Extreme Fatigue

[Zombiequeenxx]

👋
First post so please be kind 😆

I also know I need a GP visit.

For a while now I have been feeling absolutely exhausted, I mean literally falling asleep on and off throughout the day, constantly lethargic and just basically done in.

I have had bloods done numerous times at the GP.

I am now confused if it's physical or mental.

I have 2 children (12yo and 4yo). The 4yo i love with all my heart however very, very demanding. Won't leave my side, talks from the minute she opens her eyes, well shouts 😆 and wants me to do everything with her. My children are always with me, other than the 3 days I go to work.

I am struggling to function on a daily basis now. Please don't judge but I am often wondering what the point is anymore. I love my kids so much but when I'm so tired all the time the guilt kicks in and that's when I wonder what the point is.

Has anyone felt this way, could this be something physical the GP is missing or am I just not coping with 'normal' life.

Get a copy of your blood tests results, maybe post the figures here?
Many things can be marked as ‘normal’ but could leave you exhausted if they are at the low end, or they may not have tested everything even.
There are some really knowledgeable people on MN who may be able to help.

If all your results are in a good range (make sure you ask for copies!!) and all other options have been exhausted then it might be time to start thinking about CFS/ME. Have a google and see if the symptoms fit. If you think you have it it is imperative that you do not push yourself

Yes, second pp.
i am similarly absolutely exhausted. Physically cannot get up off sofa, not normal i-have-a-4-year-old tiredness.

had bloods done a year ago for same thing and told normal so no follow up. Just downloaded the NHS app last week for something else and discovered my test results on there - iron should apparently be between 12 and 151. Mine was 13. Ffs, yes, technically “normal” range, but i could have done with a headsup a year ago that i was borderline anaemic. I’ve now bought myself some ferrous sulphate and am taking twice a day to see if i can regain some get up and go. I understand it will be at least a month before i see a difference.
good luck with your investigations.

Thank you, I will ask for a copy of blood results. Did not think to do that actually.

I've just looked up CFS and have pretty much all the symptoms. I will speak to the GP about this after any more tests etc.

I just want to feel 'normal' again.

Really!! Yeah very borderline!!

Glad you noticed this and I hope the tablets male a difference for you ❤️

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (previously known as ME) wouldn't show up on blood tests. I have CFS and what you describe is exactly how I am, it's like a blanket that comes over you and you have no choice but to fall asleep, but sleeping doesn't refresh you and you feel tired and on edge all the time.

You've described it so much better than me, that is exactly how it feels. The falling asleep is almost impossible to stop happening. I even feel it sometimes when driving and it's quite scary.

CFS/ME is unfortunately a possibility, but agree with PPs that you should have a look at the blood tests. I had some done a while ago and heard nothing back from the GP, but when I looked on the app, a couple of anaemia-related things (ferratin I think?) were at the very low end of normal and a couple of things actually out of range that the GP hadn’t notified me of.

Not sure how old you are but also wondering if perimenopause is a possibility. I know it gets mentioned on almost every health thread but it certainly affected my energy levels in a big way.

Def get the feretin up

Also look @ your vit d and b12

I felt horrendous when i was low in all 3 @ same time

And i have a CFS diagnosis

Eat blue berries - peas - dried apricots daily - helps feretin

Take vit D supplement - 1000 iu or 2000 iu daily

I was struggling and despite my iron levels being very low, I was told that Vitamin D would make a difference. I now take B, D and magnesium every morning and ferrous fumarate on alternating nights and feel much better but it's taken 6 months.

Or any chance you could be pregnant? Early pregnancy had me wanting to lie down on the floor at work and sleep for hours.

First thing to do as PP have said is get a copy of your blood results. My results were “fine” and I was brushed off by my GP.

Like a poster above, I discovered that I was at the low end of what is classed in the UK as ‘normal’ ranges in iron and vitamin D. A private GP prescribed me high dose supplements.

Even just getting my levels into mid-range had me feeling like a different person (and very pissed off with my usual GP).

It's happened to me while driving once and it was terrifying, I had my kids in the car at the time. So now I know, if that feeling starts coming over me, I shouldn't be anywhere near a car. I don't leave the house a lot, I have other conditions that affect my mobility among other things, so my car is my life line, but I always think twice now, instead of popping to the shops I get it delivered etc

I found that a iron count which was dismissed as normal in the NHS got me presecribed supplements in the USA when I moved there - I could not believe the difference it made to my energy levels. It is totally worth taking a supplement and if you find it hard, there are other formulations of iron which are easier on your system. Once you have seen your bloods, go back and talk to your GP - book a double appointment so you have a good amount of time for them to really listen to you - and dont leave until they come up with a plan.