I need a sense check here as I feel like I have been filed in the hypochondriac drawer by my GP. I have been struggling with my health for 4/5 years now, since I had my youngest DC. She was a terrible sleeper and for 3.5 years I had complete sleep deprivation. However, about 18 months ago she started to sleep through the night and I was looking forward to feeling more like my old self again. But it just hasn't happened, and now I am wondering if there is something more going on.
My symptoms are exhaustion - even after a good night's sleep I don't feel rested, really struggling with my concentration and memory during the day.
Weight gain - I have put on over 2.5 stone over the past 4 years and cannot seem to lose it despite diet and exercise. I am currently signed up to Second Nature and have been following it religiously, and also on week 4 of couch 25k (which I also completed last summer and managed to get up to running 10k before injury made me take a break). In 6 weeks, I have lost 1lb. I am 5ft so 2.5 stone is a lot for me, and my BMI has gone from healthy to obese.
Bloating - I look 6 months pregnant most of the time. Not too bad first thing in the morning but as soon as any food touches my lips I just seem to swell up.
Body aches - constantly feel as though I am coming down with something but it doesn't come to anything.
I have been to the GP and blood tests showed low folate levels. I had suspected underactive thyroid based on my symptoms, and one of the thyroid indicators (sorry can't remember the official terms!) was outside of the normal limits, but the other was just inside of the normal range and overall GP felt it was fine. Was prescribed some high-dose folic acid tablets for 3 months but didn't really notice any difference. I've been back to the GP twice now but they are refusing to do any further tests. She just keeps asking how my mood is and says she thinks I am stressed and just offers to sign me off work for a couple of weeks. My mood is definitely low and I do feel stressed, but I feel like it is the situation driving my mood, rather than my mood driving the situation. I feel like I am being fobbed off, but in fairness I have probably lost a bit of perspective now.
My question is - is it worth pushing for more tests, and if so, what tests should I be asking for? Also any self-help anyone can recommend? I am focusing on eating well, getting enough sleep (kids permitting!) and trying to exercise but willing to try anything!