Am I Just Weak!?

[LizzyJam]

Am I just one of life’s weaklings?

For most of my adult life I’ve had to take a nap in the day. While most people seem to power on and have bags of energy, come midday I have to nap. I absolutely have to nap. My brain is foggy, I can’t string a sentence together and the nap gives me a little reset and I’m ok to go.

Since my toddler dropped her nap, this has got worse. I need to nap, but can’t, as she’s not asleep.

Added to this I’m constantly plagued by the most random symptoms. Arms and shoulders that throb and ache. Sinus issues. Tinnitus. Joints that randomly swell and recover (hands especially and toes).

My GP suggested it’s just motherhood but I worry it’s more. Historically my bloods have been ok, so I don’t want to bother them again for more.

I just wondered if this is a normal state for anyone else? I look at my friends and they can go all day. But by the end of a day for me, I feel like I’ve run an ultra marathon.

I suggest you go and see your GP for blood tests re swelling and tiredness.This is not normal tiredness.Do you eat a healthy diet ,exercise,are not over weight.Please seek medical help.

Not normal! What's your diet & exercise like etc, that can have an effect on energy levels.

No,not normal. A friend was like this, except she didn't have kids. She was told it was rheumatoid arthritis,put into steroids. Saw a rheumatology consultant,it turned out to be a weird virus.

Thanks. I eat pretty well and exercise. I’m 9 stone 9, so not overweight. I was worrying it was just in my head - as the doctor looked at me like ‘bless’ when I tried to explain everything. Maybe I’ll push for further investigations?

Take photos when your hands and toes are swollen so you have a record.Write down everything you are worried about and show the Dr.You need to be taken seriously.Good luck.

Have you ever considered ME? I have it and it sounds like a possibility to me.

I was like this for many years after a virus that caused arthritis throughout my body. Perimenopause also had a very bad effect and I can’t have HRT due to another condition.

Have you had COVID? I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia following that, but am actually awaiting further investigations for things that weren’t ruled out. If it is fibromyalgia though I have probably had it for years, but it has been better or worse at times.

To answer your question it is not normal to feel as you do, but it is very easy to be fobbed off and doubt your own experience of your symptoms and think you are weak, lazy etc. Please go back to your GP, my friend’s daughter was diagnosed with three separate conditions after being given antidepressants for years.

I have has Covid, yes! Twice. And Shingles last year (having a baby seemed to ruin my immune system!) When I speak to the GP & I describe my symptoms they sound mild. But actually they’re really impacting my life and self esteem - I’m so embarrassed I have to nap that urgently. I mean, even my toddler can make it through a day without one! I have a history of anxiety and I know the GP often suggests it’s that, or I just have health anxiety. But I’m long in the tooth when it comes to anxiety and am aware of what’s anxiety and what’s physical pain.

But, I digress! I’ll take photos as has been suggested and maybe push harder with the GP! Thanks so much for listening.