Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I  wanted to check with the people here before I went and did something stupid like setup a doctors appointment, which I can not afford to see if some ideas could be hatched  before I had to spend serious money on this issue.

For the last ten years or so (I'm 33 now) I have been getting up around 6 am to start my day and I wont run out of energy until nearly 10 pm. Lately though after lunch (about noonish) and never later then 2 pm I'll completely run out of steam to the point where my legs, ankles and sometimes my hips and lower back hurt. I've even been to the point of NEEDING a nap, which is not normal for me. I keep to a Mediterranean diet (lots of Salmon and Chicken, easy on the grains and plenty of Brussels Sprouts) though I do have about 40 oz of coffee a day and have been attempting to quit smoking using the gum.

I'm not sure if I want to attribute this to a dietary issue, but I do think something is terribly wrong. Just recently I ended up forcing myself into a 67 hour work week and it took me nearly 3 days to recover from this both mentally and physically. I'm currently not on any kind of hormone replacement and I haven't ever had my T levels checked, but from what a few people have said I could have real low T levels (something that wouldn't bother me except for the lack of energy issue I'm dealing with).

Depression is another thing that was suggested as the cause of my issues, the person that spoke to me about this knows a bit about me and my past, but they have no clue that I completely hate the body that I live in, and honestly depression wouldn't surprise but I can't afford to speak to a professional and real y don't want to get put on any kind of medication for depression.   

Thoughts and ideas would be helpful... I can't stand being so tired and worn out.

It's normal to get tired around 2 PM. Plus....<looking around innocently>....none of us are getting any younger! Take your nap, have a banana, but don't buy any green ones! Hugs, Devlyn

Is there anything else apart from the fatigue that you've noticed recently? Changes in your weight for example.

I would say that it's never a stupid idea to go see a doctor, especially if something has changed quite suddenly and noticeably in your normal routine. There are quite a few things which could be causing these feelings of fatigue and tiredness, depression could be one cause yes. However since I'm not a doctor, it's probably not wise for me to go into detail about it and instead urge you to think about getting it checked out professionally, if for nothing else than your own peace of mind.

Quote from: Sephirah on July 16, 2012, 10:57:54 AM
Is there anything else apart from the fatigue that you've noticed recently? Changes in your weight for example.

I would say that it's never a stupid idea to go see a doctor, especially if something has changed quite suddenly and noticeably in your normal routine. There are quite a few things which could be causing these feelings of fatigue and tiredness, depression could be one cause yes. However since I'm not a doctor, it's probably not wise for me to go into detail about it and instead urge you to think about getting it checked out professionally, if for nothing else than your own peace of mind.

I would concur - I hate to spend money on a needless Doctor visit, but better safe than sorry.  Several years ago I was feeling very fatigued, to the point where I was having trouble staying awake on my drive home from work (among other things).  I finally gave in and it was determined that there was an issue with my thyroid.  Looking back, the visit to the Doctor was well worth it versus the chance that I might've actually dozed off while driving.

Madison

Thyroid is one of the first things that pops into my mind. Usually with hypothyroidism, there is also weight gain, low sex drive and it can lower testosterone levels. Wouldnt hurt to get a prolactin screening done as well in addition to standard blood test for red blood cell count, blood pressure, glucose, etc.   Get doc to listen to your heart to make sure you dont have a leaking valve as well.  Hope you figure it out soon!

Quote from: Sephirah on July 16, 2012, 10:57:54 AM
Is there anything else apart from the fatigue that you've noticed recently? Changes in your weight for example.

I haven't seen any weight gain, I've actually been trying to lose weight... though I seem to be stuck at that "now it's going to take twice as much work to lose the rest" phase.

Quote from: JessicaH on July 16, 2012, 02:50:48 PM
Thyroid is one of the first things that pops into my mind.

That's is something I think I've had a problem with all my life and I'm worried that it might be to the point where medical attention would be in order.

It seems that there might just be no getting around this one. I was hoping not to have to see a doctor for another year or so (waiting for my S.O. to finally get insurance or for the state of Wi to say 'it's time you signed up for this if you can't afford your own insurance') but it seems things aren't going to work out that way.

I'm dreadfully worried about getting my energy back at the cost of having my T levels return to normal though (if they are in fact low)... Just seems counter productive to me and brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it.

/me sighs

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on July 15, 2012, 08:41:17 PM
Plus....<looking around innocently>....none of us are getting any younger!

Oh... and DM... A big Raspberry for you tyvm :p

Sorry, been in Mozambique for the last 10 weeks and haven't been back on in a while.  Thyroid issues can easily be mitigated and a little daily pill can make a huge difference in your life.  The hormones produced by the thyroid are very imoprtant to all parts of your body and if you are in transition, having the right levels is very important!  Hope the info was helpful!

That's ok, I've been busy myself.

I haven't had a chance to go see anyone yet but I did try cutting out caffeine for 4 days... Just to see if something might have changed and I can't handle caffeine anymore. Went from drinking about 40oz of coffee and maybe another 20oz of Diet Pepsi a day to drinking nothing, then had to go back to some coffee... but it's about 40oz of "half-caf" and I'm not drinking Diet Pepsi or getting caffeine from any other sources as much as possible...

Seems to be helping a little.... maybe... less head aches for sure but I don't think it had anything to do with caffeine =/

Though I don't see what kind of chances I'll have to getting "Free Healthcare"... I'm going to see what options I have available. I'll see if I can't get someone that can recommend thyroid issues on their own... but I think I might have to give them a nudge in the that direction if they don't come up with that as a first thing to look for.

Thanks for getting back though :D

Makes me think someone cares :p   

I drink coffee from morning till evening so I don't get tired unless I am deprived of coffee.

Maybe try progesterone.

Chronic fatigue syndrome?

See:
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/article/what_causes_chronic_fatigue_syndrome_000007_3.htm (http://www.umm.edu/patiented/article/what_causes_chronic_fatigue_syndrome_000007_3.htm)

Please go see a doctor.

I was always "healthy" and never saw a need to waste money on doctor visits. One day i found myself riding to the hospital flat on my back in an ambulance. I spent 3 days and $30k and had all manner of unmentionable/unpleasant procedures done to me. I had undiagnosed hypertension and had a stroke one morning while getting ready for work.

Yeah, that no doctor plan really worked well for me.

You only get one body and it pays to take care of it as best you can (I understand finances being an issue - I am in the same boat right now too).

I would suggest cutting the working week from 67 hours back to about 40 might help.  You can only keep that sort of thing up for a while before you start to burn out.  Any chance you can cut back?  A larger breakfast will help you last through the day too.

When I was in the Police Force we would work 10 days straight when we did night shift. 7 nights, then 3 afternoons.  It usually took me about 3 days to catch up on the sleep debt. 

Karen.

Do you have any symptoms like feeling your heart beating hard or racing pulse?  Do yo get tired with minor exertion? Working long hours can be tough but I have been working 90 hours a week for the last 3 months and never felt better!  Most people are tired from too little exercise.

The hypotheses I can make, quickly, like that...

-Thyroid gland issues
-Your testosterone has lowered (but if you have the slightest of transgender issues, this should make you feel better, not worse, if you're like me)
-The beginning of a burn-out / the urgent need of taking a vacation (with your rhythm of life, it wouldn't surprise me one bit)
-Stress accummulation
-Depression or similar issue
-Bipolar/borderline disorder (I always forget the difference and which is which) starting to manifest more of its down side. That should have happened and be diagnosed earlier, but who knows.
-Your efforts to lose weight have lowered your metabolism, making you burn less energy, thus tiring you.
-Diabetes (though really, you would've noticed the difference, wouldn't you?)
-Hyper/hypotension (high or low blood pressure)
-You're just getting older. I think it's not so abnormal for energy to go down suddenly.
-Lack of physical activity
-Symptoms of coming off nicotine
-Way, way too much coffee (I converted it and I was like "whaaaaaa, 1 L of coffee?! Isn't she dehydrated?! - How about trying green tea? It tastes great (to me), has less caffeine but has a less "burst-ish" kind of caffeine that has a more long-term effect, on top of having tons of benefits, especially if you drink a lot of it)
-Lack of sunlight (it's been proved to cause symptoms, including seasonal depression for example - but use sunscreen, because UV rays are nasty!)

I would really recommend meeting with a doctor. You don't have to tell them about your gender issues if you don't want to, and they will have alternate solutions if they think you should take antidepressants but you don't want to.

Also, uhm... Do you have such a low salary? Or are doctors so expensive in the US? Because with the insane amounts of work you sound like you're doing, I think you'd likely have enough money even with a low salary... But well, we're talking about the US here, where not much is logical or right. ^^'

Anyway, if price is really too much of a barrier, you can look for free, not-so-perfect-but-useful alternatives, such as:

-"Ask a doctor" forums
-Your pharmacist, who can give free, reliable health advice if you ask. You can even meet them in an office if you'd like. Well, here you can, anyway. If you're shy for a face-to-face meeting, call the pharmacy and ask to talk to them. It's anonymous that way.
-Free "info health" phone lines. I don't know if you have something like this, but here, if you dial 811, you can talk to a nurse who will give you professional advice on any health issue you might experiment. See if you have something like this around you.

I've also heard of doctors who run "charity" clinics where they see patients for a fraction of the usual price, or charge them depending on their income. Look it up.

I've been feeling very tired of late, including experiencing brain fog and feeling down....and feeling rather cynical. Hair hasn't been feeling as thick as it used to. I've had a number of tests done. Everything came back normal, except my ferritin levels. I've been drinking more and more coffee to counteract the mental fatigue. Guess what? Coffee greatly decreases the body's capability in absorbing iron from food. But I also don't eat red meat. I'm now on iron supplement and avoid drinking coffee 2 hours either side of taking them. I'm hoping to get my energy back soon. Could be an idea to check your iron/ferritin  levels.

I suggest checking Vitamin B12 and getting other standard blood work for red blood cell counts, etc.

But it is hard to stay that focused on work when you hit the mid 30s.

I am being treated for hypothyroidism at the local free clinic since I recently lost my health care.  Thyroxin is cheep, about 4 dollars to fill my script monthly.  Also, if I can find a free clinic in republican infested Florida, I think you can find it anywhere.  It's not convenient, but so far they have been great.  Blood tests for T4 (thyroid) levels and everything.
I also suffer from depression and found great relief from fatigue and general malaise with an antidepressant, wellbutrin.  It's not cheep however, around 40 to 70 dollars per month, but to me it's worth it.  It's also known as Zyban for nicotine withdrawal.

I'd say you should quit smoking and stop drinking coffee. These things are both useless, addictive crutches that keep you dependent and incapable of living without them. Stay hydrated and cut back on your work week, if possible. Also, I found that eating large meals infrequently help with energy levels. Nibbling all day and staying full makes me tired. Plus, I have more efficient bowel movements when I eat less frequently, making me feel less stuffed and more energetic. Good luck.

Quote from: MadHatter on August 21, 2012, 09:41:07 PM
Definetly give up smoking, but...coffee? How does one function without it?!? :laugh:

I get up at 5am every day. I work out for at least 2 hours daily. I go to a specialized high school and get hours of HW and am currently clocking in at 3 hours of sleep per night. Trust me, if you will yourself to stay awake and rely on natural energy rather than coffee, it's possible to stay up. I swear, these days, people are becoming too reliant on external assistance. I saw a kid, no older than 14, drinking coffee yesterday...

Quote from: DianaP on August 21, 2012, 09:38:52 PM
I'd say you should quit smoking and stop drinking coffee. These things are both useless, addictive crutches that keep you dependent and incapable of living without them. Stay hydrated and cut back on your work week, if possible. Also, I found that eating large meals infrequently help with energy levels. Nibbling all day and staying full makes me tired. Plus, I have more efficient bowel movements when I eat less frequently, making me feel less stuffed and more energetic. Good luck.

I agree with all of these tips, except eating large meals infrequently. I've read several, several things about how it's much better to eat little but often.

Also, coffee... The only reason you need it is because you started drinking it in the first place. I rarely ever drink coffee (like, once per two months?) and I don't think I need it. Actually, it's not just a matter of addiction. Addiction is what makes you want your cup in the morning. That, or chronic lack of sleep. What makes you want more after your first cup is mainly that coffee has an up-and-down pattern, the "down" being lower than the starting point, making you want to fix it even more with coffee, once again. That is, taking out all other factors, such as the taste of it that you might like, etc.

Also, eating too much carbohydrates (including all starch), especially sugars, which have the steepest curve, causes up-and-downs as well, which have the secondary effect of possibly making you want more coffee. Carbs are far from evil as a whole, but they sure are easy to get too much of in this society where wheat is omnipresent and they add excess sugar to everything. So be careful of that as well.

Oh ya, I came up with a couple of other tips. If you have a bike, try commuting on it. I feel that a bit of exercise in the morning always gets me energized. Also, sunlight (specifically blue light) causes you to emit serotonin, a mood and energy booster, so try to get a good amount of sunlight (don't stare directly at the sun, though).