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Extreme Chronic Fatigue as the major symptom

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Posted 5/13/2019 6:55 AM (GMT -7)
I am on day 7 of Prozac 10mg with no side effects which is promising. I will up to 20mg in another week. My main symptom which I have been dealing with for more than 8 years is chronic tiredness. I wake up tired...unrefreshed...even though I most of the time sleep pretty good. I have dreams and when I wake I usually fall back to sleep.

I do have other depression symptoms such as crying spells..get extremely fatigued when I have to concentrate on something...sometimes so unmotivated I can’t do anything. But the fatigue is what is debilitating. When I wake up tired then the day doesn’t have much hope.

I have read that extreme fatigue is a symptom of depression but it is my major symptom. I have to rest (not sleep) every afternoon. I usually can’t do night time activities. I tire out easily mentally.
The fatigue does not feel like a “normal” tiredness. It just feels bad and I can’t go on with the day like a normal person would be able too with tiredness.

I guess I am wondering if anyone else has this has their major symptom and if the anti-depressants helped. I have taken Wellbutrin in the past but it didn’t give me any energy at all.

I have had sleep studies done...no apnea or restless legs. But still I wake exhausted. I don’t really qualify for CFS as I only have two symptoms on the list.

Can anyone here relate?
Posted 5/13/2019 9:19 AM (GMT -7)
I have chronic fatigue too. I think mine is from fibromyalgia. I don't have a lot of symptoms of CFS either, but I have the fatigue.

Antidepressants can help but don't always. I take Adderall and it helps. I am on generic and it doesn't help as much as brand name, but it does help.

I take Pristiq and it doesn't make me as tired as some antidepressants.

I hope you find something to help. When I first got the fibromyalgia, I slept for two years. So I missed out on two years of my life. It wasn't fun. I hope yours doesn't get that bad.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/13/2019 9:54 AM (GMT -7)
@Karen- I don’t have fibromyalgia...I do have neuropathy in my left calf but it’s not bad enough to take medication for it.
The only real symptoms I have is the chronic debilitating fatigue and poor sleep. I don’t think the poor sleep has a huge impact on the daily fatigue since it isn’t a need for more sleep...I would never be able to sleep during the day.

I am sure the Prozac is adding some to the tiredness right now but it would still be crippling even if I wasn’t on anything. It really isn’t a need for energy. It’s more of being mentally tired and exhausted if that makes sense.

I can’t wait for my appointment next month. I am busy typing up my lists of symptoms...medications and tests I have had in the past 13 years. It’s easier just to hand them to her because it’s massive and I would never remember everything.

The tiredness is well exhausting to deal with..I might very well have CFS or just idiopathic fatigue and it will never be figured out.
Posted 5/13/2019 10:38 AM (GMT -7)
It's a good idea to take tests and write things down so that the doctor can look at them. I hope that your appointment goes well and that you get some answers.

I have found that walking helps both mentally. And it doesn't have to be a long walk. If I can get out there for about ten minutes of walking it helps me. I feel less exhausted and better mentally, in other words I can think.

Let us know how everything goes for you. All I ever want to do is sleep. But I push through it the best that I can and that is with the aid of medication. I hope it gets better for you.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/13/2019 11:29 AM (GMT -7)
@Karen- I will keep posting on my journey with Prozac. It’s only been a week but at least the only side effect I have is more fatigue. All I want to do is lay down as I feel so tired. I just went out for a 15 minute walk in between thunderstorms. I love nature and the outdoors but sometimes I just can’t manage even a short walk.

I still have to wonder if this is CFS as a doctor diagnosed me with it but I think he just didn’t know what was wrong as fatigue being my primary symptom...

The doctor appointment is on June 18 so I definitely will post on that. I have been to so many different doctors I am not sure this one will be any different. But...I have to go and see if she comes up with something.
Posted 5/13/2019 12:12 PM (GMT -7)
I know how you feel, once I got a diagnosis, it was somewhat easier. At least I knew what I was dealing with. The problem is not a lot of doctors always believe in fibromyalgia. More now than use to though. But it was like a mystery illness and some doctors don't know how to treat it. But I been living with it now for about 17 years. And it isn't as bad as it was unless I just got use to it.

I have pain and fatigue. I handle the pain much better than the fatigue mentally.

I hope that the Prozac works well for you. It can take six to eight weeks for the medication to reach full potential. But you can feel better in the meantime. At least you say you don't have much side effects, that is a good thing. Keep me posted...

Have a good evening...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/13/2019 1:55 PM (GMT -7)
Karen- It’s true that in the past many doctors didn’t believe in Fibromyalgia or CFS . I have a friend who is on disability because of Fibromyalgia . It took years for her to be diagnosed and then the long process of filing. She had a job she loved and made good money which is what is so frustrating about the validity of these illnesses.
No one would chose to be disabled over a great job and normal life.

At least it is more recognized now. No matter what chronic symptoms we are dealing with it’s difficult.
I hope the Prozac is the culprit in my increased tiredness. I am just a limp rag almost. I had to lay down for a couple hours but it never makes a difference...just necessary.

I will at least stay on the Prozac until I see the doctor. That will make it about 7-8 weeks I would have been taking it. I should know by then if it’s helping and if not maybe she has another suggestion. I just really can’t take anything that will cause ungodly fatigue as I have enough of that already.

Take care
Kim
Posted 5/13/2019 4:15 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Kim,

I tried to get social security disability but was denied. The administrative law judge said I could work in a ticket booth somewhere. Wow, really? I appealed it but still was denied. So I am glad your friend got it. It is sad when you don't feel well enough to work. I did end up working for awhile at a convenience store/gas station and I loved it but when it got real cold I couldn't get myself to go out in the weather. So I ended up taking a leave of absence but I didn't go back. I did enjoy it though while I could do it and felt good for being able to.

I imagine the Prozac could be the culprit, but that could go away in seven to ten days. That is what they say anyway. So there is hope. I know how you feel about the fatigue, It does make life hard. I remember having to hang on to furniture just to get around the house. It was like I was so weak. I am glad those days are over, at least I hope that they are. And I hope that the Prozac helps you. I know it is hard but hang in there. You will get better and I hope that it is soon.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/14/2019 4:31 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Karen- I am thinking now about discontinuing the Prozac as yesterday I was so tired I couldn’t function. I am going to take it later in the day like during lunch and see if the tiredness is as bad.
I know it’s said that it does go away but when the fatigue is bad to begin with...adding more is really horrible.
I didn’t have this the first days so not sure why it’s happened for now.

If that doesn’t work then I will discontinue for now and wait to talk with the doctor. Maybe I won’t need anything . I know Prozac is one of the ones that cause less fatigue so I don’t know. I still take 150mg Wellbutrin so I will keep on that.

Thanks for all your encouragement...I will keep you posted. It’s a beautiful sunny day here so we are going to drive to the lake and check on the Eagle family. The eaglets are close to flying and would love to witness that!

Take care
Kim
Posted 5/14/2019 5:13 AM (GMT -7)
Maybe taking it before bed might help. Instead of in the morning. I am sorry it is making you more fatigued. There is also Lexapro??? Maybe that wouldn't make you fatigued. I am sure your doc will have some ideas.

Now once I went off SSRI's and switched to SNRI's I was less fatigued. The SNRI's I know of are Effexor and Pristiq. They have antianxiety agents in them. I hope that this helps some.

That would be nice if you only needed the Wellbutrin.

Can you talk to the doc before your appointment? I would call and ask what you should do.

I hope you are able to enjoy the day. Sunny here for a change and warmer. I will walk the dog today for sure. Yesterday was windy and cold so I didn't go.

Take care Kim. Thanks for writing back.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/14/2019 5:39 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Karen- I cant take Effexor as it was on my genetic “no” list. Pristique I think was okay to try.
I have never seen the psychiatrist so I don’t think she would recommend anything. I was given Prozac from my PCP who recommended I see the other doctor.

I am going to see how I feel today without the Prozac this morning. I mean I am always tired anyway but hopefully I will be able to get some stuff done. Then after lunch I will decide what to do.
I am back taking Klonopin to sleep...a quarter milligram is all I need. I had been off it for a year but now am having trouble falling asleep again. I don’t like to but I do what I must in order to sleep.

I will keep you posted.

Kim
Posted 5/14/2019 7:07 AM (GMT -7)
I take Xanax on occasion or some old ambien that I have. But I don't know if this would work for you, I meditate at night to fall asleep and it works real well. Look into it. Then you get a natural sleep. I am glad you have the klonopin for sleep. We heal and rest when we sleep and the body needs that.

I been seeing a psychiatrist for awhile. I see a psychologist too. The psychologist is my therapist. I think my psychiatrist is going to retire from the practice, either that or just work with veterans. But my psychologist will be able to write my prescriptions. So that is good, but I foresee her retiring soon too. Then I will have to find another doctor to write my prescriptions. That isn't going to be fun.

I hope you have a great day with some energy or less fatigue. I hope you get a lot done, I have yet to see that day. I get things done but not a lot.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/14/2019 4:03 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Kim,

Depression itself can cause a fatigue that blows your mind.

some days all I can do is take care of my to dogs and that is about it! some times I even forget to feed them when I am bad. I can understand why they keep asking for something Then I realize!!!. LOL

I have found though the years, that battling through the tiredness getting out side for a 10 min walk or even sitting on your front steps for 10min can make all the difference.

I found myself a hobby, I make lap blankets for local Alz. units and that keeps my hands busy. Busy hands. healthy minds.

lSupport groups help too.

I mediatate, the is a great app free Insight time. For your phone. If you don't like it you can uninstall it.

I know how are this is, I know how frustrating it is when you can not find the med the will work. Kim you are not alone. And you are not lost. You will fine an anwser. in the meantime. slow down be your own advocate and give yourself some TLC.

INSIGHT TIMER..... so many things to help you....

Peace
Trina
Posted 5/15/2019 4:14 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Trina- The problem is I have been struggling with fatigue since 2004. Back then before I knew I had Lyme it was more of an exhausting feeling. The fatigue I have had for the past ten years is different. Maybe it is from depression but back in 2010 when it started I know I wasn’t depressed.
I had successfully treated Lyme...working part time..traveling ...living my life.
Then gradually the fatigue crept in and became more and more debilitating. Over the years I also became intolerant to noise...light...crowds...malls...restaurants. I would get very overstimulated.

I can’t have night activities because I am too tired. Shopping is exhausting....I have trouble on the computer and watching television...the sound and movement is stimulating. Insomnia since 2004.

I am under the impression that whatever causes all this has given me depression because it’s been so long. I know I failed the depression questionnaire but I am very frustrated that I can’t do things...not that I don’t even care I can’t.

I could go on and on.... I have read depression causes wicked fatigue but have never read where it causes all my other major issues so I just don’t know if antidepressants would even help. I guess that’s up to the doctor to decide. I am possibly depressed but also could have CFS?

I have some meditation apps on my phone and will check yours out too. I also do heart math several times a day.
I try to walk daily even if I feel tired...I go out with a friend if I am able. I do whatever I am able.

Thanks for writing...I appreciate it.

Kim
Posted 5/15/2019 6:51 AM (GMT -7)
Have you had your thyroid levels checked? How about your cortisol level? These 2 hormones can wreak havoc on the body.
Posted 5/15/2019 8:37 AM (GMT -7)
@pitmom- I have my thyroid checked ever six months because I am hypothyroid and on medication. I had my cortisol levels checked five months ago and they were perfect. I also recently had the ACTH STIM test and it was normal as well. My adrenals are in good working order. I think everything you can think of I have been tested for! I can tell you everything is normal except my cholesterol.
Posted 5/15/2019 8:40 AM (GMT -7)
Sometimes we don't even realize how poorly we are sleeping! When my Lupus was more active I was sleeping 10-12 hours at night and so tired I couldn't hardly move during the day.. naps, etc. Slept like the dead.

I was totally mystified when my rheumatologist suggested a sleep aid! I thought he'd gone off his rocker, or confused me with another patient. I thought I was sleeping more than enough, and the sleep study really didn't find any problems. What could he possibly be thinking???!

So I took the Trazodone he recommended. And started sleeping only 10 hours and waking up refreshed! Still had a bit of a tendency to need a nap in the late afternoon -- but after I stopped with the soft drinks and the processed carb snacks even the need to nap disappeared.

So, you might start by adjusting your diet and trying some over-the-counter sleep aids, like Melatonin. Can't hurt, right?

Best wishes,
Posted 5/15/2019 8:49 AM (GMT -7)
@Lynnwood- I took Lunesta for 6 years. Then quarter Klonopin for 6 years. I quit both last year and had a terrible time falling and staying asleep. I just recently started taking quarter Klonopin and Melatonin. I sleep fine but not refreshed and I am constantly tired even if I don’t do anything the fatigue is present.
I have a very long list of things I have tried for sleep including pharmaceutical and herbal. I couldn’t tolerate Trazadone at all. It just made me unbearably drowsy but I couldn’t fall asleep. Then the hangover was awful.
The only things that helped me sleep were Lunesta and Klonopin or Ativan. I sleep but it’s never refreshing which makes me think I could possibly have CFS.

Thank you for your suggestions...
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