I feel so unwell all the time

[Chocolatefrosting]

I feel exhausted all the time. I wake up and immediately want to curl up and go back to sleep, also I sometimes end up with physical pain from tiredness, hard to explain but it’s like my joints or bones are bruised and aching. I also get headaches fairly regularly that can get really bad at times, constantly feel weak and dizzy and a dry mouth most days. This has been going on for as long as I can remember but feels like it’s got worse over last few years. I feel so guilty as it affects my kids too I always feel just too tired and unwell even though I try and play with them as much as I can. I am so badly needle phobic that I’ve put off seeing a doctor for years 😖

You need to get bloods done. Thyroid definitely needs checking and also iron and vitamin D. I was exactly the same and also needlephobic. Turned out I had overactive thyroid and all my levels were through the floor

It sounds like a visit to your GP is needed to find out any underlying issues. If it helps just look away if you are having blood tests or close your eyes.

Well, which are you going to let drive you- your needlephobia or your guilt and sadness that you can’t play with your kids? Cos one has to win.

There is a gel (think it’s called Emla??) that you can have on prescription (I think) that you apply an hour or so before a blood test. Then when you have your blood test close your eyes. It worked on my son who needed a blood test. He didn’t feel a thing, just kept his eyes closed. I do understand a phobia (I genuinely have one too but not about this) but just try to imagine how much better you would feel if you could find out why you feel this way and get treated. I do get it, I do. Phobia’s are awful

Baby steps. See a doctor. Nobody is going to stick needles in you there. Tell your dr that you're scared of blood tests. At least get the basics done.

Agree with this. I'm needle phobic too, and I just tell the nurse when I go in. They know how to deal with it.

Get your b12 , folate, full iron panel, thyroid and vit D checked. Exactly how I felt when I found my b12 was severely low.

Ho9w old are you OP?

Is there a chance it could be Lymes Disease? Obviously there is a whole load of things it might be, but your symptoms sound familiar. Hope you find the courage to be seen soon, you deserve to feel better x

You really need to see the GP, just look away if they need to do a blood test - with kindness, I imagine very few people look while they take a blood test, it’s perfectly normal to look away/close your eyes until it’s done.

Could you be depressed? This can manifest in physical synotoms. You do need to see a doctor rather than continue to live like this.

I was exactly as you describe. Some of the symptoms were perimenopause related, so I’ve been put on HRT which has definitely helped. Turned out my Vitamin D was very low and my iron too (ferritin level of 5!!). I’ve been supplementing for several months with Vit D, but I’m finding I can’t tolerate iron supplements. Hoping I will be referred eventually for an iron infusion.

Hi, that’s interesting.

Would you know if the gel you mentioned would also have a useful affect on a person’s gum, prior to a dental visit that would include a needle?

I know it sounds daft to want a numbing gel to numb the numbing injection, but that effin needle is (to me) PAINFUL !!!

You've just described my first few years of perimenopause.

You know the answer - get a blood test.

Sounds like you need blood tests - have you ever been treated for Lymes or go into areas with deer etc? I only ask as we've just spent 9 mths trying to find out what's wrong with my 25 yr old and they've finally been tested for lots of other things and got a "detected" result for Lymes. Not saying you do have it but your symptoms are similar. I hope you feel better soon x

I understand your needle phobia, but you need to see the GP. Start there, get the blood tests ordered and then work out how you help yourself to attend.

You don't need to rush to the end but you do need to make a start.

Hi OP. I would strongly advise you to go to your GP and explain your symptoms. I suffer with M.E (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and the main symptoms are: bone crushing tiredness, muscle aches and pains, unrefreshing sleep etc. I'm not saying this is what you have, just that it's imperative to get checked out. I wouldn't wish this illness on anyone, it's truly awful. Sending strength 💐

@ParrotsAndLions I’m 31

How old are you ?

This is absolutely no way to live @Chocolatefrosting

Agree GP appointment is the first step and most GP's will need to refer you to phlebotomy for blood tests.

You will need bloods as that's the only way to rule out and / or diagnose a multitude of things. The good news is one blood test should be enough to go through a long list.

You can take someone with you to have the test, you can use the cream mentioned up thread. The phlebotomy nurses will be used to nervous patients but book early or late to ensure you have some time. You can listen to music and look away. I promise that in 8 years if having bloods every 12 weeks (some times every 2 weeks when starting a new medication) I have never, ever had a painful experience. I have a different nurse each time (phlebotomy clinic is is a massive hospital) and they've all been amazing. Taking the plaster off after is more painful.

Even my DC3 (who has "wonky" veins) has never had any pain with her annual blood tests.

Please go and get yourself looked after.

It might not help, but nurses should let you lie down when taking bloods, so that might help you.

Could you take someone with you, so you have support and another focus. A blood test takes one minute, whereas you're feeling off everyday, longterm it has to be worth having it done.

Thanks all for your replies. I know I need to get booked in to see a doctor but the thought panics me so much! I think half the battle is actually making an appointment! But I’ve ordered the EMLA cream - thank you for the suggestion @Tupperwarefan

as for pre menopause I’m 31 so not sure it could be that?

I’ve been to knole park- that had deer running around but that was quite a while ago ..

It is a high risk area for Lymes, due to the amount of deer/tick risk. Definitely mention that you went to the doctor. Please go soon- it must be terrible feeling so ill xx