mmandd1
12-04-2001, 02:17 PM
Hello!
I am reaching out to others for help and advice as I can't seem to help myself. I am 51 years old and have been experiencing a debilitating fatigue for years now which has not been diagnosed. My family doctor told me "it's all in my head" and for a while, I thought he was right. He had me believing I could overcome the fatigue with exercise and mind over matter, but it has just gotten worse over the years. I have achy joints, TMJ, pins and needles in my arms and legs, insomnia and horrible sleep patterns (which have been helped by taking a 0.5mg tablet of Klonopin before bedtime), low grade fever, go hot and cold at different times, have noticed my speech slurring at times, have difficulty chewing and swallowing, have "brain fog" with trouble remembering things and can hardly function anymore. If I do have some energy and overdo it, I pay the price for the next few days. Help! I used to be so active..people called me perky and energetic. I miss that soooooo much!
I've been on Prozac for 5 weeks now (have tried other anti-depressants that just didn't seem to do any good) so I am hopeful that perhaps things will improve, but so far, nothing. I am post-menopausal and am on estrogen and have tried things like Ginko Biloba, and other herbal supplements that I thought might help. I just want my life back!!
I've been reading some of the other posted messages on Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia and am thinking of seeing a Rheuatologist to have further tests don. Can anyone let me know of some of the tests they had done that helped to diagnose their CF/FMS or a problem with their immune system? Thank you for any help you can give me. Any replies are appreciated and will be answered. I just need to talk! Thanks again, Marty.
I am reaching out to others for help and advice as I can't seem to help myself. I am 51 years old and have been experiencing a debilitating fatigue for years now which has not been diagnosed. My family doctor told me "it's all in my head" and for a while, I thought he was right. He had me believing I could overcome the fatigue with exercise and mind over matter, but it has just gotten worse over the years. I have achy joints, TMJ, pins and needles in my arms and legs, insomnia and horrible sleep patterns (which have been helped by taking a 0.5mg tablet of Klonopin before bedtime), low grade fever, go hot and cold at different times, have noticed my speech slurring at times, have difficulty chewing and swallowing, have "brain fog" with trouble remembering things and can hardly function anymore. If I do have some energy and overdo it, I pay the price for the next few days. Help! I used to be so active..people called me perky and energetic. I miss that soooooo much!
I've been on Prozac for 5 weeks now (have tried other anti-depressants that just didn't seem to do any good) so I am hopeful that perhaps things will improve, but so far, nothing. I am post-menopausal and am on estrogen and have tried things like Ginko Biloba, and other herbal supplements that I thought might help. I just want my life back!!
I've been reading some of the other posted messages on Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia and am thinking of seeing a Rheuatologist to have further tests don. Can anyone let me know of some of the tests they had done that helped to diagnose their CF/FMS or a problem with their immune system? Thank you for any help you can give me. Any replies are appreciated and will be answered. I just need to talk! Thanks again, Marty.
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orion
12-06-2001, 08:12 PM
I suggest you have hormone tests done for prolactin, thyroid (TSH), IGF-1 (growth hormone), cortisol, and blood sugar. These simple hormone tests might pinpoint a major but simply fixed problem.
Low thyroid is often associated with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog and depression. Elevated prolactin will identify a possible brain problem that might be causing a thyroid problem. Similarly abnormal growth hormone or cortisol can be associated with the symptoms you describe.
I added in sugar because diabetes can also cause these symptoms.
[This message has been edited by orion (edited 12-06-2001).]
Low thyroid is often associated with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog and depression. Elevated prolactin will identify a possible brain problem that might be causing a thyroid problem. Similarly abnormal growth hormone or cortisol can be associated with the symptoms you describe.
I added in sugar because diabetes can also cause these symptoms.
[This message has been edited by orion (edited 12-06-2001).]
mmandd1
12-06-2001, 08:38 PM
Thank you, Orion, for the information. I have made a copy of your reply and will see about having these tests done. One more question, is a Rheumatologist the correct doctor to see if your family doctor isn't supportive? Thanks again for caring and giving me a direction to go in.
Marty
Marty
orion
12-07-2001, 10:36 PM
Zack, I assume any good doctor would already have done the basic blood work including liver and kidney functions. But most often they don't do thyroid or other hormones at all. A complete blood panel is the first step for sure.
I don't think the rhumatologist will do much since you don't seem to have many symptoms that he could deal with. But it can't hurt.
[This message has been edited by orion (edited 12-07-2001).]
I don't think the rhumatologist will do much since you don't seem to have many symptoms that he could deal with. But it can't hurt.
[This message has been edited by orion (edited 12-07-2001).]
bitterglitter
01-03-2002, 02:49 PM
What about someone with the same symptoms only 21 years old? Shouldn't I be at peak health?
I am sleepy and EXHAUSTED seriously ALL the time. My mental clarity has basically been going down the tubes, I trip over words and can't think of things to say, and things end up coming out all confusing. I used to not be this way at all. I am a very intelligent person who annunciates very well, but you wouldn't know that anymore.
I have gained a lot of weight in the past year, about 80 pounds. And it's not because I got lazy, I was working out all the time, and was still gaining wieght rapidly. Now, I am too tired to even think about starting a workout.
I have had my thyroid checked but the test came back "normal". Anyone have any ideas?
I am sleepy and EXHAUSTED seriously ALL the time. My mental clarity has basically been going down the tubes, I trip over words and can't think of things to say, and things end up coming out all confusing. I used to not be this way at all. I am a very intelligent person who annunciates very well, but you wouldn't know that anymore.
I have gained a lot of weight in the past year, about 80 pounds. And it's not because I got lazy, I was working out all the time, and was still gaining wieght rapidly. Now, I am too tired to even think about starting a workout.
I have had my thyroid checked but the test came back "normal". Anyone have any ideas?
orion
01-12-2002, 11:26 PM
You need to rule out hormone problems. It can be low thyroid, low adrenal output, low testostereone, low growth hormone, high prolactin, hyperinsulemia (diabetes), or a combination of any or all of these. Just because your thyroid is normal doesn't mean your other hormones are normal. Sudden large weight gain is a sign of adrenal problems which can include adrenal tumors, even cancer. Get to a doctor and have blood tests for prolactin, TSH, cortisol, IGF-1, testosterone, LH, FSH, and sugar. These tests are relatively inexpensive but can pinpoint very hard to find problems.
Hormone problems can cause a very large array of symptoms including, depression, sleep problems, muscle/join pain, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, dry mouth and nose, frequent infections, yeast infections, course skin, blurred vision and even permanent vision loss.
Hormone problems can cause a very large array of symptoms including, depression, sleep problems, muscle/join pain, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, dry mouth and nose, frequent infections, yeast infections, course skin, blurred vision and even permanent vision loss.
NickiJea
01-13-2002, 02:25 PM
I'm usually extremely tired as well and i'm only 23. I've been to doctors who seem to think there is nothing wrong with me so I gave up. Up until August of 2001 i used to work and come home and sleep, and i was lucky to wake up from a nap and actuall get something done.
[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 03-04-2002).]
[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 03-04-2002).]
aldot
01-17-2002, 12:34 AM
Eat a lot of raw fruits and vegetables. In about six months you will have your problem solved.
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-23-2002).]
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 06-23-2002).]
Karima
01-17-2002, 01:07 PM
Hi,
I know it is frustrating. Best wishes.
[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 03-04-2002).]
I know it is frustrating. Best wishes.
[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 03-04-2002).]
aldot
03-04-2002, 01:09 AM
Read the article on MSN Search Living Food
munchkins8992
03-05-2002, 10:47 PM
I think anyone suffering from the symptoms listed above should look into Candida.
Kamden
03-25-2002, 03:52 PM
To the person who is exausted, and gained weight, how long ago did you have your thyroid checked? Mine was borderline, so they sent me home and my thyroid continued it's downhill slide for the next 6 months and I had every symptom you could imagine by then. When you know something is wrong with you, don't let your doctor tell you it is all in your head, as it could be many different things. Do what the thread before this says, have a full blood workup and go from there. Good luck to you.
boxstar
04-07-2002, 10:23 AM
Hi I'm new here but have had CFS for 1 year now and can appreciate the pain & cnfusion people go through.
I wanted to ask a Question as a lot of you seem quite informed, on the topic of thyroid tests I was told by my mother that 20 years ago she had similar symptoms to me and that like myself all her tests were fine .
So she was sent to a specialist who basically did a xray of her thyroid and she was told that her thyroid was over active , so she was put on medication and recovered quite quickly. When I asked my doctor he basically said that my tests were fine and that was not necessary . So after all of that my Question is has anyone heard of this and has any one done this test.
I wanted to ask a Question as a lot of you seem quite informed, on the topic of thyroid tests I was told by my mother that 20 years ago she had similar symptoms to me and that like myself all her tests were fine .
So she was sent to a specialist who basically did a xray of her thyroid and she was told that her thyroid was over active , so she was put on medication and recovered quite quickly. When I asked my doctor he basically said that my tests were fine and that was not necessary . So after all of that my Question is has anyone heard of this and has any one done this test.
Happiness
04-11-2002, 11:52 AM
((((HUGS)))) I hope your be better sooon.thinking of you.
Mendy
06-23-2002, 09:00 AM
Just came across your message! Had same thing happening to me for over 10 years - Weight Gain, Brain Fog, Fatigue, Even had a Hysterectomy last summer - Things got a little better - but not much - Finally came across a Dr that knows what he is doing - I have Candida - Check out any web site by just typing in candida - You will be surprised at the symptoms & the cause - My Dr. says that more folks have it than they know!!!!!! It's an overuse of antibiotics, steroids aided by STRESS, Allergies, Molds, & sometimes injury.
I won't go into my treatment - but check it out - I am starting to feel like myself again! Good Luck & God Bless!
Mendy
I won't go into my treatment - but check it out - I am starting to feel like myself again! Good Luck & God Bless!
Mendy
deb416
07-01-2002, 01:10 AM
WOW Tired of being so tired are the EXACT words I told my doctor two weeks ago. She did some blood work and I found out I am hypothyroid. On top of that they found a nodule on my thyroid and I am waiting for test results to come back for that. I'm so glad they found something wrong because as soon as the results are all back I can start taking meds and get feeling better. Make sure you have some blood work done because it is NOT normal to be ALWAYS TIRED.
sunny1
07-01-2002, 10:08 PM
Hi, You said you are taking oestrogen - there is a book called the Hormone Heresy by Sherrill Sellman which makes the case that it is progesterone NOT oestrogen (nor Prozac for that matter) that menopausal women are likely to need. Oestrogen may be doing more harm than good and not allowing your hormones to balance.
good luck
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 07-20-2002).]
good luck
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 07-20-2002).]
Kamden
07-08-2002, 08:30 AM
Check the book out called " Peri-menopause " and you may be surprised at what too much estrogen can do, too little progesterone, diet, etc. It is very informative, and written by a woman who helps women with these exact same problems through their diet and balancing their estrogen and progesterone out. There are many stories in it that are very interesting to read also. I have not read it for a few years but your symptoms sound just like the problems these women were going through. I am hypothyroid and was shocked to see these same symptoms in menopause also, it is very hard to tell the difference untill you are completely checked over. Good luck to you
my little pug
07-14-2002, 05:40 PM
Marty, Have you found out anything to help? I'm 54 and going through the same things. Man, is this what you get for raising a family? Was diagnosed last night in our local emergency room with mononucleosis (husband took me in because my blood sugar was going so crazily LOW...43 yesterday morning, and I am not diabetic). The thing is that I've had terrible symptoms for 3 1/2 months. I hate to go to the doctor and we don't have health ins. So I always figure it will go away. Started with pins and needles and chills all over my body. Now I'm HOT all the time, so I figured hyperthyroid, but it tests okay. This is TERRIBLE! Don't know what to do. Any help would be great! Thanks, Donna
my little pug
07-14-2002, 08:31 PM
I forgot to ask.....can anyone tell me if mononucleosis makes one have feelings of their insides shaking and real shakiness of the hands, especially when trying to write, etc. Also, has anyone had it really mess their blood sugar up? I realize that the liver is compromised with this disease, and maybe that can explain the low blood sugar episodes. And is there anything your doctor can give you that would help with the depression that accompanies this at my age. I mean, look at it....I'm not at 54 some junior high kid who can lie around and let his or her mother take care of everything!!! How depressing!!! Thanks again, Donna
roseann1
07-24-2002, 02:45 PM
Hi,
read your problem and let out a sigh of annoyance. I am a 48 year old english lady, I have just completed my second year at University, how I got through the past seven months is a mystery to me. I became ill last September with a flu like illness that made me poorly but not excessively so until January 2002. Although I suffered from shivering, pallor, weakness etc right up to this time. I had a barage of blood tests before christmas and they showed a high white blood cell count but nothing to dramatic. However I was laid low in January with a severe RSV virus something akin to a common cold that made me ill for three weeks with pain, earche, bad chest and all the other horrible things that can go wrong with an acute infection. I never really picked up from that, I had another barage of tests and they say I have CFS/M.E and I was refered to a specialist. I am permantly tired so much that I cannot walk far when I go out without becomming breathless and very tired. If I do to much one day it makes me ill for days sometimes weeks. The illness inspires negativity from many people including doctors however I must say my doctors have been very good. I suggest you see a physican especailly and endocrinologist who will be alble to help. I dont think the 'all in the head attitude' is of much help to you and I suggest you challenge your doctor about this. It is not acceptable to be put into this compartment without first exploring the other avenues of help that may address your health problems. Its interesting to note that many women are told that 'its all in your head' 'or its the menopause' however you need to be strong and if you knopw you are ill say so to the doctor and demand some tests to put you at peace of mind. bye for now
read your problem and let out a sigh of annoyance. I am a 48 year old english lady, I have just completed my second year at University, how I got through the past seven months is a mystery to me. I became ill last September with a flu like illness that made me poorly but not excessively so until January 2002. Although I suffered from shivering, pallor, weakness etc right up to this time. I had a barage of blood tests before christmas and they showed a high white blood cell count but nothing to dramatic. However I was laid low in January with a severe RSV virus something akin to a common cold that made me ill for three weeks with pain, earche, bad chest and all the other horrible things that can go wrong with an acute infection. I never really picked up from that, I had another barage of tests and they say I have CFS/M.E and I was refered to a specialist. I am permantly tired so much that I cannot walk far when I go out without becomming breathless and very tired. If I do to much one day it makes me ill for days sometimes weeks. The illness inspires negativity from many people including doctors however I must say my doctors have been very good. I suggest you see a physican especailly and endocrinologist who will be alble to help. I dont think the 'all in the head attitude' is of much help to you and I suggest you challenge your doctor about this. It is not acceptable to be put into this compartment without first exploring the other avenues of help that may address your health problems. Its interesting to note that many women are told that 'its all in your head' 'or its the menopause' however you need to be strong and if you knopw you are ill say so to the doctor and demand some tests to put you at peace of mind. bye for now
scbagrrrl
07-28-2002, 05:34 AM
Marty -
I have a host of different autoimmune disorders - and I'm able to deal with most of them except the fatigue. It's been getting markedly worse over the past couple of years. I have a team of docs including a rheumatologist, endocrinologist and I've stumped them. A few days ago, I saw a hematologist - they took 24 vials of blood for testing! We spent 3+ hours going over my medical history and answering questions. Their approach is from a lab perspective vs. a clinical setting - so a lot of the questions were much different that what I've heard before. I'm supposed to get my results in a week - they said that at worst, they could eliminate some things, and at best, they could pinpoint what's triggering the fatigue.
Just a suggestion that perhaps a hematologist could shed some light.
Good luck and keep us posted!
P.S. I've been eating "fresh fruits and vegetables" for all of my 32 years and it's not been of any help! LOL
[This message has been edited by scbagrrrl (edited 07-28-2002).]
I have a host of different autoimmune disorders - and I'm able to deal with most of them except the fatigue. It's been getting markedly worse over the past couple of years. I have a team of docs including a rheumatologist, endocrinologist and I've stumped them. A few days ago, I saw a hematologist - they took 24 vials of blood for testing! We spent 3+ hours going over my medical history and answering questions. Their approach is from a lab perspective vs. a clinical setting - so a lot of the questions were much different that what I've heard before. I'm supposed to get my results in a week - they said that at worst, they could eliminate some things, and at best, they could pinpoint what's triggering the fatigue.
Just a suggestion that perhaps a hematologist could shed some light.
Good luck and keep us posted!
P.S. I've been eating "fresh fruits and vegetables" for all of my 32 years and it's not been of any help! LOL
[This message has been edited by scbagrrrl (edited 07-28-2002).]
aldot
07-30-2002, 12:51 AM
Some chronic fatique is caused by being hypothyroid
check your food intake for iodine. Very few foods contain iodine. Iodine is found in the following foods, sea fish and sea weeds(Kelp)iodized salt(salt in chips and pickells does not have iodine) some fruit near coastal areas have iodine. So check your iodine intake so that your thyroid gland will function properly. Your thyroid gland needs iodine daily.
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check your food intake for iodine. Very few foods contain iodine. Iodine is found in the following foods, sea fish and sea weeds(Kelp)iodized salt(salt in chips and pickells does not have iodine) some fruit near coastal areas have iodine. So check your iodine intake so that your thyroid gland will function properly. Your thyroid gland needs iodine daily.
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scbagrrrl
07-30-2002, 12:16 PM
There are a lot of different things that could be causing the fatigue - but I would start with a rheumy. Bring copies of your other bloodwork. I've got Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and a number of other diseases/syndromes/conditions - and each of them note fatigue as a symptom. Since my fatigue is so severe and increasing - doctors are now looking at Fibromyalgia too. All I'm trying to say is let the doctors do their work. But if your regular doctor isn't giving you the attention you DESERVE, fire him, get a new doctor - (get a referral to a Rheumy first!)
oldbetsy16
08-06-2002, 03:22 AM
Hi, all. Same symptoms here, I'm afraid. 32F, exhausted and depressed. Apparently I have a normally acting thyroid with 3 growing nodules that "aren't big enough to worry about yet". I tried antidepressants, but they made me worry about absolutely NOTHING (not even bills, going to work) and they made me light headed/loopy so I weaned myself off of them. Sometimes I'm up all night (It's 2:13AM now) and sometimes I sleep for 72 hours straight, not even eating or peeing. I sympathize with all of you, and hope you find happiness and health. Believe it or not, for me pleasure comes from swimming and tanning (maybe I have S.A.D.?) I've ruled nothing out, from food allergies to manic depression. Why is it there aren't any men in here? Is there a female disorder that starts with age 16? I feel like I have been like this forever and will just have to learn more ways to do "mind healing" and meditation to make it all go away. My Dr. is sympathetic, but out of ideas and -really- I believe he thinks it's all in my head, too. Not looking for advice, really, just wanted you to know you're not alone.
aldot
08-15-2002, 12:51 AM
Have you heard the expression you are what you eat!
If you have chronic fatigue it is due to what you eat.
The liver in your body is the bank account for nutrition. If you do not feed it properly it gets very tender, the more tender it gets, the more fatigue you have. A health food guide states a person must take in ten to twelve fruits and and vegetables daily in your diet. One exception to the rule is that it must be raw (Living food).Raw fruits and vegetables contain enzymes and any heating destroys the enzymes. The liver needs enzymes to function. So ask your self three questions- what do I eat for breakfast noon lunch and supper that is raw? Meat and like foods must be cooked to kill the bacteria before it is eaten. Taking vitamins does help. After you start taking raw fruits and vegies it takes about six months to get your liver working properly.
If you have chronic fatigue it is due to what you eat.
The liver in your body is the bank account for nutrition. If you do not feed it properly it gets very tender, the more tender it gets, the more fatigue you have. A health food guide states a person must take in ten to twelve fruits and and vegetables daily in your diet. One exception to the rule is that it must be raw (Living food).Raw fruits and vegetables contain enzymes and any heating destroys the enzymes. The liver needs enzymes to function. So ask your self three questions- what do I eat for breakfast noon lunch and supper that is raw? Meat and like foods must be cooked to kill the bacteria before it is eaten. Taking vitamins does help. After you start taking raw fruits and vegies it takes about six months to get your liver working properly.
lynnew
08-31-2002, 12:58 AM
Earlier this year I had a constant headache, sore throat etc, while feeling tired all the time and foggy-headed. One day in the library I saw a book title which sounded just like me! It was called "Tired, So Tired" by Dr. William Crook, and it explained how an imbalance of yeasts in the digestive tract (commonly caused by use of antibiotics) can have some serious side effects. By reading it carefully you might be able to figure out if this applies to you and how to correct the imbalance. I hadn't had it too long so I opted for just reducing my sugar intake and eating more yogurt with live cultures as well as taking acidophilus. I looked for olive leaf extract but couldn't find it so purchased instead, from a large drug store, something called Caprylic Acid because it said Anti-Candida Support on the label (it's an herbal blend). The headache disappeared in 2 days and the symptoms dropped away day by day. Just don't quit too soon or they will return. I felt so good after 3 wks,I cut the number of pills by half but the peculiar headache came back so I resumed the 3 acidophilus plus 6 caprylic acid daily. Everyone will be different according to how toxic they are and how they metabolize but I know this is what was happening to me. Five months later, I take caprylic acid only occasionally but live-cultured yogurt is part of my breakfast or if I miss it I take an acidophilus capsule. My energy etc. is all normal now. I hope this helps someone. Been there and it's no fun!
Martyn Chilvers
09-11-2002, 12:35 PM
Diet is a major factor but there can be other explainations....
Cranial Nerves (CN) 9/10/11 can easily effected by a jamming of the occipital base of the skull.
CN 9 - innovates - swollowing, taste at back of tongue.
CN 10 - innovates - all of digestive tract except last
third of colon.
CN 11 - innovates - shoulder motor movements.
Hence a cranial base jamming can effect all these innovations....furthermore cranial base jamming with an L5/S1 and Spheno-basilar Synchondrosis jamming can cause unexplained depression.
Whilst the information in this note has been simplified it is easy to see the effects that a cranial base jamming can have....
Cranial Nerves (CN) 9/10/11 can easily effected by a jamming of the occipital base of the skull.
CN 9 - innovates - swollowing, taste at back of tongue.
CN 10 - innovates - all of digestive tract except last
third of colon.
CN 11 - innovates - shoulder motor movements.
Hence a cranial base jamming can effect all these innovations....furthermore cranial base jamming with an L5/S1 and Spheno-basilar Synchondrosis jamming can cause unexplained depression.
Whilst the information in this note has been simplified it is easy to see the effects that a cranial base jamming can have....