Breathless, tired, lack of interest in life

[ThisisMax]

Hello
Quick thread, if I could have any feedback Id be very appreciative.
Im male, 49, asthmastic but well managed, no wheeze, no asthma attacks. Fairly fit. Have put on a bit of weight due to chronic neck issue- Occipital neuralgia. Nerve blocks worked for this, then failed so I am on 2Omg Amitripyline about 6 weeks now.
Blood pressure slightly high.
Im a tired all the time, feels like my chest is smaller, air hunger, constantly wanting to sleep. Have to push through tiredness most of time with kids and work etc.
Bloods are fine. Saw cardiologist in Dec for review and all normal.
Triple vaxxed. Had mild covid in Feb.
Is this long covid, covid side effects, middle age, asthma, amitripyline side effects??? (well documented and definiely has affected me, but to this extent?)
Opinions welcome.
Thank you.

No answers I am afraid. I feel similar to you, had covid end of Jan, I think it could be long covid

hope you feel better soon

Does “bloods are fine” mean cardiac bloods, or did they also check for anaemia and thyroid? May be worth asking whether those were done. Hope you feel better soon.

@Workinghardeveryday Thanks. Its intermittent exhaustion. Totally wiped at times, then kind of OK. I think amitripyline has some bearing as it has exhausting side effects too. I hope you get better soon. Do you have that chest heaviness? Its the weirdest thing.

Sleep apnoea?

@anotherneutralname
GP does my bloods regularly. Must ask abt thyroid. He said cholesterol was a bit high but Im good at getting that down. I went to cardiologist urgently at xmas due to covid vax suspected side effects. All function, test and bloods were correct then. Seeing him in June again for a close off appt.

TBH it sounds very much like my asthma pre a massive attack - like a warning sign. A wheeze isn’t always a signal for asthmatics.
I would be asking for a proper full review.
I’ve no experience of your other conditions.

Hmmm. I did discuss that with Dr as I do snore. Because of Anitripyline sleep I cannot remember anything from sleep - its the oddest wipe out sleep.

@Alphabet1spaghetti2 thanks. I have not had an attack in years. Daily preventer seems to be working. No wheeze and its not typical asthma tightness.

Air hunger and fatigue - could you be anxious? Depressed?
Also second the suggestion of sleep apnoea.

Vit d deficiency?

@ThisisMax - I'm similar re asthma, covid early April that initially seemed mild but has dragged on with similar symptoms to you describe re exhaustion, air hunger, tightness of chest. Almost a burning feeling sometimes.
But no classic wheeze at all.

Have you asked your doctor about an inhaler with combined preventer plus long acting salbutamol? I found that helped me (usually v well controlled on a low dose of Qvar / beclomethasone only).

My DH who is much fitter than me and doesn't have asthma also had covid and has days where his energy levels crash inexplicably (he had to go back to bed and fell into deep sleep all yesterday afternoon - totally unlike him - after doing exercise in the morning. And still isn't really right again today.)

Genuinely sounds like what I've been experiencing with Long Covid. It's slowly getting better unless I push myself too hard!

Co Q 10 is also recommended for energy levels.
Juries out for me currently but may be worth trying? I'm using Boots own version.

@CorsicaDreaming thank you. I sound like your husband. I literally have to sleep right then. An immediate deep sleep if I do go. If I push through llor csnt sleep and go out or have a shower etc Im fine. But much less energy than before.
I will ask about new drugs- am on Becotide daily and I have no issues have not used rescue inhaler in years. But good ideas. I hope your husband gets better.

Try using your reliever inhaler - according to your rescue plan. If it helps, then definitely go and see either your GP or your practice nurse - if they are a specialist in asthma. Asthma uk can also advise. Meds do need tweaking every so often.

Try a chiropractor

For my breathing you mean?

Menopause can alter asthma problem you need to get checked out. Do you have a peak flow gadget if not get one and start measuring and recording your flow

Neck I think

I think lack of energy and extreme tiredness and not wanting to do anything is the amitriptyline. I have been taking 10mg (half of your dose) for approx 4 months now. It has taken weeks and weeks for my body to adjust to it. I have been in bed for 10, 11, 12 hours a night and still wake up feeling tired. It doesn't put me straight to sleep like it used to but I don't wake up once I'm asleep. Everyday I get up telling myself I'll have a nap in the day. I'm not working at the moment.

I also have asthma just like you describe and had covid in January.

B12 deficiency?

He is male!

@ThisisMax - The combined inhaler I was prescribed is called a Fostair Nexthaler

I don't know op but 3 men at my work have had this recently and all had previously had covid. One was so concerned he had lung scans.
All are feeling better now - lasted about 6 weeks.

I agree with Catfunk, just so many people we know have had Omicron Covid and Generally fit and well (with usual health niggles but not CEV) but all so exhausted with it for around eight weeks - with it coming and going.

But the good news is it seems they all have fully recovered now. I think the age thing can make quite a difference as we are late 40s but people who are younger seem to bounce back quicker. Although that's obviously a bit of a major generalisation. !