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Original poster

Getting GP to take tiredness seriously

142 replies

Jellyjumpers · 30/09/2018 20:47

I have had a range of symptoms over the last two months from pain in my stomach on the left, a hip pain diagnosed as sciatica, random constipation and a general feeling of not being well. While I appreciate that symptoms healing keeping me awake at night will lead to tiredness I do not think the way I feel is normal. I can sleep on my train journey to work, again in the toilet at work he bearly able to keep eyed open in meetings etc

This weekend I have slept well at night for at least nine hours, then had a five six hour sleep yesterday and two hours today. In my last appointment I mentioned this and was told tiredness is normal with pain. Does this sound right particularly as I feel a bit unwell all the time as if I am about to get a cold, with the same sort of tiredness

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Maursh · 01/10/2018 16:43

Your symptoms do seem to fit hypothyroidism - have it tested privately with a full panel if your GP won't order one. The TSH "gold" standard test is notorious unreliable. There is also a simple test you can do at home taking your body temperature over the course of the day.

Have you had any weight changes?

Another thought, if all bloods come back normal is have you been overseas? A lot of parasitic infections are neglected.

humblesims · 01/10/2018 17:39

Sorry if I've missed this but can i ask how old you are? Could you be in perimenopause?

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 01/10/2018 17:39

I yes the endometriosis was reckoned. I am still not convinced that this is not the cause of symptoms as I had points before surgery where I felt like this. I almost feel it is a bit like a faint and until things get past adhetions I feel shakey sick and tired. Sometimes I feel much better after I have been to the toilet

However, I have been admitted to gynae ward previously and they fig not think endo could be the cause..

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Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 01/10/2018 17:43

I have not noticed any weight changes and have only been in Europe this year. I am 30. 😖

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Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 01/10/2018 20:21

swingofthingsAny tips for getting out of a cycle of stress. I am trying to use medditation and exercise where able. The best possible thing seems to be a few hours of activity then a sleep for half an hour then a good quality nighttime sleep.b

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AGHHHH · 02/10/2018 04:53

OP, what are you ferritin levels if they tested them?

And what are your actual latest results for everything? :)

ChristmasArmadillo · 02/10/2018 05:38

I’m having the exact same symptoms for the last 3 months. My blood work was perfect and they said “well you have two children.” I do, but I was functional with both of them six months ago! Now I’m barely getting through the day.

IWouldLikeToKnow · 02/10/2018 05:42

A good routine of daily exercise may help some of your symptoms.

swingofthings · 02/10/2018 07:35

Jelly, it's hard isn't it. Meditation, cognitive behaviour therapy, lifestyle changes all helps but involve such a change in - bad- habits it can't à quick fix.

It's taken me 6 months and still struggling as my hormones - perimenopause- are playing with my efforts!

What I've learnt is to be more accepting of what I can't change. So what if I get a week of poor sleep? It's very unpleasant but it hasn't caused me to be sacked, to hurt anyone or myself or worse so life goes on!

redsummershoes · 02/10/2018 08:12

My blood work was perfect and they said “well you have two children.”

Shock

they still come out with that shit?
do complain!

Thecurtainsofdestiny · 02/10/2018 17:59

Hi Jelly
Sorry for delayed reply!

I have a lot of pain management strategies that help. Some specific to the type/site of pain though. Also have found that mindfulness helps me get back to sleep if wakened by pain.

Managing my life with the pain and tiredness... challenging! Part time work rather than full time, and occupational health advised adjustments.

It's my social life that has really taken the hit, since if I'm working I have limited capacity for other things.

Change of mindset -accepting myself with my limitations- has been hard to do but does help also.

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 02/10/2018 23:07

I am not sure what my latest bloods are as they were taken in hospital and it is a couple of years since I have had them at the G

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Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 02/10/2018 23:12

ChristmasArmadillo
Sorry to hear your GP has not been any help. Have you seen your blood results and been able to post In case someone can point you in the right direction? Z In this is

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Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 02/10/2018 23:20

I am happy to use a more psychological approach if needed. However, I had physieo this evening and he thinks she that the gp should be referring me somewhere about the stomach pain.. The muscles are now much looser so the exercises are staffing work bud I am still getting stomach pain and tiredness.

I wish I could exercise. While I am doing as much as I can a thirty minute means as a nap.

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Thecurtainsofdestiny · 02/10/2018 23:36

Definitely a good idea to ensure nothing else going on first.

I've been dealing with this for several years now and did have thorough investigation before taking the approach I have now.

Thecurtainsofdestiny · 02/10/2018 23:40

It doesn't have to be either/or though.

Psychological approach may be helpful while still making sure that all appropriate investigations have been done.

It's so discouraging when in the middle of it, isn't it? Can feel endless.

I'm in a better place than I have been. Things can improve.

Hoping things will get better for you too, OPFlowers

Firstbornunicorn · 03/10/2018 08:58

OP, I'm getting no treatment.

I was sick of being useless, so yesterday I decided to tidy the bedroom a bit, and ended up asleep on the floor.

Sick line ends tomorrow so I'm going to have to make it to work, one way or another.

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 03/10/2018 21:45

I agree a psychological approach is helpful whatever the cause. I have been trying to use mindfullness etc. I am now getting much better sleep as the sciatica is much better and not waking he up when I move at night. Their us still a sore patch hear where I think the bowel is and the tiredness us no better. Hoping the GP is helpful on Friday...
Umicorn you sound too tired to he working. Do you have any recommended adjustments?x

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Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 03/10/2018 21:52

I have a general type of unwell feeling at the moment and keep expecting to get a cold which does not materialize. Does the general biral unwell feeling make sense? I am looking for an explanation for the gp.

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Firstbornunicorn · 03/10/2018 21:54

No @Jellyjumpers I'm getting really fed up 😭 you can't get adjustments without some kind of recognition that you're sick from your GP, and mine just tells me to push through and get on with it 😭

Marlboroughlights1 · 03/10/2018 22:02

I have days of unbearable tiredness and am also shedding tons of hair. I've wondered if it is the mirena which I've had in for about 18 months as part of HRT

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 03/10/2018 22:51

What would your wish list he if you could have any adjustments? Are there particular times of day when you feel better, or are you able to work from home or is there a medical room at your work that you could have a nap in?

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Firstbornunicorn · 04/10/2018 00:13

A chair that would let me recline when I can't sit upright would keep me in work longer, I think. Somewhere to have a rest/lie down would be lovely. I'd love to be able to work from home on bad days but sadly that's not available. There's no particular time of day when I feel better, but I struggle in the mornings, so a flexible start time would be nice.

Nomorerainplease · 04/10/2018 00:24

Jelly jumpers. I am medical. I haven’t read the whole thread (sorry!) but go back to Go say how much you are sleeping, and about the constipation. At the very least they should check you are not anaemic, or hypothyroid. I would want to ask more questions about your change in bowel habit and the hip pain.

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 04/10/2018 07:13

First born how sympathetic is your manager or HR? My experience of work is that they are generally most helpful when you talk to them about the problems and try to work creatively with them to mean you can do as much as possible. It does not help anyone if you need to go back off sick when a few simple adjustments would have helped keep you working. Have you spoken to your GP about what you think would help in work?

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