Do You Feel This Way?

Have you researched Fibromyalgia? I thought I was just lazy but there was a reason for being so tired and sore. If you have any questions about Fibro, let me know.

A.,
You definitely have a legitimate problem that is beyond "just stress". I had the same problem a year ago and no doctor could figure out what was wrong with me. I started going to a woman nurse practitioner that specializes in more natural methods of treating. She told me the first thing she recommended was for me to rest for 6 months. Not to go work out. If I felt like going for a walk, to go for a walk. My body was worn out. So I did. At the same time, she tested my progesterone and estrogen levels. I was not producing any progesterone. So I am on a natural progesterone cream ($30 for 4 months). My cortosol levels were all out of whack and that is why I was so tired. I started taking all natural vitamins w/ no wheat or soy or any other allergen ingredients. Especially Vitamin B6 and B12 3x a day plus Vitamins C, E, D2, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, and Krill oil. I also do not eat any pasta, breads - any wheat or corn. I have lost weight in doing so but have gained soooooo much energy! You do not need to pop pills to feel good. It has a lot to do what we put in our mouths! I hope this helps and if you are interested in the nurser practitioner, her website is www.lisajroberts.com. She has helped me tremendously! My husband has even thanked her! A. B.

A.,
I hope you feel better soon. I have read many of the posts and I believe you have gotten some good directions to go in already. I have been on a journey for many years to take and keep my weight off. So I know that sleep, food plan, exercise and water consumption as well as vitamins do wonders for many who suffer from extreme fatigue. i just found another piece of my puzzle with the help of my GYN. I started taking a vitamin supplement for perimenopausal symptoms - fatigue, mood swings, irritability, sleep problems - you name it. She couldn't confirm if the supplement I was taking was doing anything but she suggested I use a natural progesterone cream that she DOES know works. I simply rub it into my skin days 14 - 28 of my cycle and I KNOW this is working. We stop producing progesterone pretty early in our lives and it's what balances us out during our cycle. I feel like a different woman. I also think that the advice about hormone testing is right on. When I was at my highest weight (200) I suffered from insulin resistance from PCOS. And the high weight caused this and results in your hormones being out of whack. I felt really terrible then. And with the weight reduction my hormones have naturally gotten back on track. Now after a few months using the progesterone cream - I feel better than I ever have. Start with your GYN - this could all be hormone related. Good luck!! S.

Does it get worse when the daylight gets shorter??? There is a wonderful book by Norman E Rosenthal, MD called Winter Blues, Everything you need to know to beat Seasonal Affective Disorder. He offers lots of advice like open your shades before you go to bed to get the first rays of light, clean your windows (I was amazed how much this helped my house), etc. I bought a light box and it has helped me tremendously! Can you believe sitting in front of it for 20 minutes in the morning can give you tons more energy for the rest of the day? It's a physical thing where your eyes get bright light and it can help lift depression, even out moodiness around your monthly cycle, etc. It's not a cure all, but it's made a world of difference in my life and that of my family.

Good luck finding whatever it is that can help you...and something can, I really believe that! D.

Hi, A..

If you have any way to incorporate the following into your routine... just to give you a break and assist in your medicinal therapy. You could ask your husband and son... to give you these things... instead of traditional gifts for bd, christmas, mom's day, anniversary, etc. Also, many insurance plans and/or flexible spending accounts can help:
- Massage therapy (once a week after work, before work or during your lunch break)
- Accupuncture (once a week after work, before work or during your lunch break)
- Gentle/restorative/meditative yoga
- Daily prayer time/meditation/quiet with cup of herbal, DECAF tea (even just 10 minutes - no tv/no radio)
- Once a week house cleaner (you do the picking up and organizing... they do the cleaning... get your house in an uncluttered state... feel free to leave the dirt, before they come to do an estimate... Merry Maids and other companies like that actually offer some reasonable rates and I am told if your house is neat and uncluttered that they charge less than it being full of stuff that they have to pick up/move/clean around).

I am so sorry that you feel this way, and I wish you the best of luck in trying to simplify your life.

I have several family members with sleep apnea and it is a very serious and scary thing. My grandfather's friend actually died in his sleep because of it.

Please take the time to check into it again and work hard at tolerating the machine. Never receiving a good night's sleep can really take a toll on you quality of life. Using the machine has really helped my grandfather. He was concerned there was something terribly wrong with him until he started using it regularly.

After getting the rest you need you would most likely find the extra energy needed to get you to the gym. The exercise will give you a better night's sleep and more energy too.

Also, bringing the things you need to workout with you to work and going straight to the gym is a big help. NO ONE feels like going once you walk through the door of your house. It is a lot easier when you are still in work mode. Tell yourself "3 Days a Week". Then, if you hit Tuesday and don't feel like going you'll know you have to go 3 days in a row to make up for it and that may be the extra push you need.

Good luck and just work hard getting through the first month. After that you'll begin to really enjoy it and will be feeling much better.

Hi A.-

I can hear the frustration in your post but its important to remember that you're note alone! As a CPT and fitness coach this is one of the most frequent complaints I hear from my clients. The first thing that struck me in what you wrote is that you try to stick to a low carb diet. Monica was absolutely right when she said that carbs are energy! Without knowing your actual normal dietary intake it would be hard to give advice on which areas to address first but I think you would definitely benefit from adding in more healthy low grains into your diet. I have never been a very successful calorie counter myself so I generally try to eat as "cleanly" possible which means very limited processed foods and things with refined sugar. I would focus on eating whole grains, lean proteins and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Incorporating a fitness routine would also be super beneficial to increase your energy level and of course accelerate weight loss. Personally I have always found it hard to commit to the gym so I've opted for home exercise. For me it's cheaper, more convenient and with my accountability buddies I stay on track. 3 times a week would be a great start working up to 5 as soon as you're ready. Consistency is really the key here...sporadic bouts of exercise can actually impede weight loss. Also once you are able to stick to a program you will start to feel better even before you might see results. That is what keeps me coming back...more energy and improved moods.

Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be beneficial but only if your dietary and fitness needs are met first. Our bodies are amazing machines and will run so much more optimally when we treat them right! Believe me, I have seen SO many transformations in my work and it never fails to inspire me...you can change how you feel through permanent lifestyle changes, I have seen it happen over and over :-)

I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me if you have more questions or would be interested in my free coaching services. I can check in with you every day if you want to help keep you on track. I see clients locally but I also do virtual coaching for people all over the country.

All the best to you A.!

C.

I always felt tired all the time. People literally used to ask me if I was high and I never smoked a day in my life. I did a colon cleanse for 2 weeks and felt better than I had in my childhood. It was not hard and didn't require much of a diet change. I wasn't stuck in the bathroom either. After the second day I woke up happily after 8 hours of sleep, then every day after that. A big change from the 14 hours I was sleeping (more than my baby). I did the Young Living brand but my sister did the Colonix brand and she said she had similar results. You do need a good brand, don't go cheap- it will cost about $80 for one cleanse, but well worth it. I also suffer from toxic yeast which is another issue you may want to check into. A friend of mine is doing the Zone and is the only thing that helped her and she says she has more energy than ever. Check your estrogen and testosterone levels. If your hormones aren't right, nothing is! Good Luck!

A. D.
In view of your health challenge, it is difficult to make just one suggestion, partiularly since I am not a physician. I have had friends with the same complaint and the cause was different for each. BOTH had to make lifestyle changes in order to have a better quality of life. Here are some suggestions: 1- Accept what can't be done just can't be done. Your home probably looks "lived in" instead of a candidate for a magazine cover. And if you talk to others who lead lives such as yours, you will discover there are other homes that look like yours. I used to do the laundry, fold it, lay it on a clean blanket and call it a day! 2) Can't get to the gym? There are some really great exercise CDs out there today you can do at home. I ordered "Ten Minute Trainer" from an infomercial and believe me it works or just turn on some music and dance for ten minutes! It's a start:) 3) Instead of low carb, perhaps consider cutting down on your portions. Why deprive ourselves of macaroni & cheese or a biscuit every now and then? I assume you already eat fruit and veggies, and drink your water. Also, I take a green plant food supplement I get from the health food store; KyoGreen or any other company. When I take this in the morning, I actually forget to drink coffee - true. Have you ever read any books by Janet Maccaro, PhD.? She too suffered from chronic fatigue and began to study nutrition. That's where I read about the KyoGreen.

Hope this helps and is not too much!

Godspeed.

Decide what on your "to-do" list can get dumped until you feel more energetic and replace it with the gym.

Personally, I would hire someone to clean the house. It gets the house clean and doesn't involve extra work for you.

There is only so much time and energy in the day and putting yourself higher on your list will make sure that you get the time, while you still have the energy.

Could it be your blood pressure meds? My hubby experienced this, he too was borderline, and now that he is off them he feels much better. he was taking atenolol. Just a thought, especially if you recall your energy was better before you started taking them. Talk to your doctor before quitting, and they may also have an alternative med to try.

Hi A..
The sleep apnea probably has a LOT to do with your tiredness. I have sleep apnea too and don't always use my machine becuase I have a toddler. However, when I just can't calm down and sleep, even though I'm exhausted, I use my machine and I feel better. Have you tried other sleep masks? There are many new designs. Some even attach only to a head piece and there are no straps across your face.
Losing weight WILL help with the sleep apnea.
Best of luck.
M.

Yes...I get very tired and I am only 30....so I can only imagine how it is being 52 with the same issue. BUT - I feel a lot more relaxed when I have less stress - I think stress and depression can affect every inch of your body and leave you totally unmotivated! I think you're on the right track by eating right and trying to exercise....but give yourself a break and find something to look forwadr to - such as - instead of going to the gym to work out by yourself, get a workout partner to hold yourself accountable, or a personal trainer to come to the house - they will be able to help your motivation...or join a spin class at the gym - very demanding, but fun...and even yoga and aerobics may help you meet new people. That way it makes it more enjoyable to go to the gym. Or maybe try walking around the mall - window shopping...but at a fast pace, to keep you entertained. I also try to go for walks around the neighborhood with my husband...but even aside from exercise - get out of the house and do something fun at least once a month - check into a community program like bunko or a ladies Bible study or something - anything that you find interesting to keep your spirits up and get you out of the house - it will help get your mind off the house, keep you involved and interactive, and lift your mood so that the rest of the day doesn't seem so tiring. I always feel re-energized and refreshed after spending an evening with other ladies and not just staring at the housework left to be done! And, you can always get a maid once a month - not too expensive and it may also help alleviate some of the stress, so you just have to spot clean in between and you have something else to look forward to!

A.:

Hello! I hope you and yours had a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

When reading your request, several things came to mind. The first being depression - lack of sleep, a restful sleep can lead to depression. Depression can manifest itself in many ways and sleep deprivation is one of them. Talk with your doctor about finding a new machine that works for you and your family. I understand the machines can be loud and cumbersome.

The second was the lack of GOOD carbs in your diet. Since you are a Nutritionist, it can be like a vicious cycle - you know, "Dr. Heal thy self". Since the blood tests came back fine for anemia - your body may be lacking the carbs it needs in order to make your engine run! As a Nutritionist, you know that carbs are the gasoline for your body.

The last was the gym/work out issue. You've been married long enough - get your husband to go with you - make him your Gym Buddy and both of you make a "Date" to go to the gym. I know some may say it's not the most "romantic" date, but look at it this way - you BOTH are doing something not only for yourself but each other to stay healthy! It can also lead to a wonderful re-connection in the bedroom when you both start feeling a little "sexier"!!! :)

If you can afford it - I would suggest a cleaning service to come in to your home once a week to do the fundamental stuff - changing the sheets, cleaning the bathroom(s), kitchen, etc. that way - your week isn't as booked and you won't feel so overloaded. I would be happy to recommend a cleaning service, please feel free to contact me directly. Having some of the weight lifted off your shoulders on what you yourself has a checklist every day can really make a difference in your life.

Please know you are NOT alone. I truly hope you get the help you deserve and need! Hopefully, all of the wonderful momma's out there will come through for you!

If you can afford it hire a personal trainer. Some come to your house on your schedule. Also, if you already belong to a gym they'll have one on staff. If you make an appointment with one you're more apt to go. You may just need that additional accountability. Also, don't dread exercise it doesn't HAVE to be work. Find some physical activity you enjoy like walking, dancing, cycling whatever. It you are extremely overweight make sure you go to your doctors and make sure you are healthy enough for the exercise you want to do. Good luck.

hi A.,
yes yes YES, i have been there! and there are several things likely contributing to your situation. lack of sleep obviously, carrying more pounds than you want probably, some degree of depression possibly. working full time yet finding time and motivation is HARD!
so first of all, {{{}}} to you. i know exactly how you feel.
this worked for me, and i sure hope it helps you.
go to a homeopath. a GOOD one. (i'd recommend mine highly, but she's out in west virginia and is likely too far for you, although she's wonderful and worth the drive!) western medicine was unable to help me, and when my nurse practitioner resorted to 'how about coffee?' i knew i'd run my options out there. same thing as you, thyroid tests all normal, everything normal, except in my case even the sleep lab tests came back normal. and yet i was falling asleep at the wheel and almost incapable of getting through a day's work. my homeopath did some hoo-doo, gave me some organ support supplements (thyroid and adrenals) and slowly i found myself again. it wasn't miraculous and it did take some time, but when i started feeling even a LITTLE better i was able to begin walking, just a little, or weight-lifting, just 10 minutes a day, which made me feel even better. the spiral quit being a downward one. when i returned to my NP she asked me rather snippily if i had heard of the placebo effect. i replied that of course i have, however since i *believed* that her drugs would help and they didn't, and had zero faith that homeopathy would do a dang thing, the theory doesn't exactly apply.
i'd leave the low carb diet aside, and simply try to eat more fruits and veggies and real food (frankenfood will put you in a coma in a snap) and drink a butt-ton of water. small steps. you CAN get your mojo back. i'm cheering for you.
khairete
S.

Yep, you're not alone. It's hard work being a superwoman. Try to lower your expectations, take a true Sabbath and rest on that day, and take care of your body. I'm 40 and finally accepted that I am not 20 anymore. I do feel a little better when I exercise, but be fair to yourself. You are doing a lot and it's ok to be tired. My parents were taking naps in their 40s and I find I seldom have that time to do that, though my body is craving a nap. No, 52 is not old, by any means, but our bodies have different needs at different periods of our development. Sleep apnea is probably robbing you of good sleep. The weight is probably related to the sleep apnea. But, I try to steer clear of quick, fast diets and exercise fads nowadays. I exercise because we need to do that to stay healthy and I do not want to be an 80-year-old on medications and suffering from dementia. If exercise helps stave off that, then I'll work out now, though I absolutely hate it. Energy comes and goes, but I'm learning to slow down when I must. If there are dust bunnies that are multiplying faster than I can keep up, I try to save a little change each month and when it gets too dusty, try to find someone who can help, though 3 adults in the house should manage. My children are still too little to really help do a deep clean, but my hubby and I manage the day-to-day decluttering. Not perfectly, but passably. And then, watch your stress levels. Stress will keep you tired. Aim for peace and feed your spirit.

I had this happen after I had given birth to my son and the drs. couldn't figure it out for about a month or so. I finally went to a gastronologist and found out that I was allergic to wheat and gluten. Once I change my diet to exclude those things (which then was REALLY difficult), I started feeling better, got my energy back and felt human again. You might want to try that route because they are finding out that more and more people are allergic to wheat (more so than my allergies) and if they change to something else they do better. Any way just thought I'd let you know.

Dear A.,
I hear you! I was just like you, in the same always-tired-boat several years back! What turned my energy levels around was Juice Plus+! Have you ever heard of it? It's 17 fruits, vegetables and grains (minus the sugars, the sodium and the gluten) in capsules! Can you believe it!!! I have taken Juice Plus+ for over eight years now and experienced so many benefits from it!
What convinced me to try it was the independent, gold-standard medical-journal-published research behind Juice Plus+, however! Everything claimed to be in JP+ was proven to be there, 9 studies done on 3 differnt continents proved 100% bioavailability, 5 studies show significant heart health biomarker improvements, 2 show significant immune health biomarker improvemnts and two show significant cancer-prevention health biomarker improvemts (among other results)!!!
As I said, I have eaten Juice Plus+ for more than eight years now and will never be without it for the rest of my life! Why? Because I cannot do for myself what Juice Plus+ does for me, cost-effectively, conveniently or realistically!
If you would like to know more, simply visit my website at www.jpjenn.com and/or respond to this note from me.
Oh, one more thing....our company wants to help encourage exercise, too, so we now have a Juice Plus+ Fitness Effect Challenge with bonus rewards for participating! Ask me about it! You can also log onto www.juiceplusfitnesseffect.com to learn more.
By the way,we are nearly the same age! I'm 54 years old!
Blessings!
J. F.

Hi A.,

It seems like you are describing my day to a tee. I do, however, have a thyroid problem. I also need to use a CPAP, but do not use it. My husband recently purchased a machine and uses a mask that is just a nose piece. Have you tried one of those with your CPAP?

A.,
We all know exercise is such so important for our bodies in countless ways. For me, it's easier to do it when I just step out my door, rather than getting myself to a gym. Start off by taking short, brisk walks, 10-15 mins. You can increase the time as you are able and do some stretching when you get home. It's a very simple, easy activity you can do any day. Even that short amount of time can give you a boost of energy and a good feeling overall. GOOD LUCK to you!
M.

Hi A.,

Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time.
I agree that the sleep apnea is probably a major cause of your problem, and I don't have specific experience with that but I do know that's something you should get a handle on.

In addition to that, I would imagine you are experiencing a deficiency in some important vitamins and minerals that you need to function properly.

Two years ago, I was functioning on a level similar to what you are describing, except I was only 34! I had trouble getting up in the morning because my sleep was not restful at all. I had trouble getting the kids ready for school. I am a SAHM, and just dragged myself through the day needing a nap in the early afternoon, and at night when I put the kids to bed, I would often fall asleep at their bedside. I refer to that stage of my life as Zombie Mom.

Luckily a friend introduced me to Melaleuca, and I started taking their vitamins, which are the best on the market. They have had such an effect on my life that I have told many people about them since then. And this summer, they released independent scientific research which proves that they are so much more absorbable than anything else out there on the market, and then they went ahead and made them even better.

I highly recommend you try Melaleuca's vitamins - they even have a 90 day money back guarantee if you don't see an improvement in your health or energy levels. I noticed a change in less than 2 weeks, and it amazes me to think how many years I was pretty much sleep walking through life, and how involved I can be in things now - I never could have kept up with my kids' current schedule the way I was before.

If you would like to give them a try, or at least hear about them, drop me a note at ____@____.com

And definitely do what you can about the sleep apnea - I know that getting that treated can have a huge impact on your life as well.

Best of luck to you!

C.

I don't know what kind of low-carb diet you're on, but carbs ARE energy, so if you aren't getting what you need, then that may also be causing the exhaustion.

Whole fruits, fresh vegetables (and frozen), whole grains (like barley, brown rice, quinoa) and beans (chick peas, black beans, etc) are GOOD crabs--they'll give you the energy you need to work out without causing you to gain weight and may even help you lose weight. Also, make sure you're getting enough healthy fats like salmon and avocado. Fats are essential for body function, but they got a bad reputation a few years back and people are still scared of them.

Good luck!!

Hi A.. I really do not have many suggestions but can offer understanding. I too at times am so exhausted I just do not know how I will function. I am a SAHM as of this past January but prior to that worked full time and both places can be exhausting! At times you can get quite down about feeling tired all the time and wonder if you will ever feel energetic. I struggle with getting time in to exercise regularly but I know when I do it makes me feel much better. My suggestions to you are number one schedule your workouts - commit to at least 3 times a week and do not waiver - make it a priority. Try to find a buddy at the gym (ask the front desk if need be) to make you accountable and also the work out may be more fun. Of course if you have the money, you can pay a personal trainer which would be the best route but that is if you have the money :) Most Gyms offer some type of free personal training assistance. I think you will find if you are consistent with your workouts that within a short time you will have more energy. I also agree with the previous poster in regards to finding a mask that works for your sleep apnea. My husband also hates his machine but I see that it has a positive effect when he uses it. Try these two things consistently for at least a month and evualate how you are feeling. Lastly, of course would be nutrition but you mentioned you have been to a nutrionist. The whole thing can be quite a vicious cycle - you do not feel well enough to work out and eat well but you will feel better if you work out and eat better. Not having energy also has a huge mental drain on you, again that is why working out is essential beause it will get the blood flowing and will get the endorphins going. You did not mention what you did for a job but maybe you could work something out where you are alloted a certain amount of time during the work week for working out/going to the gym. I know this is all very hard and it is easy for people to spout off advice but just remember this is very very important. You have the power to make some very vital choices right now and improve your situation. Try finding some supportive encouraging groups/friends at the gym or elsewhere that will be encouragment and inspiration. Best wishes.

Could your problem be just your age? Menopausal and post menopausal women are often bone achingly tired.