Did you have EXTREME fatigue? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

staceymck · 08-06-2008, 11:52 AM

HI there... I am trying to get some information on the cause of my fatigue.. It is SO EXTREME that even though I sleep 7-9 hours a night, I always wake up un-rested and can't keep my eyes open during the day at work.. I am always dozing off at my desk.. or long car rides, in meetings, etc. I am just so worn-down and look like crap.. My dark circles and sunken in face and pale skin look terrible..
I have been to my ENT regarding my tonsils (which he removed in 2006) and my nasal congestion.. which he has given me nasal sprays that don't work. My nose is chronically congested and my turbinates (at front of my nostrils) are visibily swollen when you look inside my nose. This has been like this for a few years now.
I always fall asleep right away.. I can sleep for HOURS and HOURS! I am always tired.. I don't usually wake up during the night, if I do I fall asleep instantly.. And lately I have been dreaming ALOT.. I can remember my dreams every night. Every morning I wake up my nose is always clogged on one side that I sleep on.. Even during the day when I am awake I always feel a congestion that doesn't go away.

Is it possible I have obstructive sleep apnea?
Did you have EXTREME sleepiness and fatigue ?

Any experiences would be helpful in relaying this information to my doctor..

Thanks

moetwins · 08-06-2008, 12:01 PM

Hi staceymck, I feel the same way that you do, I sleep for 8 or more hours a night but I still **** up exhausted. I do suffer from Fibormyalgia so I think my fatigue has something to do with that. I went for a sleep study about a month ago and I just got my results back today, My doctor said that I only have mild sleep apnea so he doesn't recommend a CPAP. He does want me to go see an ear, nose and throat specialist though. I know you said that you have see one before so I was just wondering what would happen on my first visit? I hope that helps a little.

staceymck · 08-06-2008, 02:02 PM

Hi there!
I have not done a sleep study.. I should probably ask my doctor about that..

At a visit with an ENT.. the doctor will examine inside your ears, nose & throat.. if nothing is visibily wrong or you don't complain of any problems the visit will be short and sweet. If you have problems with your sinuses your doctor will arrange a CT scan for your head/nasal area so he can get a detailed view inside your sinuses.

I had one done, and all I showed was small polyps nothing that seemed to be too obstructing inside my nasal cavities. There are 3 of them btw... at the top of your forehead above your nose, inside your cheekbones on each side and inside your nose.

Good luck, hope your visit goes well!

love2fishfork · 08-06-2008, 04:17 PM

You might also want to have your Thyroid checked. That can also cause fatigue. There is a lot of good information in the Thyroid section of this board.

bethsheba · 08-06-2008, 05:43 PM

Yes, it could be obstructive sleep apnea based on your ent history...but it could also be thyroid problems, medication side effects, and dietary imbalances, specifically electrolyte imbalances.

Don't assume it's only one conditon...you should be screened for all...some of us have learned this the hard way.

Good luck!

Bethsheba