Exhausted all the time

My energy level is zero. I try to get out of my apartment every day for something, usually to go to the grocery store or pharmacy. Otherwise I try to take a 20-30 minute walk. That's my physical activity for the day. Then I need a nap. I didn't used to. I feel like I need a nap after everything I do -- even things that don't require any energy like showering, eating, driving. I need a nap after taking a nap. I can only lie on my left side for a few minutes because my hip hurts. I bought a nice IKEA mattress 2.5 years ago and it's totally sunken in now  

Is it just me?

I have this too, although not to the same extent. Have your doctors run the appropriate tests and evaluated your symptoms? Have you examined your meds to see if any could be causing this? It definitely isn't normal to have exhaustion, but definitely not to that degree.

It sounds reminiscent of the time I had mono...for about a month all I could do was the bare minimum to care for myself. I actually had little memory of that whole time too!

They have diagnosed me with fibro, unspecified auto immune issues, insomnia, and lack of REM sleep. The only thing that actually showed up on any tests was the lack of REM sleep (from a sleep study). Some things to have them check for would be thyroid, Lyme, ANA / auto immune, etc. Best wishes.

It's primarily from meds. Topamax and Luvox (like all SSRI's) are notorious for causing sedation -- I see lots of similar complaints from others on askapatient.com. Then using Demerol as my abortive, always the next day I'm super wiped out. Some of it is secondary symptoms of HA's and anxiety which just wear me out. When I get on Medicare, if I can get Methysergide paid for I will try increasing that and getting off Topamax.

Platy
They tried me on Topomax, omg it was horrible. I was so lethargic and brain dead. I could not function doing the simplest task and was so groggy!

That would be my guess. But I am very fatigued all the time too and I am not on any preventatives anymore. Tried Depakote and couldn't tolerate it, my liver cells were dying.

If you can find a way to get off that Topomax, it might help some.

Hoping you feel better soon!
Trinity

I feel like I'm walking through mud when I'm on the steroids. Topomax was tough on me too. But like Trin, I'm not on any preventatives (unless you count the Botox and nerve blocks) and I'm still so low on energy. It makes me crazy because it makes me so amotivated.

I discovered amitriptyline was making me very lethargic. I'd need a 3 hour nap after sleeping for 8-10 hours each night. It was hard to ween myself off but I am very glad I did. I have much better stamina and no longer need naps.

Platy
Have you been checked for MS? Ironically, I went to the doctor today and they are ordering a MRI to rule out MS. I am horribly fatigued and statistics state that 50% of MS folks have serious migraine problems.

Just a thought, since I have to rule this MS thing out.

Trinity

I don't know that I've been specifically tested for MS, but I don't have any symptoms. Like I said, I blame the fatigue on the meds and on migraines and anxiety which cause exhaustion themselves.

Awww that sucks. I know this because I too, am permanently exhausted, need a nap most of the time.
Have you been checked for anemia, Platypus? It's common among peeps who take many medications - something about them wreaking havoc with
Iron absorption.
Also Vit 12, check Magnesium, too as Mag deficiency has almost identical symptoms as an def. .

Risa

I went for follow up today on bloodwork that was pointing towards lupus. I was told to come back so I did. Canada has a very useless healthcare system where there are almost no GP's so as a result you get to wait all day to see one, regardless of whether they told you to come or not. (I'm not sure if this all over Canada but it is a real problem where I live).

So today I waited two hours despite being the third person in line. Instead of getting the lovely doctor I'm used to, I got a cold, disinterested doctor that fluffed me off. I of course got flustered which is my usual reaction. I ended up not even telling her the main reason I was there. Luckily she was with it enough to know that my results require a specialist and she agreed to refer me. I left feeling like crap and frustrated that I wasn't prepared. I decided to write up my entire health history and then called up the office to get their fax number. So now at least they will have a full history when they refer me.

I hate it so much that I totally avoid going even though I really need to. I go years with only seeing my pain doc. Ugh

Oh well, lets hope we can finally get to the bottom of what's making me so tired so that we can identify what I need to do to fix it.

Milo, writing up our history and specific complaints is a great idea!! Too often we end up playing 20 questions with the doctor and not explaining ourselves properly due to the migraine. Just when you really need a doctor is when you are least able to communicate. I am going to remember this idea in future. Thanks!

I hear you Milo. I detest going to a doctor here in BC, too.
I've heard Alberta has a little bit better situation because they supposedly have a little bit of private sector.
But then again, that's probably very costly. And who is gonna fly to Alberta to see just a GP?

yes, our medical situation is simply horrible, Milo. I am sorry you had unpleasant visit. hopefully the specialist will have better bed manners.
"chair manners" at least. and a good news.

Risa