Niksik

Someone I know is always tired... she has no energy from the time she wakes up till she goes to bed. She feels lethargic and has a headache. I know she has hypothyroidism but I'm not aware of any other conditions. She is unable to do any work around the home or with her kids. She barely gets out of her home...

I'm beginning to think she has depression as well...

And yes, she's been to the doc several times. They say all bloodwork is normal. They've adjusted her thyroid meds a few times. Other than that, nothing.

Any suggestions?

mistral

Perhaps she should get a second opinion? Just in case?

I had that issue a couple of months ago. Going from the bed to the washroom to brush my teeth completely knocked me out. Two doctors told me there was nothing wrong with me. The third discovered something off in my bloodwork and prescribed some medication along with iron supplements.

I feel much better now.

Niksik

WOW. OK so a second opinion.

redvelvet

B-vitamins are linked to mood. It has been found that people who are depressed are often low in the B-vitamins. Iron-deficiency can cause lethargy. And......a borderline deficiency of iron.........will NOT show up in a blood test. So, it's good to take a multi-vitamin on a daily basis.

Could it be her pattern of sleep? Before I got a job............I had so much idle time. I would stay up until 4-5 in the morning. And wake up at 2-3 in the afternoon. And when you wake up THAT late.........you feel as though more than half of your day is gone. I'd get little accomplishmed.........and it was kind of depressing because things seem kind of direction-less. Each day seemed no different from the one before.

So...............if that's the case with her.............then she could try adjusting her sleeping schedule. Go to bed early........wake up early. And if she's having trouble sleeping............try exercise. Exercise makes you tired so that you sleep better at night. Plus it raises endorphins........chemicals.....that boost your mood.

And......we're advised to seek help through prayer. It has been found that people who believe in some religion are less likely to fall into depression..........OR..........bounce back from depression more quickly. Another thing that has been found to alleviate depression and is recommended by therapists is to involve yourself in activities where you are helping other people. It could be volunteer work........work at a charity, etc etc. It boosts your spirituality and is overall very uplifting and provides you with a sense of purpose.

Mamaof3

Nik, I'd recommend a second opinion too. Many docs dont check for things like Epstein-Barr virus which I think can be difficult to detect.

Also, b-vitamins can work wonders! And there are these new tiny little "8-hour Energy" drinks that have become quite popular. They're just loaded with b vitamins so those may help her get out of that funk.

Depression is also another big possibility, her doc should evaluate her to see...

Best of luck to her!

Niksik

Thanks people. Will let her know.

Mabrook

if second opinion doesn't work ask her to try a Naturopath. i'm a big fan of this alternate treatment. wat doc couldn't find naturopath might. however u hav to stick with it for real results. its no magic or quick fix.

diwana

Before going for second opinion, just tell her to ask the current doctor to check for any other related disease.

Fatigue has many reasons- a long list of causes (simple to more complex) and hypothyroidism sometimes has associated diseases like disease of adrenal glands etc. (auto-immune diseases affecting other glands)

If she is overweight, check for sleep disturbance and sleep apnea.

eatpomegranate

Drink more water!

Gina~

I feel really tired when my haemoglobin's low.. and very low. Perhaps it's anaemia?

Obama

Have her Check if she has Sleep Apnia?

Bint_e_Naeem

My mother had the same thing 3 years back. Finally when she agreed to go to the doctor it turned out her glucose level was high. Doctor advised her to be careful with what she eats otherwise she can get a high sugar problem.

She Alhumdulilah hasn't gotten any sugar problem yet but whenever she is not too careful in what she eats she goes through these days of not being able to do anything & just being tired. All she has to do is watch her diet & she gets fine in 24-36 hours.

Also all this can definitely be a sign of depression. Esp. if she barely leaves her house.

hardBODmiranda

Wow! You guys are all so amazing, keep up the awesome work ^_^