Feel like giving up - no Dr seems to want to help

[Ellen2811]

Hi.

Sorry for the long post, but want to explain why I feel the way I do.

I've always had terrible fatigue which stops me doing things I want to do.

Have tried many anti-depressants with no effect. My mind is fine and wants to do everything, but my body doesnt want to move and feels like lead - all day every day.

GP wanted me on stimulants. Psych wanted a sleep study. Sleep physician said he can see I'm tired as I kept falling asleep during the day and they had to wake me, but it took me 10min to fall asleep each time and he can only help if I fell asleep under 6min.

Another psych put me on a non-amphetamine stimulant which worked well, but 3 years later, I fall asleep 4 hours after taking it. If I increase the dose I cant sleep. Gp put me on a new non-benzo sleeping tablet with no effect.

Went to another psych and was told to get off all the nasty drugs and go and live my life and then my brain will re-wire its thinking and I'll be cured. Left her appointment with depression, crying while driving down the highway for an hour.

They all say it's not chronic fatigue, but fatigue from long-term anxiety. I had an adrenal gland test and it's normal.

I dont take my kids anywhere or do anything with them. I dont cook them dinner as I'm too "drained". My friends can see I'm not the same as I used to be and that my house has deteriorated, which makes me feel worse. I know in my mind I want to do all these things and live my life, as the psych said, but my body wont move.

So, I'm back to square 1. Noone seems to want to help or prescribe meds to help me. CBT and mindfulness dont work. My relationship ended due to me being "lazy".

[therising]

Hi Ellen2811

I so deeply feel for you. When quality of life has altered and nobody can put their finger on the reason for it, there's that temptation to just want to scream in complete frustration.

A couple of questions:

1. With the sleep study, did they test for sleep apnea?
2. Has anyone looked into methylation issues or B vitamin issues? Methylation is a seriously interesting topic by the way, in regard to what finely tuned creatures we are. It's important to find a medical professional who knows what all the right tests are in regard to methylation investigation

It can get somewhat depressing when our energy levels are seriously impacted by some underlying condition. Keeping in mind that there is a big difference between lazing and feeling the effects of a debilitating condition, try not to identify with the word 'lazy'. What we begin identifying with can gradually become a part of our identity, which is not always a good thing.

I personally receive regular injections for B12 deficiency issues. The deficiency, at its worst, was seriously debilitating and depressing, leading my to sleep most of the day (which poses problems when you've got a couple of young kids and a household to run). I do understand your frustration to some degree. Mine was a pretty straight forward investigation and fix, whereas yours sounds like it needs a far more thorough investigation. Finding the right 'detectives' can be the greatest challenge sometimes.

Take care Ellen and don't give up pushing for answers. There's a reason as to why you feel the way you do.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Ellen2811,

Welcome to the beyondblue forums. It sounds as though you have been going through a lot and are really frustrated with feeling ongoing fatigue. Medication isn't always the answer to all symptoms but when you are feeling so heavy, I understand you have tried many things to come out of the fog.

Don't give hope. I have seen many patients go through hard periods in their life and persistence makes the difference. Like with a physical injury, people try physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, osteotherapy and chiropractic etc. etc. etc. I strongly believe that you haven't found your right fit for treatment yet. I wonder if you have invested time or money into a personal trainer who can be there to motivate you to do some progressive exercise. Another suggestion could be to see a dietician or a naturopath. There are several ways in which psychologists practice and perhaps one that uses a different therapy such as narrative therapy or schema may be a better fit for you.

You didn't mention as to whether you have had a complete health assessmen from your GP as sometimes there can be underlying medical issues for example a thyroid condition, blood sugar issues, vitamin or mineral deficit or hormone imbalance. If your GP is not giving you the support that you need, maybe it is time to go see a new one and get a second opinion. Even in my own family, I recommend gaining a second opinion when health conditions are mysterious or unresolved.

I understand it would be very hard to find the motivation to find new practitioners or seek referrals and that is why I also suggest that you use the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636 and talk to someone encouraging. Or if you have others around you, use the support of a friend or family member to have as your advocate. Having someone you trust attend with you to health care appointments can make recovery a team effort. When your symptoms are fatigue and low mood, it can be really tough to do it alone.

I also recommend you start a daily journal of symptoms that you are experiencing. Keeping a record over a period of a few weeks can help new practitioners understand the picture better. You could include things like a fatigue rating and a sleep record. You could also record some of your eating habits.

Keep using the forum for support. There are lots of people who are frustrated with their situation and find support and suggestions on the forum.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[smallwolf]

Hi Ellen,

Just to give a real world example of what Nurse Jenn is talking about...

I am unsure exactly how my wife was able to work out the issue (coming below), but after our 2nd child was born, my wife felt drained most of the day. After numerous tests with the GP and perhaps other specialists (not sure) found out she has a thyroid problem, and has Hashimoto's disease and Hypothyroidism. I know there are groups on FB for Hashimoto's disease. Like a mental illness, some people have a little, some more than others, everyone is unique.

Just as another aside, my son has hypersomnia - falls asleep easily during the day. It took quite a while to work it out. If I had to tell people what he had, I would also have to explain what it was as well.

I guess what I am trying to say, is that not all issues can be easily diagnosed. One of my doctors (who handles my venesections) said they are like a detective, rule out one thing, find the next likely candidate. We like the GP to the correct 100% of the time but that won't alway be the case. And it can be frustrating. But please don't give up. I am hopeful you will work out what is the issue, and then with a label and understanding be able to tackle it.

Tim