tape7
07-03-2005, 04:29 PM
Does anyone know what to do for the horrible fatigue that goes along with peri? I take a vitamin a day, but I am still soooo tired and sleepy most of the time. I get up in the morning and am fine for about an hour, and then I just get so drowsy and have to go back to sleep. I'll sleep for a couple of hours, then be fine for a little while and I'm exhausted again. I did this way for a long time before I got on hrt, then was fine for the last three years taking the hormone, and now the drowsiness is coming back even though I still take hrt.
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Sissypie
07-03-2005, 04:46 PM
How are you sleeping at night? Do you sleep through the night, or do you wake up off and on?
I'm having a terrible time with insomnia right now. I'm tired constantly, but I don't get more than a couple hours of total sleep at night anymore.
It's interesting that the HRT seemed to help you initially, but no longer does. Since there are other things that can also cause fatigue, it could be possible that menopause might not be the culprit this time. Just a thought.
In any case, I hope you can find a solution soon. Being tired for long periods of time is awful.
Best wishes,
Sandi
I'm having a terrible time with insomnia right now. I'm tired constantly, but I don't get more than a couple hours of total sleep at night anymore.
It's interesting that the HRT seemed to help you initially, but no longer does. Since there are other things that can also cause fatigue, it could be possible that menopause might not be the culprit this time. Just a thought.
In any case, I hope you can find a solution soon. Being tired for long periods of time is awful.
Best wishes,
Sandi
tape7
07-03-2005, 05:03 PM
Thanks Sissypie: I do sleep through the night except for when an arthritic hip wakes me up. I kind of thought it might be something else besides peri making me tired, but I just went to my doctor complaining and he never bothers to run any tests or anything. I think I am going to change doctors. Hope you can find some help for your insomnia.
Hopefully
07-03-2005, 05:19 PM
Tape, I went through that crashing fatigue until I went on bcp. My energy level improved for awhile then I began feeling fatigued all over again. So my ob/gyn prescribed Wellbutrin XL. Now I'm not advocating antidepressants as a cure all, but that is what worked for me. I must say that I'm also taking a lot of vitamins (primrose oil, omega 3-6-9, lecithin, flaxseed oil, multivitamin, calcium, magnesium, and garlic).
tape7
07-03-2005, 05:25 PM
Thanks Hopefully: I take the calcium and the magnesium, but do you know if the welbutrin can be taken if you have high blood pressure? I think I saw an advertisement for it and it seems like I remember when they listed all the side effects, one was that it could raise blood pressure.
Goldengirl1
07-03-2005, 05:40 PM
I can sympathize with how you are feeling. For several years I suffered from debilating fatigue. I went to several Doctors and because they could not find anything from a test, I was brushed off. I was told I needed to exercise and was told I was depressed. Even though I knew I wasn't depressed I took Paxil for several months only to realize one day I was taking it and was still fatigued.
The Doctors all made me feel like it was in my head. My fatigue was so bad I could never make plans because I never knew how I would feel. In reading this board, it seems like several women have suffered from the fatigue and could be one of the symptoms of perimenopause.
I wish you luck in finding something that will work for you. I would have tried anything. Mine eventually went away....I just hope it doesn't come back.
The Doctors all made me feel like it was in my head. My fatigue was so bad I could never make plans because I never knew how I would feel. In reading this board, it seems like several women have suffered from the fatigue and could be one of the symptoms of perimenopause.
I wish you luck in finding something that will work for you. I would have tried anything. Mine eventually went away....I just hope it doesn't come back.
tape7
07-03-2005, 06:20 PM
Hi GoldenGirl1: I know what you mean about not being able to make plans. I can't even keep my eyes open sometimes and I also look really awful when these sleepy spells come over me. I look much older than my 48 years when I'm tired. It is hard to find a good doctor that is willing to really try hard to find out what is wrong with you. They all want to insinuate there is something psycologically wrong with you. Well, maybe mine will just go away like yours did. I sure hope so.
Hopefully
07-03-2005, 06:36 PM
Thanks Hopefully: I take the calcium and the magnesium, but do you know if the welbutrin can be taken if you have high blood pressure? I think I saw an advertisement for it and it seems like I remember when they listed all the side effects, one was that it could raise blood pressure.
Yes, Wellbutrin and several other antidepressants can raise your blood pressure. My blood pressure has always been low until my perimenopausal symptoms became severe. I was on blood pressure medication until my recent allergic reaction, but that's another story. I was taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg. along with a bp med. and bcp. It just a matter of monitoring your pressure, have a close relationship with your doctor, and don't hesitate to communicate your concerns. You know your body and you know when things just don't feel right. As you can tell I believe that everyone should be a proactive participant concerning their healthcare. We can not put our health in the hands of a doctor believing that they all have our best interest at heart. Okay, let me get off this soapbox :).
Wellbutrin is a good medication only if it works for you.
Yes, Wellbutrin and several other antidepressants can raise your blood pressure. My blood pressure has always been low until my perimenopausal symptoms became severe. I was on blood pressure medication until my recent allergic reaction, but that's another story. I was taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg. along with a bp med. and bcp. It just a matter of monitoring your pressure, have a close relationship with your doctor, and don't hesitate to communicate your concerns. You know your body and you know when things just don't feel right. As you can tell I believe that everyone should be a proactive participant concerning their healthcare. We can not put our health in the hands of a doctor believing that they all have our best interest at heart. Okay, let me get off this soapbox :).
Wellbutrin is a good medication only if it works for you.
Goldengirl1
07-03-2005, 07:27 PM
Tape-your fatigue sounds different than mine because I was never that "sleepy" mine was just total exhaustion all the time. It is possible that you are not sleeping very well at night.
I hope that you will be able to find the problem and find something that will help. When I was going through my experience, I felt so alone. I would actually feel ashamed after I would leave the Doctors office because of the way I was treated. I had NO support from family and friends, I was told I was lazy and to just get over it. I knew there was something wrong, but I realized no one understood so I just wouldn't say anything. I still don't know what brought it on or what caused it to go away, I am just grateful that I have a life back!!
I hope that you will be able to find the problem and find something that will help. When I was going through my experience, I felt so alone. I would actually feel ashamed after I would leave the Doctors office because of the way I was treated. I had NO support from family and friends, I was told I was lazy and to just get over it. I knew there was something wrong, but I realized no one understood so I just wouldn't say anything. I still don't know what brought it on or what caused it to go away, I am just grateful that I have a life back!!
Alabasterlyn
07-07-2005, 05:54 AM
I also feel really tired for much of the day. I finally went to the doctor and he ran some blood tests, iron levels, diabetes, thyroid, kidney function and liver function. All came back normal.
I already take anti depressants so I can't ask to go on them. However I am really fed up of feeling so tired. I get up to see my husband off to work at about 7am and then I potter around for an hour or so, then go back to bed. I don't sleep when I go back to bed, just try to relax a bit.
In the afternoons after I've had my lunch I get even more tired and usually end up dropping off, but never for long.
I am too tired in the evenings to bother going out and I wonder when this feeling tired will ever go away. I haven't had a period for 2 1/2 yrs now, so am definately post menopausal now I guess.
My sleep patterns at night are all over the place. Takes me ages to get to sleep, I wake up a couple of times with hot flushes, then wake up about 5am when it's getting light. I even bought a blackout blind to see if that would help me sleep later in the mornings, but it doesn't.
I already take anti depressants so I can't ask to go on them. However I am really fed up of feeling so tired. I get up to see my husband off to work at about 7am and then I potter around for an hour or so, then go back to bed. I don't sleep when I go back to bed, just try to relax a bit.
In the afternoons after I've had my lunch I get even more tired and usually end up dropping off, but never for long.
I am too tired in the evenings to bother going out and I wonder when this feeling tired will ever go away. I haven't had a period for 2 1/2 yrs now, so am definately post menopausal now I guess.
My sleep patterns at night are all over the place. Takes me ages to get to sleep, I wake up a couple of times with hot flushes, then wake up about 5am when it's getting light. I even bought a blackout blind to see if that would help me sleep later in the mornings, but it doesn't.
armadillo pie
07-07-2005, 12:23 PM
I too have had that tired/fatigue thing going on for a while. I had blood tests done and my HMO Dr. said everything was in the normal range. But I did not believe him because the fatigue was too severe.
I started going to an acupunturist and she was giving me herbs and treatments and it helps alot, but there are still days I am so exhausted for no reason I can think of.
So I took it a step further. I went to a new Dr. who is like Andrew Weil. She believes in both regular and alternative medicine and has an excellant reputation. She not only asked for my previous blood tests ( taken last September) but ordered new ones including a thyroid panel ( which I had done last time too).
The results came back and she told me my thyroid was border line and feels that maybe a big part of the my tireness. She saw this on the other test ( which my HMO Dr. said was normal) and she wanted to recheck it. What I found interesting was how she read the tests, not like your typical Dr. So she gave me Iodine tablets to take and my energy is coming back. It is natural and over the counter. Do a web search on this. I take 2 a day.
She explained that during peri and menopause the inter-relationship between our hormones and thyroid is connected. My progsterone and testosterone was very low too and the other Dr. said I was in the normal range , as was my DHEA levels.
If you can afford to find a Dr. who is more alternative I suggest going to him'her. LIke the Dr/s in Suzanne Sommer's book. It is worth the $.
I started going to an acupunturist and she was giving me herbs and treatments and it helps alot, but there are still days I am so exhausted for no reason I can think of.
So I took it a step further. I went to a new Dr. who is like Andrew Weil. She believes in both regular and alternative medicine and has an excellant reputation. She not only asked for my previous blood tests ( taken last September) but ordered new ones including a thyroid panel ( which I had done last time too).
The results came back and she told me my thyroid was border line and feels that maybe a big part of the my tireness. She saw this on the other test ( which my HMO Dr. said was normal) and she wanted to recheck it. What I found interesting was how she read the tests, not like your typical Dr. So she gave me Iodine tablets to take and my energy is coming back. It is natural and over the counter. Do a web search on this. I take 2 a day.
She explained that during peri and menopause the inter-relationship between our hormones and thyroid is connected. My progsterone and testosterone was very low too and the other Dr. said I was in the normal range , as was my DHEA levels.
If you can afford to find a Dr. who is more alternative I suggest going to him'her. LIke the Dr/s in Suzanne Sommer's book. It is worth the $.
molly123
07-07-2005, 01:24 PM
Tape,
I am in post-meno now but when I was going thru bad peri symptoms, I had what I call debilitating fatigue. It is different from what you have I think - similar to GoldenGirl's. With me, the fatigue wasn't from lack of sleep either. It was different. I didn't feel sleepy - just felt really really tired all the time! I would go to bed real tired, wake up real tired. It would take me 4 hrs to get moving. Couldn't nap during the day. Would have to lay down almost every 15 mins after doing nothing even. I didn't feel like doing any of the housework, couldn't focus on anything either. I found out later that Chronic Fatigue Syndome is another condition that women get during menopause. I didn't start feeling better till I was put on an AD (Paxil CR).
You mentioned your arthritic hip wakes you. I found taking Tylendol PM helps me when I can't sleep because of my achy back/hips. I take only 1/2 a pill even tho it suggests 2 pills. It knocks me out and I don't feel dopey in the morning. I also take 500mg of Magnesium at bedtime.
molly
I am in post-meno now but when I was going thru bad peri symptoms, I had what I call debilitating fatigue. It is different from what you have I think - similar to GoldenGirl's. With me, the fatigue wasn't from lack of sleep either. It was different. I didn't feel sleepy - just felt really really tired all the time! I would go to bed real tired, wake up real tired. It would take me 4 hrs to get moving. Couldn't nap during the day. Would have to lay down almost every 15 mins after doing nothing even. I didn't feel like doing any of the housework, couldn't focus on anything either. I found out later that Chronic Fatigue Syndome is another condition that women get during menopause. I didn't start feeling better till I was put on an AD (Paxil CR).
You mentioned your arthritic hip wakes you. I found taking Tylendol PM helps me when I can't sleep because of my achy back/hips. I take only 1/2 a pill even tho it suggests 2 pills. It knocks me out and I don't feel dopey in the morning. I also take 500mg of Magnesium at bedtime.
molly
JBP
07-08-2005, 02:20 PM
Molly,
I am suffering from the type of terrible fatigue that you describe. I've been to a CFS expert who wants me to try Provigil. I am also on AD's , but I think they make me sleepy...I take them at night. Has anyone taken Provigil? I also have anxiety from all this health stuff... What a mess. I would love it if something on my blood test would help make sense of this.
JBP
I am suffering from the type of terrible fatigue that you describe. I've been to a CFS expert who wants me to try Provigil. I am also on AD's , but I think they make me sleepy...I take them at night. Has anyone taken Provigil? I also have anxiety from all this health stuff... What a mess. I would love it if something on my blood test would help make sense of this.
JBP
Alabasterlyn
07-08-2005, 02:27 PM
I suffered badly with anxiety before I went into the menopause.
I think it's important for us to realise that anxiety itself produces very extreme fatigue for a lot of sufferers, add the menopause to that and you've got one very exhausted person.
Drs here in the UK don't seem to offer any help for the menopause, you are more less just told to get on with it.
I think it's important for us to realise that anxiety itself produces very extreme fatigue for a lot of sufferers, add the menopause to that and you've got one very exhausted person.
Drs here in the UK don't seem to offer any help for the menopause, you are more less just told to get on with it.
molly123
07-08-2005, 03:00 PM
Hi Lyn,
I too suffered from anxiety before menopause! In my younger years, any type of change, incl. traveling to a different place would set off anxiety - of course, a tragic event, a death, etc. would also. I was was told I had anticipatory anxiety! Those times, I knew what caused the anxiety and within a week or two, I would be fine. But, the year I turned 50, the anxiety was different. It lasted a long time and there were no unresolved issues or baggage that caused it to come about in the first place. I would get anxiety just out of the blue while standing in line to pay for groceries - I remember I started feeling dizzy, hot, and freaking out and just wanted to get out! I really struggled to stick it out and waited! I remember the minute I got in the car, I just broke down and cried because it was so bad. Then I had to rush home because I didn't want to be out anymore.
I agree, anxiety is very exhausting and I always lose a lot of weight from it. I was even worried about the weight loss because I would lose a lot in a very short time. I looked drawn and grey in the face, death in the eyes! The chronic fatigue I had during peri was also different - it was debilitating! I barely had the energy to walk, which is most unusual for me! I really don't know how I survived it even! Perhaps, that's why I stay on these boards to let you ladies know that it does go away and things do get back to being normal!
Many drs. in the US also don't offer much help w/ menopause. I think most if them are clueless. I think we should all write a book!
molly :wave:
I too suffered from anxiety before menopause! In my younger years, any type of change, incl. traveling to a different place would set off anxiety - of course, a tragic event, a death, etc. would also. I was was told I had anticipatory anxiety! Those times, I knew what caused the anxiety and within a week or two, I would be fine. But, the year I turned 50, the anxiety was different. It lasted a long time and there were no unresolved issues or baggage that caused it to come about in the first place. I would get anxiety just out of the blue while standing in line to pay for groceries - I remember I started feeling dizzy, hot, and freaking out and just wanted to get out! I really struggled to stick it out and waited! I remember the minute I got in the car, I just broke down and cried because it was so bad. Then I had to rush home because I didn't want to be out anymore.
I agree, anxiety is very exhausting and I always lose a lot of weight from it. I was even worried about the weight loss because I would lose a lot in a very short time. I looked drawn and grey in the face, death in the eyes! The chronic fatigue I had during peri was also different - it was debilitating! I barely had the energy to walk, which is most unusual for me! I really don't know how I survived it even! Perhaps, that's why I stay on these boards to let you ladies know that it does go away and things do get back to being normal!
Many drs. in the US also don't offer much help w/ menopause. I think most if them are clueless. I think we should all write a book!
molly :wave:
Alabasterlyn
07-09-2005, 12:36 PM
Hi Molly
I am pleased to hear that you managed to overcome your anxiety, I know how hard it is.
I agree dr's don't offer much help, although I hadn't realised the US was as bad as here.
I just try to get through each day as best I can, it isn't easy when anxiety is already draining you but it seems like a lot of us are in the same boat.
I am pleased to hear that you managed to overcome your anxiety, I know how hard it is.
I agree dr's don't offer much help, although I hadn't realised the US was as bad as here.
I just try to get through each day as best I can, it isn't easy when anxiety is already draining you but it seems like a lot of us are in the same boat.
Goldengirl1
07-09-2005, 07:17 PM
Molly 123-
I wish I had ran across you when I was suffering so bad. As I stated before- I was so alone because no one understood. Every time I would leave the Doctor's office I felt almost ashamed for even going because they made me feel like an "idoit".
I would literally stay on the couch practically the whole weekend. I, like you, could only do a very small amount of housework and then I would lay back down for hours. Every few weeks I would get a small burst of energy and when I did I would take full advantage and try to catch up on all the things I had let go. I devoted any energy I had to my job because I was single and had no other source of income. I knew I had to work, sometimes it was very difficult to sit at my desk all day but I did it.
It is a very terrible experience to go through and I would not wish it on anyone.
JBP-
Although I never tried Provogil, a Rheumetologist I went to told me about it but he told me he would not prescribe it that my General Doctor would have to. I was so excited, I finally thought I was going to get some help. When I called my Doctors's office the nurse called me back and said he would absoulety NOT prescribe it. After that I finally gave up going to the Doctors trying to get help and finally after several years the fatigue went away...but it also took away part of my life.
I wish I had ran across you when I was suffering so bad. As I stated before- I was so alone because no one understood. Every time I would leave the Doctor's office I felt almost ashamed for even going because they made me feel like an "idoit".
I would literally stay on the couch practically the whole weekend. I, like you, could only do a very small amount of housework and then I would lay back down for hours. Every few weeks I would get a small burst of energy and when I did I would take full advantage and try to catch up on all the things I had let go. I devoted any energy I had to my job because I was single and had no other source of income. I knew I had to work, sometimes it was very difficult to sit at my desk all day but I did it.
It is a very terrible experience to go through and I would not wish it on anyone.
JBP-
Although I never tried Provogil, a Rheumetologist I went to told me about it but he told me he would not prescribe it that my General Doctor would have to. I was so excited, I finally thought I was going to get some help. When I called my Doctors's office the nurse called me back and said he would absoulety NOT prescribe it. After that I finally gave up going to the Doctors trying to get help and finally after several years the fatigue went away...but it also took away part of my life.
Ruth6:11
07-10-2005, 10:24 AM
Drs here in the UK don't seem to offer any help for the menopause, you are more less just told to get on with it. any drs. in the US also don't offer much help w/ menopause. I think most if them are clueless.
My GP told me that he didn't believe in anything but "physical symptoms" of menopause. That's when I gave up.
It's like they're all living in the dark ages when women died before they were OLD enough to be menopausal!!!
I only work part-time now and I'm STILL exhausted. I go out and run 3 errands on my day off and come home and lay down. Get up and try to do something around here - end up sitting down here at Healthboards while I rest...
No wonder I have so many posts!
I am just soooo tired all the time and get exhausted so very quickly...
:angel:
My GP told me that he didn't believe in anything but "physical symptoms" of menopause. That's when I gave up.
It's like they're all living in the dark ages when women died before they were OLD enough to be menopausal!!!
I only work part-time now and I'm STILL exhausted. I go out and run 3 errands on my day off and come home and lay down. Get up and try to do something around here - end up sitting down here at Healthboards while I rest...
No wonder I have so many posts!
I am just soooo tired all the time and get exhausted so very quickly...
:angel:
JBP
07-10-2005, 06:01 PM
Goldengirl,
Did anything help with the fatigue for you or do you think it got better when your hormones leveled out? It is getting soooo hard to function like this. I am a teacher who will be going back to work in August and I am scared to death.I also have 2 kids at home 12 and 16. I wander why your doctor said no the the Provigil. I am worried about taking another pill since I am also very anxious and taking meds for that. Its also very hard to separate the fatigue from depression...I mean it doesn't feel good to be so tired you could fall over all the time. I hate feeling this way. I too have a few OK days a month, but most of the time I am fighting to stay awake and useful. I hope we are all better soon.
JBP
Did anything help with the fatigue for you or do you think it got better when your hormones leveled out? It is getting soooo hard to function like this. I am a teacher who will be going back to work in August and I am scared to death.I also have 2 kids at home 12 and 16. I wander why your doctor said no the the Provigil. I am worried about taking another pill since I am also very anxious and taking meds for that. Its also very hard to separate the fatigue from depression...I mean it doesn't feel good to be so tired you could fall over all the time. I hate feeling this way. I too have a few OK days a month, but most of the time I am fighting to stay awake and useful. I hope we are all better soon.
JBP
Goldengirl1
07-10-2005, 06:20 PM
JBP-
I don't know what happened that the fatigue went away-I am assuming it just ran its course. NOTHING helped.
I don't know why my Doctor would not prescribe the Provogil, I didn't even ask, I had been so disappointed before so I just gave up. I do know that I would have taken ANYTHING to stop the fatigue. I don't know much about the Provogil, but because I have been in your shoes and the fatigue took away so much of my life, I would certainly discuss it with your Doctor and if you felt like it was worth giving it a try I would do it.
When the fatigue takes over I think that causes us to get depressed not the other way around. I hope you have support from family or friends -that would help. Even though the comments from my so called friends and family were very hurtful and at times I doubted myself, I knew in my heart something was wrong but it was not until I ran across this board that I ever associated it with perimenopause.
I don't know what happened that the fatigue went away-I am assuming it just ran its course. NOTHING helped.
I don't know why my Doctor would not prescribe the Provogil, I didn't even ask, I had been so disappointed before so I just gave up. I do know that I would have taken ANYTHING to stop the fatigue. I don't know much about the Provogil, but because I have been in your shoes and the fatigue took away so much of my life, I would certainly discuss it with your Doctor and if you felt like it was worth giving it a try I would do it.
When the fatigue takes over I think that causes us to get depressed not the other way around. I hope you have support from family or friends -that would help. Even though the comments from my so called friends and family were very hurtful and at times I doubted myself, I knew in my heart something was wrong but it was not until I ran across this board that I ever associated it with perimenopause.
molly123
07-10-2005, 06:32 PM
I wish there is something I can tell you to do if you're all (Goldengirl, JBP and Ruth6:11) still suffering from the fatigue. I know it is really awful to be that way! Do your legs also feel like jelly? Really weak like? I know I could barely walk,I would drag myself up the stairs. My dr. knew something was going on with me because he has known to be always full of energy, really healthy and when I went to him crying, he knew I wasn't making it up. When all my tests came by negative and fine, he sent me home and I asked "is that it?" "am I expected to feel like this?" He said, yea.... because he didn't want what was going on with me. He even had me get an ultrasound on my thyroid thinking it had something to do with that. He didn't want to give up on me, but I really felt he was helpless and clueless. He was finally awaken when I told him I started having hot flashes. Even tho I was 50 at the time, he kept saying it was "possible" that it was menopause related. You really have to help yourself. Yeah, my dr. prescribed me the AD, but it was me who told him which one! He originally gave me Wellbutrin which didn't work for me. Most other info I found from boards or from reading books. If you are going thru what I did, my heart really goes out to you! If was working outside of my home, I would have had to go on a leave and on disability or something.
Yes, this whole peri thing is under-rated! There should be more info and more understanding in what we have to go thru! I don't wish on anyone except a few "enemies" LOL!
Goldengirl, why wouldn't your dr. prescribe you the Provogil or something equivalent or something to help you? Is it because he doesn't believe it's meno related? Sometimes I wonder why do we pay for insurance? This really gets me angry!
Hang in there, ladies - it does go away! Help yourself, get help immediately, don't live your life like this - it's total misery!
molly
Yes, this whole peri thing is under-rated! There should be more info and more understanding in what we have to go thru! I don't wish on anyone except a few "enemies" LOL!
Goldengirl, why wouldn't your dr. prescribe you the Provogil or something equivalent or something to help you? Is it because he doesn't believe it's meno related? Sometimes I wonder why do we pay for insurance? This really gets me angry!
Hang in there, ladies - it does go away! Help yourself, get help immediately, don't live your life like this - it's total misery!
molly
Goldengirl1
07-10-2005, 07:25 PM
Molly-
Thank goodness my fatigue went away but I feel so bad for the others that are suffering now. I didn't even ask my Doctor why he would not prescribe the medication-I was just over trying to find help.
I was told I was depressed and the one I really loved was "You need to exercise". I could hardly walk from one room to the next much less exercise. I was not taken seriously, I saw my GP, 2 GYNOS, Nurse Practicioner, and my Company Doctor. ( only 2 were men) The Nurse Practioner told me and I quote, " I get tired to".
I am having other symptoms now including left sided pain from my shoulder blades, down my left arm, left hip and left leg and hot flashes (at night). But I can deal with pain I could not deal with the fatigue!
Apparently perimenopause and menopause is so misunderstood and so many symptoms can occurr that I think Doctors just brush you off. (My favorite is you are to young).
Thank goodness my fatigue went away but I feel so bad for the others that are suffering now. I didn't even ask my Doctor why he would not prescribe the medication-I was just over trying to find help.
I was told I was depressed and the one I really loved was "You need to exercise". I could hardly walk from one room to the next much less exercise. I was not taken seriously, I saw my GP, 2 GYNOS, Nurse Practicioner, and my Company Doctor. ( only 2 were men) The Nurse Practioner told me and I quote, " I get tired to".
I am having other symptoms now including left sided pain from my shoulder blades, down my left arm, left hip and left leg and hot flashes (at night). But I can deal with pain I could not deal with the fatigue!
Apparently perimenopause and menopause is so misunderstood and so many symptoms can occurr that I think Doctors just brush you off. (My favorite is you are to young).
JBP
07-10-2005, 09:09 PM
Hi Ladies,
Well, I think I have to try the provigil....I just need to see if there is a way I can function again. I am 45 and the docs don't even want to talk about hormones...they just want to treat the symptoms. I hate all these drugs, but if the provigil helps without making me too jittery, I will have to go for it. To feel like myself for just one day would be awesome...I have been fighting this since January and I can't imagine doing it for years. This fatigue really does take your life away. I hope it doesn't drive my family away. So far they are very supportive, but with nothing physical showing up on any tests, they want me to just snap out of it.... I sure wish I could.
Golden,
Have you checked to see if you have a pinched nerve?
JBP
Well, I think I have to try the provigil....I just need to see if there is a way I can function again. I am 45 and the docs don't even want to talk about hormones...they just want to treat the symptoms. I hate all these drugs, but if the provigil helps without making me too jittery, I will have to go for it. To feel like myself for just one day would be awesome...I have been fighting this since January and I can't imagine doing it for years. This fatigue really does take your life away. I hope it doesn't drive my family away. So far they are very supportive, but with nothing physical showing up on any tests, they want me to just snap out of it.... I sure wish I could.
Golden,
Have you checked to see if you have a pinched nerve?
JBP
Goldengirl1
07-10-2005, 09:40 PM
JBP-
I hope the Provogil will work for you-I think if someone told me they had a pill that would make it all go away, I would have given them 1 of my kidneys!!
Please let us know if you decide to take it and how it is working. It may help someone else.
I have thought I had a pinched nerve or sciatica. I have had such bad experiences with Doctors that I don't ever want to go back. Like I said in a previous post, pain I can deal with, but if it gets really bad then I will probably end up having it checked out.
Good Luck!
I hope the Provogil will work for you-I think if someone told me they had a pill that would make it all go away, I would have given them 1 of my kidneys!!
Please let us know if you decide to take it and how it is working. It may help someone else.
I have thought I had a pinched nerve or sciatica. I have had such bad experiences with Doctors that I don't ever want to go back. Like I said in a previous post, pain I can deal with, but if it gets really bad then I will probably end up having it checked out.
Good Luck!
molly123
07-11-2005, 11:59 AM
Goldengirl,
Well, it's good to hear you no longer have the fatigue! One down - makes you wonder how many more symptoms to go.
I have my aches/stiffness/pain on my right side! It's not up in the shoulder blades llike yours but it's my basic areas are my right waist area, hip bone, sometimes the butt muscle too. I too thought it was sciatica but I now I don't think so. I also thought it might have been a pinched nerve but I think if it was, I wouldn't be able to do some of the things that I'm dong.
Last year when I told my dr. about my aches, he gave me a pamphlet for lower back exercises; of course, back then it was centered on my lower back more. Did them, didn't help. I haven't seen him since but am due for a physical in Aug. I do notice it has all much much better since I started doing squats and lunges with light weights, and I do believe our bodies find its way and it will heal itself too - many of us want an instant fix and don't have to patience to let our bodies heal itself. How are your knees? I notice I'm not that spring chicken anymore - I have to be more careful - I've read that lots of aches/pain that we get in our hips/back is a result from our knees. Are you taking anything for the pain?
I know of several women who never go to the drs. anymore (plus they don't have insurance) and feel the same way as you do about drs. Trust me, I don't have too much faith in many of them either!
Have a good day,
molly
Well, it's good to hear you no longer have the fatigue! One down - makes you wonder how many more symptoms to go.
I have my aches/stiffness/pain on my right side! It's not up in the shoulder blades llike yours but it's my basic areas are my right waist area, hip bone, sometimes the butt muscle too. I too thought it was sciatica but I now I don't think so. I also thought it might have been a pinched nerve but I think if it was, I wouldn't be able to do some of the things that I'm dong.
Last year when I told my dr. about my aches, he gave me a pamphlet for lower back exercises; of course, back then it was centered on my lower back more. Did them, didn't help. I haven't seen him since but am due for a physical in Aug. I do notice it has all much much better since I started doing squats and lunges with light weights, and I do believe our bodies find its way and it will heal itself too - many of us want an instant fix and don't have to patience to let our bodies heal itself. How are your knees? I notice I'm not that spring chicken anymore - I have to be more careful - I've read that lots of aches/pain that we get in our hips/back is a result from our knees. Are you taking anything for the pain?
I know of several women who never go to the drs. anymore (plus they don't have insurance) and feel the same way as you do about drs. Trust me, I don't have too much faith in many of them either!
Have a good day,
molly
JBP
07-11-2005, 06:37 PM
Hi,
Well, I chickened out on the Provigil today...I slept for at least 8 hours last night and I thought that should be enough, but here I am totally exhausted after doing nothing all day. I can't tell what is depression, what is anxiety and what is fatigue...I just know I feel terrible. I guess I will try the Provigil tomorrow and hope it doesn't make me nervous and shakey. Molly, I haven't worked since Feb., and I really need to get back in August. I sure wish i could sit at the computer to work...i don't know how I will be able to teach like this. UGH!
JBP
Well, I chickened out on the Provigil today...I slept for at least 8 hours last night and I thought that should be enough, but here I am totally exhausted after doing nothing all day. I can't tell what is depression, what is anxiety and what is fatigue...I just know I feel terrible. I guess I will try the Provigil tomorrow and hope it doesn't make me nervous and shakey. Molly, I haven't worked since Feb., and I really need to get back in August. I sure wish i could sit at the computer to work...i don't know how I will be able to teach like this. UGH!
JBP
Goldengirl1
07-11-2005, 06:38 PM
Molly-
I do not have any pain in my knees. The only thing I take for the pain is Advil and Glucosamine. Today the aches have been bothering me more especially in my arm, it has been falling asleep all day and I have to shake it. My leg has been hurting and my lower back, at my hip. My hip hurts alot at night to, especially when I turn over.
I may end up going to the Doctor but I hate to! Still prefer this pain over the fatigue any day!!!
JBP-
Did you call about the Provogil today?
I do not have any pain in my knees. The only thing I take for the pain is Advil and Glucosamine. Today the aches have been bothering me more especially in my arm, it has been falling asleep all day and I have to shake it. My leg has been hurting and my lower back, at my hip. My hip hurts alot at night to, especially when I turn over.
I may end up going to the Doctor but I hate to! Still prefer this pain over the fatigue any day!!!
JBP-
Did you call about the Provogil today?
molly123
07-11-2005, 07:15 PM
JBP,
You know that Provigil is a med that keeps you awake! What happens if it keeps you too awake? Feeling and being fatigue is different from being drowsy/sleepy. With me, my fatigue left me feeling weak, no energy, jelly legs but I couldn't fall asleep easily or even take naps. I just felt weak and tired all day/all night long. I could barely walk even and had to lay down a lot! Have you considered taking an AD? When my dr. put me on Paxil, he did say I will get my energy back and it helped me immediately. Of course, I'm not promoting Paxil, just know that many of us have been placed on some AD or another.
I have a friend who is a litigation attorney - she couldn't function - was tired and had fuzzy brain. She had to resort to a low dosage of HRT and it made a big difference. You might have to take that route even for a short time if nothing else helps.
Keep us posted!!
mooly
You know that Provigil is a med that keeps you awake! What happens if it keeps you too awake? Feeling and being fatigue is different from being drowsy/sleepy. With me, my fatigue left me feeling weak, no energy, jelly legs but I couldn't fall asleep easily or even take naps. I just felt weak and tired all day/all night long. I could barely walk even and had to lay down a lot! Have you considered taking an AD? When my dr. put me on Paxil, he did say I will get my energy back and it helped me immediately. Of course, I'm not promoting Paxil, just know that many of us have been placed on some AD or another.
I have a friend who is a litigation attorney - she couldn't function - was tired and had fuzzy brain. She had to resort to a low dosage of HRT and it made a big difference. You might have to take that route even for a short time if nothing else helps.
Keep us posted!!
mooly
JBP
07-11-2005, 07:27 PM
Hi,
I am on Luvox and Zyprexa...both antidepressants, but I take them at night to help me sleep. Strange, they've been trying to help me get to sleep and now I want to crash all day. My doc mentioned Wellbrutrin. I've tried lots of AD's since this started and I am a real light wt...Seems if they have a side effect, I get it. I also lost a bunch of wt when this all started. Molly, how did you know to ask for Paxil? and why didn't you like Wellbutrin? My fatigue is like a huge heaviness...like bricks are stacked on me. I sleep at night, but then when I wake up all I can think about is when can i get back to bed.
The littlest of chores exhausts me, and I can't think of any fun things to do. Its like my motivation is gone.
Thanks so much for the support. i'm glad I have enough energy to press these keys.
JBP
I am on Luvox and Zyprexa...both antidepressants, but I take them at night to help me sleep. Strange, they've been trying to help me get to sleep and now I want to crash all day. My doc mentioned Wellbrutrin. I've tried lots of AD's since this started and I am a real light wt...Seems if they have a side effect, I get it. I also lost a bunch of wt when this all started. Molly, how did you know to ask for Paxil? and why didn't you like Wellbutrin? My fatigue is like a huge heaviness...like bricks are stacked on me. I sleep at night, but then when I wake up all I can think about is when can i get back to bed.
The littlest of chores exhausts me, and I can't think of any fun things to do. Its like my motivation is gone.
Thanks so much for the support. i'm glad I have enough energy to press these keys.
JBP
Goldengirl1
07-11-2005, 07:56 PM
JBP-
Did your fatigue start before you started taking the anti-depressants? Could it be possible you are taking to much? Not that I know much, but just a thought.
Did your fatigue start before you started taking the anti-depressants? Could it be possible you are taking to much? Not that I know much, but just a thought.
molly123
07-11-2005, 09:34 PM
Hi JBP,
I was taking Lorazepham (anti-anxiety) but I was told it was not intended for long-term use. So, my GP put me on Wellbutrin XL 150mg. I took it only for only 9 days - it left me feeling like a robot, no emotions; I continued to feel weird, off-balance, dizzy, lightheaded, fatigue, weak jelly legs, internal shaking, etc. I would still wake up feeling drained. I always felt just a itsy bit better after the 12th-14th hour after taking it, thinking maybe because it was wearing out a bit. I decided I didn't want to take it anymore so I stopped cold turkey.
In the meantime, a woman dr. who worked w/my sister at a detox drug clinic (works with drug addicts) was told about my symptoms. She told my sister to tell me to get on Paxil CR. Apparently, this woman dr. had experienced the same fatigue, anxiety, internal shakes, etc. that I was having too. So, I called my GP and told him what was suggested. He prescribed me Paxil CR 12.5mg. I took it that evening with great fear - because of the way Wellbutrin made me feel, I was afraid the Paxil CR would do the same or even worse! But, within 10 mins from taking it, I lilterally felt better - I felt this "lift" taken away!! :bouncing: I couldn't sleep that night so the next day, I took it during noon time. I felt better but I still felt a little tired - which could be a side effect but I most definitely did not feel worse. Within a week, I could say I was feeling really good again. Some people think AD's often take 4-6 weeks to be effective but with me, I felt better real quick.
I told this story to another poster on this board (Penny) and she went and got on the Paxil CR also - she did fine on it too! Right now, Paxil CR is unavailable. I'm taking the generic Paxil and it's the same for me. By the way, I'm a real light weight when it comes to meds too -the Wellbutrin and the Paxil CR were the lowest dosage that were prescribed to me.
Why are you taking 2 AD's? I've never heard of Luvox and Zyperxa. This could be making you tired. You should check into it - maybe cut back and see if you feel any different.
Keep me posted!
molly :wave:
I was taking Lorazepham (anti-anxiety) but I was told it was not intended for long-term use. So, my GP put me on Wellbutrin XL 150mg. I took it only for only 9 days - it left me feeling like a robot, no emotions; I continued to feel weird, off-balance, dizzy, lightheaded, fatigue, weak jelly legs, internal shaking, etc. I would still wake up feeling drained. I always felt just a itsy bit better after the 12th-14th hour after taking it, thinking maybe because it was wearing out a bit. I decided I didn't want to take it anymore so I stopped cold turkey.
In the meantime, a woman dr. who worked w/my sister at a detox drug clinic (works with drug addicts) was told about my symptoms. She told my sister to tell me to get on Paxil CR. Apparently, this woman dr. had experienced the same fatigue, anxiety, internal shakes, etc. that I was having too. So, I called my GP and told him what was suggested. He prescribed me Paxil CR 12.5mg. I took it that evening with great fear - because of the way Wellbutrin made me feel, I was afraid the Paxil CR would do the same or even worse! But, within 10 mins from taking it, I lilterally felt better - I felt this "lift" taken away!! :bouncing: I couldn't sleep that night so the next day, I took it during noon time. I felt better but I still felt a little tired - which could be a side effect but I most definitely did not feel worse. Within a week, I could say I was feeling really good again. Some people think AD's often take 4-6 weeks to be effective but with me, I felt better real quick.
I told this story to another poster on this board (Penny) and she went and got on the Paxil CR also - she did fine on it too! Right now, Paxil CR is unavailable. I'm taking the generic Paxil and it's the same for me. By the way, I'm a real light weight when it comes to meds too -the Wellbutrin and the Paxil CR were the lowest dosage that were prescribed to me.
Why are you taking 2 AD's? I've never heard of Luvox and Zyperxa. This could be making you tired. You should check into it - maybe cut back and see if you feel any different.
Keep me posted!
molly :wave:
JBP
07-12-2005, 03:51 PM
Hi Molly,
Well, I just got back from the PSychiatrist. He took me off the Luvox...its an ssri AD. My hair is falling out and he thinks it could be the Luvox. I took a very small amount of the Provigil this morning and so far I do think I am a bit more awake...I probably won't be able to sleep tonight... I just get so worried when they change things since I don't want to end up in a major depression again. He said Wellbrutrin would not be a good choice for me since it can cause anxiety. I really think he and my regular doc are ready to give up on me. My body must be the weirdest one ever, cause nothing seems to react like its supposed to when I take it. So, I guess I will try the provigil for a few days and see what happens. I sure hate not feeling normal.
Thanks for your support and understanding...
JBP
Well, I just got back from the PSychiatrist. He took me off the Luvox...its an ssri AD. My hair is falling out and he thinks it could be the Luvox. I took a very small amount of the Provigil this morning and so far I do think I am a bit more awake...I probably won't be able to sleep tonight... I just get so worried when they change things since I don't want to end up in a major depression again. He said Wellbrutrin would not be a good choice for me since it can cause anxiety. I really think he and my regular doc are ready to give up on me. My body must be the weirdest one ever, cause nothing seems to react like its supposed to when I take it. So, I guess I will try the provigil for a few days and see what happens. I sure hate not feeling normal.
Thanks for your support and understanding...
JBP
molly123
07-12-2005, 06:10 PM
JBP,
I started w/ hair loss/bald spots (alopecia) and then at the same time a severe case of dry eyes. About a couple of weeks later while all this was going on, I started having really bad peri meno symptoms, which included the debilitating fatigue, dizziness, spacey feeling, band-like head thing, heart palps, burning arms/feet, etc. etc. Of course, I thought it was the dry eyes that were causing it but the eye specialist said it wasn't. It was me transitioning from peri to meno. So, what I'm saying is that if one of Luvox's side effect is hair loss - that may be so - but it can also be a hormonal thing. It is a peri symptom. I went to see a dermo dr. who gave me 12 injections of cortisone in each spot - had monthly injections for about 3-4 mos. and my hair did grow back. If your hair loss is similar to mine (bald spots, clumps missing), it won't hurt to get it checked out just in case it's not from the Luvox. In my opnion, iif you have been on the Luvox for a while and you didn't have hair loss, it is most likely hormonal.
I hope the Provigil will help you!
molly
I started w/ hair loss/bald spots (alopecia) and then at the same time a severe case of dry eyes. About a couple of weeks later while all this was going on, I started having really bad peri meno symptoms, which included the debilitating fatigue, dizziness, spacey feeling, band-like head thing, heart palps, burning arms/feet, etc. etc. Of course, I thought it was the dry eyes that were causing it but the eye specialist said it wasn't. It was me transitioning from peri to meno. So, what I'm saying is that if one of Luvox's side effect is hair loss - that may be so - but it can also be a hormonal thing. It is a peri symptom. I went to see a dermo dr. who gave me 12 injections of cortisone in each spot - had monthly injections for about 3-4 mos. and my hair did grow back. If your hair loss is similar to mine (bald spots, clumps missing), it won't hurt to get it checked out just in case it's not from the Luvox. In my opnion, iif you have been on the Luvox for a while and you didn't have hair loss, it is most likely hormonal.
I hope the Provigil will help you!
molly
JBP
07-12-2005, 07:37 PM
Hi,
My hair thing is more of a thinning out...i don't have bald spots...yet. I took the Provigil today and I am afraid to say it, but I do think I am a little less foggy and tired today. The hair thing must have been really scary for you...and it adds to the anxiety big time. I think it could be hormonal or from the stress of all this. I got some Nioxin which is supposed to help and I am taking zinc along with my handful of other vitimins. Maybe I should call a dermatoligist just in case. Thanks again for writing! JBP
My hair thing is more of a thinning out...i don't have bald spots...yet. I took the Provigil today and I am afraid to say it, but I do think I am a little less foggy and tired today. The hair thing must have been really scary for you...and it adds to the anxiety big time. I think it could be hormonal or from the stress of all this. I got some Nioxin which is supposed to help and I am taking zinc along with my handful of other vitimins. Maybe I should call a dermatoligist just in case. Thanks again for writing! JBP
JBP
07-17-2005, 02:13 PM
I have some new news....I got some test back that show my ferritin levels are way low. I don't really understand it, and I will see my doc on tues, but I am thinking that if my iron is way low, that could have a lot to do with my fatigue....we'll see.
JBP
JBP