Allergies Mean EXHAUSTION!

[James123]

No one can really understand what I go through cause I look so healthy. I get compliments on my physique all the time. I am 6 ft 2 and 195 lbs, very athletic and look good. So, why is it that I can't go through a day without a 2 hour nap? Why is it that I am so unbelievably EXHAUSTED and FATIGUED and IRRITABLE many, many times a week?

I just can't stand these allergies. I get so annoyed when I hear people talk of allergies as if they're only about sneezing or getting watery eyes. HA! If ONLY that were the case. Allergies to me are EXHAUSTION, intense, incredible exhaustion at various times of the day. There are times at night when I am SO exhausted that the idea of having to brush my teeth before going to bed makes me groan.

I am also sick of the skin rashes I get. Periodically over the years I would get a small red blotch right on my penis! It would itch and go away after a few days. Well, last week it spread all over. Talk about GROSS: I had dry, flaky skin all over my penis. It was disgusting. I thought of the cold sores that I also have now on the inside of my nostrils. These allergies are so frustrating.

I've always managed to survive with allergies. It's been like this since i'm 14 (I'm now 38). But they're getting worse and worse. I am gettin sinus infections too often and they never seem to go away. I have had dark circles under my eyes and my nose has been stuffy for MONTHS now. I am fatigued all day and all night for the last several months.

I have a friend who has more energy than I do--and he has HIV!!!!!

Allergies are so frustrating. I am so tired of being tired. I am so tired of having to take a nap, only to wake up TIRED! I am too young to feel this old. And the kicker is that according to the blood work my doctor took, there is "nothing" wrong.

Oh well, thanks or listening. I am always told how "handsome" I am, how "good" I look and how "fantastic" my body is. Well, I feel like I am 98 years old. I'm going to take a nap.
--Jim

[This message has been edited by James123 (edited 12-21-2002).]

[Autumn Angel]

Hi Jim...This is probably a dumb question but here goes anyway. Have you ever had those allergy tests? The needles and the scratches? Is your family Doc treating you or have you tried an allergy Doc? I have slight allergies not to the point that you suffer from but they are there none the less. And I am quite tired alot of the time as well. If I am up by 8 am I am napping by noon. Alot of my tiredness could be from the meds I take for a TMJ dysfunction I have but I know the stuffy head and sinus pain isnt from the meds at all. Do you know what your allergic to? I am sure your not alone here there are ALOT of us that suffer silently with this. Have a good nap I am going to take mine too lol.

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Cheers
Autumn

[Merrida]

Actually we were made to nap. We were not made to be up and work 10-12 hour days and then sleep for 8 hours. In fact, historically speaking, all the great geniuses of the world would stay awake, nap, awake, nap, etc....they did not keep "regular" cycles. Not to mention, we are one of the few cultures that do not "approve" of naps, and we label them as something tabboo and weak. In fact just the opposite is true. The human body has a need for down time and to recharge.

As for your rashes, I'd suggest you get a culture done, not blood work. This is not normal. I'm not sure exactly what you're attributing to "allergies," -- allergies to WHAT exactly?

If you're having dermatitis, an allergy to fabric softener or soap or spermicide, (because your "rash" sounds localized it sounds like you'd need to address what your penis comes in contact with, from your hygeine care to condom use, as well as making sure your sexual partners are not infected with something -- it's possible you've contracted an STD and the lethargy is symptomatic of something systemic).

If you're otherwise healthy, I would indulge in the nap time. Dietary changes and nutrient balance can be of concern and worth looking into as well, so can exercise, (under or over training), stress, emotional repression... and even conditions which are psychogenic in nature, they are serious and worth investigation. They are not to be written off.

[DianeMarie73]

I feel the same way and I look healthy exept for my black circles. I've had the needle tests and they said I'm allergic to so many things it's almost impossible to stay away from all of those things. Although I did for about 6 weeks and I did start to feel a bit better. I think it would take a few months to really feel better. It is so hard to do. I do want to do it again but, It takes alot of willpower and meal planning not to mention money. I've always had stomach problems and I think if I stuck to it they may get better. Best of luck! Diane

[badgirl]

Hi Jim, I have allergies. I took allergy shots for five years. They helped me tremendously. There are medications such as Allegra, Claritin that work wonderfully. But I don't understand the rash as you describe. I think something else is up. See an alergist, they may help. You may be over doing it in exercise if you have to work at your health, do you exercise, how many hours do you work. Also sounds like your immune system is very low. Check into some immune boosters. I hope you feel better, Badgirl