How bad is your fatigue?

[Epson]

Chickpea,

I'm also a bit confused because it could be said you're sleeping the sleep of the righteous.  Is your conscience really that clear?! 
[/quote]

Is my conscience clear?  I'm not even sure what's real and what's not real any more.

[irish]

Epson, First of all, have you reviewed your meds with your doc lately. Sometimes all of a sudden it seems like our meds can be too high a dose for us. I just read that our liver is 35% less efficient when we are older and that will affect how much medication builds up in our system.

I get those really tired times and will literally pass out in my recliner, but don't do it every day. I agree with the others that you had such a rough year with your multiple "ologists" and treatment plus your dad. I would imagine you are worn out. I wish I could lie down and sleep like that.

As far as how much sleep you need to recover----take how many days you needed to rest up when you were twenty and add about 20 years to it!!! Sorry, couldn't resist it. Your questioin reminded me of after my hysterectomy and ovaries being removed--I asked my gyne how many years I had to take the estrogen. He told me to figure out how old I would be when I died and subtract 5 years. We all need a laugh now and then. Take care my friend. Irish

[Rostradamus]

Epson, My Sjogren's is considered severe, yes I know where you are coming from. I've been curious too about common factors. Mine: Yes low Vit. D  ,Low DHEA  28 (like insuline you must have for function), blood pressure drops, systolic below 90 down to 81, sun and U.V. exposure I'll drop in hours after even a half hour exposure (with blistering, mouth sores ,brain fog, and other nasties) So I play "Gremlins...Bright light, Bright light!" For the rest :25mg DHEA, Vit. D 500mg., Co-factor Q-10 (mitrochondria use it, the power producers in every cell), Siberian or American Ginseng two 400 to500 mg casules (these types can be used long term), a Fish, Flax, Borage Oil is easy to find (Vikings used to party with the Borage oil, pumps you up!). Also Schizandra for adreanal support, Gotu Kola and Ginko Biloba for brain function. Fenugreek for tears ,saliva, and intestinal secreations. I know it's alot, but I'm very drug sensitive and without these I'm a stupid limp rag laying in bed. One more (actually many) don't forget Bilbrerry for the eyes.

[JJ]

As I'm reading I must agree with everyone that what you have been going through has got to

take a lot out of ya.  With me I noticed that at least three to four days after a very stressful

situation was over is when the flares began. Like during the stress time your body uses up

all the Adrenalin (don't know how to spell) just to make it through and your battery just goes

down till time to do a reset...anyway...thats how Ive always thought of it. Hope you are doing

better since i am late with my thoughts but that goes into the brain fog subject line.


JJ

[Epson]

Thank's, for all the feed back, maybe there is a pattern here

[Dolly Dimples]

Ooop's  Epsom, sorry I got it wrong about the radiation  ( brain fog)
   
   Maybe this is a delayed  flare-up  from all the treatment and stress of what you went through ... I know that when I go through any of lifes problems that keep creeping up, it's usually after the events that  I generally get a flare -up of my symptoms and feel dreadful...

  I certainly hope that things are calming down for you by now, and hope the docs sort you out soon..   
                    Let us know how you get along,,

[perry]

Hi Epson,
The fatigue has been a huge frustration for me, but the real challenge has been letting go of my NE work ethic guilt for needing rest. It's still frustrating but I'm learning not to beat myself up for needing the rest when I do and it seems I recover faster.
My cat can get jealous on those days when I outsleep him!
Still the voices of my workethic upbringing still ring loud and clear----  but recovering is work!
Perry

[TerriJ]

Epson,

I'm sorry about all you've had to deal with.  Fatigue has been a big issue for me.  I understand about the feelings of weakness too.  If it weren't for the PA who treats my fibro (along with the rheumatologist) prescribing Provigil I don't know if I could function.

Terri

[txacctgcat]

My fatigue and energy level can be so bad that I think my heart will stop beating!  I go through about 3 days of 12 - 14 hours of sleep then I feel better and can get away with about 6-8 hours.  I found if I don't get any rest - I go into a flare with lots of pain and I'm unable to get out of bed....

I know that some people don't have the pain and fatigue that I have - I just know it puts a cramp in my work/social life...

I was told by my docs to exercise more and my energy levels will go up a little....haven't seen that as yet.  I have started taking freeze dried acai and it seems to be helping a bit.

Hang in there...you are not alone.

Denise