1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Constant Fatigue, 20 year old female

Posted by plshelpmyfatigue @plshelpmyfatigue, Oct 18, 2017

Hi all! I have suffered from overwhelming fatigue and exhaustion for years; however, over the past six months it has gotten increasingly bad/unmanageable. I sleep 14 hours a night, and I wake up not feeling rested. I drink at least 3 or 4 cups of coffee to stay awake. I was sleeping up to 18-20 hours a day in the beginning of the summer, and if I could do that without life getting in the way (school, friends, etc.) I absolutely would!! It's been a brutal routine of trying to figure out how to not be exhausted-- I've completely changed my eating habits (all veggies and protein) as well as working out 4 times a week.

I also have gained 15 pounds, flare up of acne, and random depression, but this could be from recently getting the IUD (which I am taking out soon to rule out any factors). All tests have been normal, except for positive ANAs. I have done tests for Cushing's, lymes, thyroid, vitamin B levels, PCOS, lupus, etc. They were all normal. I'm just at a complete loss; if anyone had any ideas I would be beyond grateful. 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Oct 18, 2017

Hello @plshelpmyfatigue,

Welcome to Connect. I'm hoping you can meet other Connect members who have similar health concerns and learn what they are doing for treatments.

Since you mentioned having a positive ANA, I’d like to start by introducing you to a few members with very similar conditions. Please meet @cmtg, @pinkmk, @aman_23_23, @mommaj, @tljam, @whitechinacat, @palscoreen, @terryblink, @pinkstar, @rebo, @v1crew, @jewel8888, @tbeckys, @WendyAnne, @559purplepatty, @atorset, @beff2468, @taterjoy, @kanaazpereira, @lisabeans, @wottone, who I'm hoping can offer some information that may help.

You may also want to take a look at the following discussions:
– Undiagnosed auto immune disease: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/undiagnosed-auto-immune-disease/
– Autoimmune Diseases and Fatigue: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autoimmune-diseases-and-fatigue/
– What happens when you have a disease doctors can't diagnose TED talk by TED Fellow Jennifer Brea who became progressively ill with
myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jen_brea_what_happens_when_you_have_a_disease_doctors_can_t_diagnose?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread

@plshelpmyfatigue have you received any diagnosis from your doctor?

John

REPLY
4 replies
lisabeans | @lisabeans | Oct 19, 2017

Did they test your Vitamin B? That could cause exhaustion. Do you have any other symptoms (pain, swelling, rashes). Did you get in to see a rheumatologist? With a positive Ana there could be an inflammatory issue. I would start with a rheumatologist and see what he/she finds.

REPLY
2 replies
wottone | @wottone | Oct 19, 2017

I have mentioned this in a previous post about what helps me with my chronic fatigue. It’s a point system used for people with concussions issues but works well for others. It made me realize what activities were more exhausting than others and helped me deal with those less understanding when I could just say to them I’ve used up my points for the day and am done. I’m a visual person and this reminds me all the time the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of myself. It’s a life long battle. There will be good days ahead. Just keep advocating. Good luck.
REPLY
2 replies
robbinr | @robbinr | Oct 19, 2017

Hi, You are much too young to be that tired. If you sleep and wake up unrested, then you probably aren't "really" sleeping. Find out if you have sleep apnea. Move all electronics away from your bed so you can rule out low-level electrical frequency interference. Get rid of that IUD! Those things are dangerous. And don't give up. See a good doctor, have your blood worked up. You might be iron deficient. Determine if you are depressed instead of tired. Best of Luck and Don't give up! Robbinr

REPLY
1 reply
peach414144 | @peach414144 | Oct 22, 2017
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @plshelpmyfatigue, Welcome to Connect. I'm hoping you can meet other Connect members who have similar..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @plshelpmyfatigue,

Welcome to Connect. I'm hoping you can meet other Connect members who have similar health concerns and learn what they are doing for treatments.

Since you mentioned having a positive ANA, I’d like to start by introducing you to a few members with very similar conditions. Please meet @cmtg, @pinkmk, @aman_23_23, @mommaj, @tljam, @whitechinacat, @palscoreen, @terryblink, @pinkstar, @rebo, @v1crew, @jewel8888, @tbeckys, @WendyAnne, @559purplepatty, @atorset, @beff2468, @taterjoy, @kanaazpereira, @lisabeans, @wottone, who I'm hoping can offer some information that may help.

You may also want to take a look at the following discussions:
– Undiagnosed auto immune disease: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/undiagnosed-auto-immune-disease/
– Autoimmune Diseases and Fatigue: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autoimmune-diseases-and-fatigue/
– What happens when you have a disease doctors can't diagnose TED talk by TED Fellow Jennifer Brea who became progressively ill with
myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jen_brea_what_happens_when_you_have_a_disease_doctors_can_t_diagnose?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread

@plshelpmyfatigue have you received any diagnosis from your doctor?

John

Jump to this post

what happens when the doctors cannot diagnose your health problem? YOU BECOME CONFUSED, IRRITATED, DEPRESSED, SAD AND ETC., ETC. YOU GIVE UP YOU STOP BELIEVING IN YOURSELF, AND FEEL AS THOUGH YOU ARE LOSING IT. YOU WONDER WHAT ELSE CAN BE WRONG WITH YOU THAT THE DOCTORS DO NOT BELIEVE YOU. AND THEN YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS DO NOT BELIEVE IN YOU. WOW! SOME PEOPLE BECOME SUICIDAL WITH THEIR PHYSICAL AND NOW MENTAL PAIN.

THEY GIVE UP.

SHOULD THE DOCTORS TAKE A NEW COURSE TO HELP THESE PATIENTS? SHOULD THIS ADDITIONAL COURSE BE ADDED TO THEIR CURRICULUM IN ORDER TO GRADUATE? OR,,,, DO THEY ALREADY HAVE THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM ADDRESSED PROPERLY INTO THEIR CURRICULUM? OR......IF SO, IT SHOULD BE ENHANCED ENHANCED, ENHANCED.

for the most caring of doctors please forgive me.

OR, AS IN THE DIFFERENT CAREERS SUCH AS THE POLICE: THE UNACCEPTABLE CANDIDATES ARE WEEDED OUT AND NOT ALLOWED TO CONTINUE ON WITH THE COURSE.

SHOULD THIS ALSO BE WITH THE DOCTORS?

this suggestion is meant only to help.

REPLY
plshelpmyfatigue | @plshelpmyfatigue | Oct 23, 2017
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @plshelpmyfatigue, Welcome to Connect. I'm hoping you can meet other Connect members who have similar..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @plshelpmyfatigue,

Welcome to Connect. I'm hoping you can meet other Connect members who have similar health concerns and learn what they are doing for treatments.

Since you mentioned having a positive ANA, I’d like to start by introducing you to a few members with very similar conditions. Please meet @cmtg, @pinkmk, @aman_23_23, @mommaj, @tljam, @whitechinacat, @palscoreen, @terryblink, @pinkstar, @rebo, @v1crew, @jewel8888, @tbeckys, @WendyAnne, @559purplepatty, @atorset, @beff2468, @taterjoy, @kanaazpereira, @lisabeans, @wottone, who I'm hoping can offer some information that may help.

You may also want to take a look at the following discussions:
– Undiagnosed auto immune disease: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/undiagnosed-auto-immune-disease/
– Autoimmune Diseases and Fatigue: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autoimmune-diseases-and-fatigue/
– What happens when you have a disease doctors can't diagnose TED talk by TED Fellow Jennifer Brea who became progressively ill with
myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jen_brea_what_happens_when_you_have_a_disease_doctors_can_t_diagnose?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread

@plshelpmyfatigue have you received any diagnosis from your doctor?

John

Jump to this post

Hi @johnbishop , thank you so much for these resources! no diagnosis yet. Meeting with a rheumatologist soon, so hopefully that'll show some answers. Thank you!!

REPLY
plshelpmyfatigue | @plshelpmyfatigue | Oct 23, 2017
In reply to @lisabeans "Did they test your Vitamin B? That could cause exhaustion. Do you have any other symptoms..." + (show)
@lisabeans

Did they test your Vitamin B? That could cause exhaustion. Do you have any other symptoms (pain, swelling, rashes). Did you get in to see a rheumatologist? With a positive Ana there could be an inflammatory issue. I would start with a rheumatologist and see what he/she finds.

Jump to this post

Hi @lisabeans thank you for your reply!! Vitamin B was a bit low but pills didn't help much. No swelling, rashes, or pain really...meeting with a rheumatologist soon! Thank you so much.

REPLY
plshelpmyfatigue | @plshelpmyfatigue | Oct 23, 2017
In reply to @wottone "I have mentioned this in a previous post about what helps me with my chronic fatigue...." + (show)
@wottone

I have mentioned this in a previous post about what helps me with my chronic fatigue. It’s a point system used for people with concussions issues but works well for others. It made me realize what activities were more exhausting than others and helped me deal with those less understanding when I could just say to them I’ve used up my points for the day and am done. I’m a visual person and this reminds me all the time the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of myself. It’s a life long battle. There will be good days ahead. Just keep advocating. Good luck.

Jump to this post

@wottone Thank you so so much!! I appreciate the empathy and support.

REPLY
lisabeans | @lisabeans | Oct 23, 2017
In reply to @lisabeans "Did they test your Vitamin B? That could cause exhaustion. Do you have any other symptoms..." + (show)
@lisabeans

Did they test your Vitamin B? That could cause exhaustion. Do you have any other symptoms (pain, swelling, rashes). Did you get in to see a rheumatologist? With a positive Ana there could be an inflammatory issue. I would start with a rheumatologist and see what he/she finds.

Jump to this post

Good luck with the rheumy. Keep us updated.

REPLY
plshelpmyfatigue | @plshelpmyfatigue | Oct 23, 2017
In reply to @robbinr "Hi, You are much too young to be that tired. If you sleep and wake up..." + (show)
@robbinr

Hi, You are much too young to be that tired. If you sleep and wake up unrested, then you probably aren't "really" sleeping. Find out if you have sleep apnea. Move all electronics away from your bed so you can rule out low-level electrical frequency interference. Get rid of that IUD! Those things are dangerous. And don't give up. See a good doctor, have your blood worked up. You might be iron deficient. Determine if you are depressed instead of tired. Best of Luck and Don't give up! Robbinr

Jump to this post

Hi @robbinr thank you so much for your reply. Going to do a sleep study-- but I don't snore, so I'm not sure if it'll show anything promising. Thank you so much for the advice. IUD out soon! Thank you so much, have a appointment with a new doctor very soon. Thank you!

REPLY
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