Rock Bottom - I need energy help!
I like to think I'm a healthy person. I know what foods are good and what are bad. I know I need to exercise. I'm not overweight (5'4' and 135lb).
But I have 1 very big problem! I am always tired. And I've always been this way, since I was a child.
I've tired lots of things but I can't stick to anything or it doesn't help. I sleep about 8-9 hours a night and wake up very tired. By mid-morning I'm exhausted and want a nap - and sometimes I take one, when my older 2 children are at preschool and my baby is having a short nap. At lunchtime I put my preschoolers in front of the TV and while my baby has his lunchtime nap, I nap too, normally for about 2 hours. Of course I then feel foggy all afternoon.
My children all sleep well at night, so I'm not disturbed. We have a very comfortable mattress, the room is cool and comfortable. I sleep well.
I've had blood tests but my doc says its just because I have young children. But I know from my friends that my level of tiredness isn't normal.
I want to exercise more and I will do it for a day or 2, but it exhausts me so much I can't continue (I end up sleeping even more). I'm pretty sure exercise is one of the answers (I've never been that 'active'), I just can't get over that 'hump'.
I also want to try the 28-day detox program. But where I live we don't have any health food stores, not even a Whole Foods market. So most of the ingredients are impossible for me to get. Any suggests on an alternative with ingredients that easier to find - and maybe one that isn't as long, so I'm more likely to stick with it?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Julia Stevenson on -
Sasha, I have a similar problem. I've talked it over with my doctor, and she ordered different tests run (even a sleep apnea test to see if I was having problems breathing while I was sleeping - have you had that test run?). Everything came back normal. Turns out I'm suffering from depression, which my doctor feels is being caused in large part by my job (which is a whole other entry! lol). Depression can cause extreme fatigue - which I did not know. I now take a low dosage antidepressant pill once a day and it has increased my energy levels. Am I filled with energy now? No. But things are better. Consider talking with your doctor about depression; I've learned that it can take many forms.
Let me know how things go for you. Good luck! :)
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Permalink Reply by Sasha Duffy on -
Thanks for the advice. It's nice to know I'm not alone! I forgot to mention I'm already on antidepressants. That did really help to start with (a few years ago) but now the affect doesn't seem as strong, or I've got used to it. I guess I need to speak to my doc again and see what she suggests. I hate the thought of changing pills, as the initial side effects are so strong that it knocks me out for weeks.
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Permalink Reply by maggi schrock on -
hi sasha,
have you ever been checked for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndromes?
i have both and have had a hard time with everything youre talking about. i was fortunate to find a good doctor who didnt call me a hypocondriac but tested me for all the "usuals" before coming to the FM diagnosis. i say this only because youve obviously been going through this for a long time. you might want to go to WebMD and search for fibromyalgia to see what you think. there are discussion groups there and even a guide to finding a good doctor. give it a try.
best of luck and feel better,
mag
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Permalink Reply by Sasha Duffy on
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I don't have the fibromyalgia pain so I've never really considered it. Is it possible to have fibromyalgia without the pain? I think I need to be stronger with my doc and insistnon more tests.
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Permalink Reply by maggi schrock on
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you could have the chronic fatigue without fibro. others have given you some good info on here and you should weigh it all and talk to your doctor. i think sarah's idea of gluten intolerance is good. it cant hurt to look into that and try changing your diet to see how it affects you. all carbs arent the enemy, just certain ones.
keep your confidence up and feel better,
mag
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Permalink Reply by Sarah @ Two Tarts on -
Have you considered your diet? One of the hallmarks of gluten intolerance is excessive fatigue and depression. There are quite a few blogs with personal stories of going "gluten free", along with great recipes and ideas. One you might want to check out is Gluten Free Girl: http://glutenfreegirl.com/about/
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Permalink Reply by Sasha Duffy on
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That is a thought. I've had a 'bad' day today. And if I think about what I've eaten it's all been carbs! Toast for breakfast, leftover lasagna for lunch and snacking on goldfish crackers all day! This afternoon I've been a total mess! Shouting at my kids for no reason, not wanting to do anything, nearly having no energy to make their dinner. I'll try being gluten free for a few days to see what happens. Thanks for the tip.
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Permalink Reply by Simply Me - Terri on -
I have heard a lot of good things about going Gluten free and more stores are starting to carry items that are.
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Permalink Reply by Sasha Duffy on
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So I've come to the conclusion that most of my problems stem from my depression. The antidepressants I'm on don't seem to be as affective as they once were. Ive been having good days and bad days. Not sure what triggers them - I'll definetly try the gluten free diet to see if that helps.
Exercise is my other big wish. But I just don't know where to start. I can't really afford the gym and now it's the summer, the child care is packed at the gym, so that's out. I just need to work out a way to exercise with 3 kids and limited time! (oh and I live in south Florida, so it's as hot as hell outside!).
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Permalink Reply by Jovan Roberts on -
Hi Sasha, have you had your Thyroid checked out and have you received a 2nd and 3rd. opinion? As a child, I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. However, it took a very long time to diagnose my condition. I was finally given the proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to have most of my thyroid removed. The surgery was a Godsend. However, having 70% of my thyroid removed made me a candidate for Hypothyroidism, which is treated with Synthyroid.
I'm saying all this to say, I understand how you feel. If I go long periods without taking my medicine, I become severely fatigued no matter how much sleep I get.
So, I take my medicine everyday. I have developed a healthy lifestyle. I exercise daily. I put foods and supplements in my body that promote healthy thyroid function. One of the whole food supplements I take is Shakeology it is a whole food supplement that can double as a meal replacement. Shakeology gives me energy, and keeps me regular, along with a host of other benefits. There are no stimulants in it. It is a certified low-sugar food. As a matter of fact, a 2 part article was featured in the May 2011 issue of O Magazine about the co-creator of Shakeology, Darin Olein, and the ingredients of Shakeology. Visit my website www.shakeology.com/theamazon to find out what's in it, how it works, and why over 100 physicians are using it and recommending it to their patients.
In addition to checking out Shakeology, please try to get some other opinions, if you haven't already done so.
After you visit my website, let me know what you think or email me at Theamazon@beachbodycoach.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon. By the way, I am a Team Beachbody Coach.
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