To think this is not just because I’m fat?

[exercisewoe]

I’m permanently exhausted . I weigh 21 stone, I’m aware I’m morbidly obese and I’m trying to fix it .

I take a beta blocker twice a day for anxiety . I take mirtazapine before bed .

I’m absolutely fucking exhausted . I’m wearing a sports watch and can see even if I’m out of breath and sweating (walking briskly) my HR rarely gets above 80, it’s hire often just 65 when walking quickly - it usually sits at 50 when relaxing . God knows what’s happening when I’m asleep .

I’ve started blacking out when standing for prolonged periods, so GP did an ECG, fine.

Severe postural hypotension though - BP drops by 45 on standing up . I know that’s happening as I can feel my heart pounding in my head when I stand up or move quickly . The nurse I saw on Friday said she thinks I need a GP review so asked me to organise .

GP did online review via email - said it’s definitely because I’m overweight and suggested I start running - said if my HR isn’t going above 90 I’m not exercising hard enough .

I cannot physically get my HR that high .

I’ve also been advised by cardiology specifically not to run - or do intensive exercise - as there’s a small chance of me having an inherited condition, get screened for it yearly .

I’m feeling very miserable with it all and so bewildered about being told it’s just because I’m fat, with no advice other than that !

Worth asking to come off the sodding beta blockers all together?

Don't run! I had a bad accident in my 20s and have pins in both my legs. I can't recommend Heather Robertson low-impact/no jumping HIITs enough, free on YouTube. I do her weight training ones 3x/week and I've never been stronger. You will also find your mood is much better with this and exercise.

Have you heard of POTS? I have this and my blood pressure drops upon standing and my heart rate goes crazy and I often pass out. Nothing shows up on an ECG though and all scans come back clear, a tilt table test is needed for diagnosis. Might be worth looking in to

This sounds lame compared to the other probably more helpful posts but have you tried drinking lots of water ? Made a massive difference to my energy levels I am actually still shocked that I dismissed just what a difference it could make ...... it really does.

You could consider trying something else instead of the beta blockers.

But really you need your GP to advise/check up- you might as well keep nagging.

I think a lot of us are feeling lethargic due to lockdown etc. Hopefully now it's the spring we'll all start to feel a bit perkier. x

I can’t help but feel that these anti anxiety meds etc seem to just replace one problem with another. I mean great the Mirtazapine is good for anxiety and sleep but what’s the point if you’re like a zombie all day? I do struggle with anxiety (no meds for it yet - trying beating the blues first) but I don’t want to take meds that turn me into a zombie - I have two kids and a huge job.

Did you have Covid? Could be long covid

And @exercisewoe I'm not trying to frighten you, diabetes comes on so fast.You mightn't get a warning.

3 weeks ago,out of nowhere.Blinding headache, vomiting,blood pressure through the roof.
GP sent me straight to hospital.
Admitted immediately diagnosed with diabetes,high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

That's how I got the sleep study and machine.
I went from never being sick to taking 7 tablet a day.

Please get a different GP.

@PussGirl

You could have obstructive sleep apnoea - exhausting

Yes i agree this could be the problem. I am a similar weight and think I have started to have sleep apnoea, i wake up gasping for breath and always feel exhausted.

I know a couple of people who went to the doctors before covid for non weight related issues. Their doctor referred them to a free weight management course. They attended once a week for 1 hour. Both have made changes to their lifestyles

The course ran for several weeks

Anyone who thinks they have sleep apnoea should get a sleep study done. I did, I have the machine, life changing. It is a dangerous condition

I needed specialist treatment in hospital because of [apoea]

Unless something is very unusual what they mean is a night in a sleep clinic where you have monitors on your skin to report waking/breathing episodes. DH spent one night in hospital, then a trip back to be fitted/trained to use a CPAP machine (sleeping mask) and since then his regular checks have been done at home - they give him the kit, he drops it back and they check the readings and if he needs additional follow up.

The sleeping machine was transformative to life. He hadn't gained large amounts of weight but his physical and mental health were transformed. That enables sufferers to better address any other health issues.

I haven't read the full thread (I know I should). But it is because you are overweight. I have lost 7 stone in the last 18 months and the difference in my health is enormous. It's not easy to do. I know how hard it is. But health problems entirely due to your weight. PM me if you want to chat about it

I think it's easy to blame on weight, it could be but it might not be linked. Recently every part of me ached, my knees hurt, I had shooting pains in my shins and I just thought it was weight/lockdown. Turns out I was massively vitamin d deficient. Started on a really high dose and pain gone

Haven’t read the full thread, but the symptoms you describe sound a lot like idiopathic intercranial hypertension.

Pounding headaches especially in the morning.
Exhaustion
Occasional blackouts
Pounding head and dizzy sensation when you stand or exert.

You are also female, overweight and with PCOS which is the most common profile of patients. Sleep apnea is also linked.

Do you ever have vision problems, grey / black / cloudy vision, blind spots or wavy lines? Have you had your eyes tested recently?

Definitely ask your GP to investigates this, if you have vision problems then get your eyes tested as an optician may also see signs.

I never felt rested , and my symptoms seemed to chime with b12 issues .
I don’t bother with my GP because she doesn’t say anything apart from “ lose weight “and won’t do bloods until I’ve lost weight .
I bought b12 tablets online and have been taking a high dose 7000g a day - it’s been transformative for me . You can’t od and anything not absorbed / used will come out in urine . Feel refreshed after sleep and have energy. Vitamin D has helped my mood massively- been on these for over 6m and recommend both .

I was on Mirtazipine for 4 years. (For insomnia) I put on 5 stone. It's actually used as an appetite stimulant in the elderly . I didn't know this until 4 years after starting. By which point I had chronic arthritic pain in my joints from the weight.

I was 19stone. GP knew they had contributed to this . Hadn't reviewed the meds. Agreed to put me forward for a gastric sleeve. By the time I had the OP I was 21 stone. (As I got fatter I got more and more sedentary and lazy and ate more..) That was 3 years ago. I am now 11 stone and have been there for 2 and a half years. Best decision I ever made. I have my life back.

I'm off metaformin as no longer have diabetes. No more blood pressure pills. No more sleep apnea. Different drug for insomnia. One that doesn't make you the size of a whale.

I don’t want to take meds that turn me into a zombie

@Elsia Not all meds have that effect, and not on everyone. There are meds for anxiety that will suit different individuals. There are lots of things they can try and will eventually find the best thing for those that need them with the least side effects.

I have bipolar and meds have been a real struggle to find the best treatment for me, but it was 100% worth it. I would be dead or something without them.

@Trickyboy

I was on Mirtazipine for 4 years. (For insomnia) I put on 5 stone. It's actually used as an appetite stimulant in the elderly . I didn't know this until 4 years after starting. By which point I had chronic arthritic pain in my joints from the weight.

I was 19stone. GP knew they had contributed to this . Hadn't reviewed the meds. Agreed to put me forward for a gastric sleeve. By the time I had the OP I was 21 stone. (As I got fatter I got more and more sedentary and lazy and ate more..) That was 3 years ago. I am now 11 stone and have been there for 2 and a half years. Best decision I ever made. I have my life back.

I'm off metaformin as no longer have diabetes. No more blood pressure pills. No more sleep apnea. Different drug for insomnia. One that doesn't make you the size of a whale.

Yeah, they tend to hand this out for insomnia and tell you it doesn't affect weight.

It’s strange when it’s assumed taking meds changes people into zombies. The right medication at the right dose is positively life changing giving the freedom to enjoy a full life with depression well managed.

You're taking two meds known to lower heart rate, it's no surprise you are experiencing issues, especially if it was lowish to start with.

I looked into taking mirtazipine for my sleep problems as it induced deep sleep which is what I desperately need, but seeing the i.oact it has on weight, I decided not to.

It will also make you feel drowsy and tired. I'd definitely look at coming off these.

@dontdisturbmenow

You're taking two meds known to lower heart rate, it's no surprise you are experiencing issues, especially if it was lowish to start with.

I looked into taking mirtazipine for my sleep problems as it induced deep sleep which is what I desperately need, but seeing the i.oact it has on weight, I decided not to.

It will also make you feel drowsy and tired. I'd definitely look at coming off these.

And for some people it doesn't even address their sleep issues.

There are other meds you can try if you want, it's not all or nothing. And it's best not to come off a med without a doctor's advice/supervision.

And for some people it doesn't even address their sleep issues.

@rawalpindithelabrador And for some people it stops them killing themselves.

@SoulofanAggron

And for some people it doesn't even address their sleep issues.

@rawalpindithelabrador And for some people it stops them killing themselves.

. What an odd and unnecessary comment. Total non sequitur. That particular medication is known to cause weight gain in many users; it's not guaranteed to work on sleep issues. The OP needs to go back and see another doctor and possibly a consultant.