General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Chronic Fatigue? Rss Feed  
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2008-10-07 7:33 AM

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Winston, Salem NC
Subject: Chronic Fatigue?

I wake up between 5 and 5:30 AM each day for a workout... even though I WANT to go to sleep at 9:30 or 10, my body won't let me. I feel like I never get enough sleep. I go through periods of sustained workouts then I suddenly crash or just get very sick and have to take a week or so off - and start over. I'm very frustrated - and tired. I'm a graduate student in a lab with recliners- and will nap at work whenever I can. I just have no energy to do anything, I can barely move after 4PM....

 

Anyone else constantly exhausted? Thanks!



2008-10-07 1:01 PM
in reply to: #1723335

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Master
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Subject: RE: Chronic Fatigue?
Just a thought here, but have you had a thyroid test done lately? Fatigue and tiredness are classic symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Not saying that that is your problem...but it might be a good idea to rule it out.

For what it's worth...I do understand what you're feeling. I too, feel as though no matter how much sleep I get, it's not enough. I take a 1.5 - 2 hour nap nearly everyday before I go to work (I work evenings). I wake up at 4:30am on weekdays and head straight for the gym for a 3-4 hour workout. On weekends, I'm up at 6am to get ready for my long (60-100 mile) bike rides. I work from 3-10pm, and generally get to bed no later than 10:30pm...so I average around 6 hours of sleep on weekdays, and a little bit more than that on weekends. I feel tired ALL THE TIME...even after I take a 2 hour nap! Sometimes I catch myself dozing off at my desk during work hours. I do have a mild case of hypothyroidism and am on medication for it, but I still feel as though I'm sleep-deprived. Sometimes I feel like I could just go into "hibernation mode" and sleep for like a week straight.

Sorry I'm not much help to you...just letting you know you're not alone.
2008-10-07 2:24 PM
in reply to: #1723335

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Woodland, California
Subject: RE: Chronic Fatigue?

Another vote here for getting your thyroid checked out.  My underactive thyroid was discovered because of different symptoms, but I have heard that fatigue is a really common one.  I suffer from fatigue at times, but I think it is more likely due to the fact that I don't get enough sleep, and am dealing with some anxiety.

It sounds like your fatigue is pretty extreme though.   You aren't training enough for that alone to be causing such extreme fatigue and illness.  I would definitely ask your doc for some bloodwork.

2008-10-08 10:07 AM
in reply to: #1723335

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Winston, Salem NC
Subject: RE: Chronic Fatigue?
Thanks - I am getting some bloodwork next week - hopefully that helps!
2008-10-08 11:57 AM
in reply to: #1723335

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Subject: RE: Chronic Fatigue?

I would make sure they check your thyroid levels and your vitamin B levels.  Vitamin B deficiency and hypothyroidism can both lead to the symptoms you are describing.

In my case, it turned out to be hypothyroid.  Very easy to treat and I am feeling a lot better.  Still need naps once in awhile, but I think all grad students do. 

2008-10-11 12:52 PM
in reply to: #1735097

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Subject: RE: Chronic Fatigue?

runner - 2008-10-11 1:36 PM I have similar symptoms, but not as extreme. I'm tired ALL THE TIME, no matter how much or little sleep I get. I actually just blogged in my training log how I feel more tired and out of things when I get more sleep....my eyes are SO heavy & I always have a headache. I'm in college so I have a crazy schedule, but I need a nap everyday.....even at school between classes. In the spring I had blood work done to check my thyroid b/c of symptoms which I attributed to anxiety. My thyroid was fine, though. It's a mystery unfortunately.....although I've never brought the issue up to a doctor which maybe could help. Hope you find answers soon!

Don't be afraid to try to get it checked again.  I had mine checked about 8 months before I was actually diagnosed and there was a HUGE difference in my levels. 



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