New- I feel like a shell of myself

So glad I found a place to be heard. Ive been seeing doctors all winter and there is no explanation for how I feel. I have have a lot of fatigue and joint pain. A mild sinus problem with pain in the right ear and mild sore throat. Ive been to a nutritionist, allergist, ENT, hollistic, had an MRI, lots of bloodwork, nerve conduction testing. Nothing. Ive done the Gluten and Dairy free diet. Ive taken many suplements. My doctor says I have an unrealistic idea of what a 44 year old woman should feel like and that I should take some anti depressants. I have never been so weak in my life. Ive always had a lot of energy, been strong and healthy. In the last four years Ive gone down hill and I feel like I just keep sinking further and further. Dont know what to do. I take Lipitor for high cholesterol. Other than that all my tests are normal. Im 125 lbs and 5.2. I dont feel fat but I do feel better when I weigh less. Ive tried losing a few lbs and it just doesnt work. I can fast for a week and lose two lbs only to gain it right back. I workout everyday. I usually do the treadmill or walk, or mow the lawn. I have days that are a lot worse than others. I just dont know if the doctor is right and Im depressed or if it is a physical problem. Thanks for listening.

Karen is likely right on target as usual, AnnieGirl, and I might add that
low levels of vitamin C will cause symptoms. Not very many doctors
check for that; often they check for B12 levels because the B vitamins
all provide for increased energy, but they do not always check vitamin
C or D levels.


I'm not a doctor and can tell you only what has worked for me. When I feel depleted of energy, I look back at the day prior to the low-energy- level day and make sure that I didn't have an overload of heavy physical activity at that time. If not, then I know that I should increase my vitamin C, D, and B levels by taking a high-quality multiple vitamin. In addition, adding some good quality protein to your diet might help the energy boost. As you know, many people take a high-quality multiple vitamin daily just for good measure because of the American diet.

Metabolism slows down as we age, and it may be that's also what the
doctor was referring to. The treadmill will help with energy production, too, so I'd keep that going if you feel like it.

You've had all the allergy tests, I feel sure, for foods and inhalants, including trees, grasses, molds, etc. This is the grass season and bothers those who are allergic to them. You might wish to notice whether yours is an all-the-time reduction of energy or seasonal. If seasonal, you know you have an allergy of some sort that hasn't been verified yet. The two most common food allergies that cause reactions may be corn and wheat for many. For others, it's something else in the diet.

You have a puzzle to solve, AnnieGirl, and that's how you might wish to investigate your evaluation of what's happening. Make sure of Karen's suggestions first, however, because she is moderator of Fibromyalgia, Allergies,Depression, and Chronic Fatigue Forums and knows the way to guide you in your search.

It's Genetic

No, Annie Girl, you don't just need some "anti-crazy" pills!  What would probably help would be to see your doctor again for a confirmation of fibromyalgia if that's the problem so that you may be treated medically for it.

The second thing I might suggest is that you talk to a counselor or

psychiatrist.  From you last post it appears to me that you may have a little conflict going on with your relationship with the man whom you love, and you might wish to get a professional opinion about helping you manage your own independence and still retain a happy relationship with someone whom you care for.

We've all had experience with help from psychiatrists at one time or another, and you'll find that they can be wonderful people who give great insight into what we feel are almost unresolvable situations.  I rank them as some of the best in the medical profession for personal help in overcoming anxieties.

Karen will be particularly helpful with guiding you along the Fibromyalgia route and depression if it turns out that you have a minor problem with that, so I hope you will keep posting to let her and other members have an opportunity to bring you up to date on what you might do in regard to the fibro and depression.

Try to keep well in the meantime, and do keep posting as you wish.

Take care.

It's Genetic

Maybe this chiropractor isn't the right approach. Maybe you should see a doctor and get on some antidepressants. I know that you probably don't like meds, as you are going with a holistic approach. But sometimes we need them. I do a lot of walking and that helps me. Though I do take meds too.

Best wishes in feeling better.

Hugs, Karen

Hi Annie,

I take norco for pain. They are a ten mg. vicodin, with less tylenol. I take six a day. I am suppose take on every four hours, but I take two of them three times a day. The doc said it was okay. I use to take soma which is a muscle relaxer, but my new doc took it away. He wants me on flexeril, which I hate because it gives me a hang over. I still have many somas for when I need them, and the flexeril. Some people really like flexeril, but I don't. The doctors consider soma as a buzz drug, but I never felt it. I would get loopy for about 20 min if I didn't eat with it, so I made sure to take it with food. But lately I haven't needed the muscle relaxers. I do meditation and that helps relax me. I hope that you find out what is going on. If you suspect fibromyalgia, go to the fibro forum and look at a thread called "fibro101". It is a stickie thread so it is always at the top of the page. Second thread. It has a list of symptoms on it. You could read that list and see if it sounds like what you have. Depression can mock it, but a lot of times, fibro causes depression because you are in pain and so tired all the time. I hope that this helps in some small way. Or a big waylol... Take care, and keep posting.

Hugs, Karen

PS  I have noticed a lot of women get fibro in their 40's, you might want to look into this with your doc.  You already have a lot of things ruled out already.  And basically that is the only way to test for fibro.  Plus a tender point test on your back.

I know it is hard. Don't overextend yourself financially. I can just imagine three teens. Wow!!! You must have nerves of steel. lol...

I am glad that you looked at the fibromyalgia forum. There is a long list of symptoms. I have most of them, but not all. I have mine pretty much under control. But today I was especially aching more. It was really humid today too. So I think it is the weather.

I am glad that you are seeing the chiropractor tomorrow. Let us know what he says. Swimming is the best exercise and the best thing for fibro if you have it. It is gentle on the muscles. Just try not to over do it. That is easy to do.

I hope that you feel better soon. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

Hugs, Karen

I feel nothing like the person i used to be. Cant do anything anymore since having gerd, anxiety attacks, depression and my breathing problems. My breathing has gotten worse everyday. Always gotta catch my breath even when i yawn. Cant even do anything with my friends or family, im very anti social now. Dislike holidays. Never get any sleep. People around me just dont understand and they never will. Dont like waking up in pain, going to bed in pain, basically everyday is a struggle to want to keep going. No job, no income, cant work til im back to health and thats looking like never. Im never going to be normal again, so y even try. Im at the edge of the cliff now and ready to jump. Im scared to die but is living with all this pain worth it, i just dont know anymore. Thanks 4 listening.