pill at noon! My life is entirely different now!! I might get tired -- but it is a normal tired.<br /> <br />Best of luck in finding a solution to your problem. I sincerely pray your problem is as simple as mine as my life is so much easier now!!
ajrayno responded:
Tara -- have you ever talked to anyone about Celiacs Disease? I was in your boat -- and trying all kinds of alternative doctors -- when my acupuncturist mentioned a gluten allergy as a possible source of my symptoms (greatest symptom was extreme fatigue, and head fog was a near constant as well). Sure enough, I was Celiac. Other symptoms which some people have and some people don't ... http://www.celiac.com/articles/1106/1/Celiac-Disease-Symptoms/Page1.html
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeTara -- have you ever talked to anyone about Celiacs Disease? I was in your boat -- and trying all kinds of alternative doctors -- when my acupuncturist mentioned a gluten allergy as a possible source of my symptoms (greatest symptom was extreme fatigue, and head fog was a near constant as well). Sure enough, I was Celiac. Other symptoms which some people have and some people don't ... <a href="http://www.celiac.com/articles/1106/1/Celiac-Disease-Symptoms/Page1.html">http://www.celiac.com/articles/1106/1/Celiac-Disease-Symptoms/Page1.html</a>
AuroraSenior responded:
Sure sounds to me like I felt before I got a diagnosis of Sleep Apnea and got the CPAP machine. What a difference. I actually ALSO had a low end of normal on the thyroid and some Synthroid helped that too. But be sure you are tested for Sleep Apnea. It can be a killer. Sleeping or driving.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeSure sounds to me like I felt before I got a diagnosis of Sleep Apnea and got the CPAP machine. What a difference. I actually ALSO had a low end of normal on the thyroid and some Synthroid helped that too. But be sure you are tested for Sleep Apnea. It can be a killer. Sleeping or driving.
AuroraSenior replied to StellaLane's response:
What pill do you take for restless legs that actually helps??
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeWhat pill do you take for restless legs that actually helps??
suebee4726 responded:
I agree with the possible cause being thyroid. Are you cold alot? Is your body temperature lower than normal? Find a thyroid doc that not only relies on blood tests but symptoms as well. Read those in the books already recommended. You can have normal blood tests but your body just doesn't use T3 etc enough. Try to find a doc that prescribes Armour thyroid or something similar. I found my doc by calling a pharmacy that does compounding and asking who prescribed Armour. They gave me a list of names which I googled to find the best.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeI agree with the possible cause being thyroid. Are you cold alot? Is your body temperature lower than normal? Find a thyroid doc that not only relies on blood tests but symptoms as well. Read those in the books already recommended. You can have normal blood tests but your body just doesn't use T3 etc enough. Try to find a doc that prescribes Armour thyroid or something similar. I found my doc by calling a pharmacy that does compounding and asking who prescribed Armour. They gave me a list of names which I googled to find the best.
An_247422 responded:
Have you had your parathyroid checked out? My I have about the same symptoms you describe and I just found out I have hypoparathyroidism. My calcium levels were higher than normal so my doctor ran blood work to check my PTH levels and found they are also high. I'm going to endocrinologist tomorrow.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeHave you had your parathyroid checked out? My I have about the same symptoms you describe and I just found out I have hypoparathyroidism. My calcium levels were higher than normal so my doctor ran blood work to check my PTH levels and found they are also high. I'm going to endocrinologist tomorrow.<br /> <br />Just a thought.
kim97nc responded:
Hi there! I also struggle everyday with the same thing. Im 33 yrs old and have been fighting fatigue for around 10 years. I have had every blood test known, Ive taken antidepressants, changed my sleeping habits, I work out 3 to 4 times a week, Ive even went as far to spend money on a $1,000.00 mattress. Ive been to sleep studies, I take multi vitamins, eat healthy and researched everything on the internet. I wake up not feeling refreshed and at 2:00pm every single day no matter what my day consist of I get sleepy, feel droggy, and very very sluggish. This last until around 7pm every night. Around bedtime I get a slight boost of energy but it doesnt last long. I have no idea what is wrong with me but I am sooo tired of being tired. I am not looking for something to make me hyper but I just wanna feel good and not sleepy and sluggish. Its hard for everyday task because I get so tired. If you find out anything please share and I will do the same. I hope there is something out there to help us.
Kimberly
Kimberly
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeHi there! I also struggle everyday with the same thing. Im 33 yrs old and have been fighting fatigue for around 10 years. I have had every blood test known, Ive taken antidepressants, changed my sleeping habits, I work out 3 to 4 times a week, Ive even went as far to spend money on a $1,000.00 mattress. Ive been to sleep studies, I take multi vitamins, eat healthy and researched everything on the internet. I wake up not feeling refreshed and at 2:00pm every single day no matter what my day consist of I get sleepy, feel droggy, and very very sluggish. This last until around 7pm every night. Around bedtime I get a slight boost of energy but it doesnt last long. I have no idea what is wrong with me but I am sooo tired of being tired. I am not looking for something to make me hyper but I just wanna feel good and not sleepy and sluggish. Its hard for everyday task because I get so tired. If you find out anything please share and I will do the same. I hope there is something out there to help us. <br />Kimberly
Anon_6061 responded:
Anemia can also cause fatigue. There are various types, one being iron deficiency anemia which can result from heavy periods (don't know if this is your situation). Also if you have a sluggish thyroid, that can go hand in hand with low iron levels (ferritin, serum iron, or saturation). Here's some info about anemia - http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics.
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeAnemia can also cause fatigue. There are various types, one being iron deficiency anemia which can result from heavy periods (don't know if this is your situation). Also if you have a sluggish thyroid, that can go hand in hand with low iron levels (ferritin, serum iron, or saturation). Here's some info about anemia - <a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics">http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics</a>.
Ragybaggy responded:
Hello Tara,
B12 2000mg a day!
Any Drug Store/Walmart/ etc.
Good Luck:)
B12 2000mg a day!
Any Drug Store/Walmart/ etc.
Good Luck:)
Report This| Share this:Tired all the timeHello Tara,<br /> B12 2000mg a day! <br />Any Drug Store/Walmart/ etc. <br />Good Luck:)
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