Tired, always. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Vincentt · 08-19-2005, 08:56 AM

I am tired all of the time. I feel weak and fatigued.
This has been very persistent for a long time.

I've been wondering what it could be. Before I came to Japan I had a full medical check up, and was given a clean bill of health.

I have lost 33 pounds.

Recently I haven't been very active other then walking, a lot of walking.

I take a multi vitamin, and try to eat well when I can.

I feel tired and weak.

Daoust · 08-19-2005, 10:27 AM

sounds serious, man. Especially the losing 32 lbs part. Time to see a doctor, mi amigo.

BigBen · 08-19-2005, 10:58 AM

Amen. This is a very serious symptom, and one that you need more advice than I can give you.

As doctors often get scared with the whole "Nagging headache that won't go away" or "Feel's like someone is sitting on my chest",

What you have here is one of the most troubling long-term symptoms. Weight loss and chronic fatigue is damned serious, but unfortunately it is also a common symptom to about half of the medical texts.

If you are posting to try and justify an out-of-pocket doctor bill expense, then you have my blessing.

If the doc does not do a full physical, including complete blood work and a finger-in-the-bum, you need to explain politely that you are not leaving without an explanation.

Every system can present with your symptoms, from bowel to depression, from bones to lungs... there is something wrong!

If you were here standing beside me, I would not let you leave my sight until I had physically taken you to a doctor. Do it.

maleficent · 08-19-2005, 10:59 AM

the 33 pounds might be explained by eating a healthier diet... The Japanese diet is a lot healther than a regular american diet, but adding the tiredness to it, isn't a good. Is the 33 pounds you lost, good or bad, can you afford those pounds?

Taking a vitamin IS NOT a substitute for eating right, it's called a supplement for a reason, you have to eat right and the vitamin just adds to that.

Do you have any other symptoms, other than just tired, is there an achiness, sore throat, lingering sniffles or cough?

get thee to a doctor, soonest..

Vincentt · 08-19-2005, 12:50 PM

Well the 33 pounds is since April 4th.

Just tired, or sometimes a little 'beat up'.
I've always been a little "less energy" then other people.

My legs are sore often, but I have been blaming that on how much I tend to walk.

The weight has been down, but I have been 'dieting' per say. I just cut out all junk foods and junk drinks... and Japanese food is a bit healthier.

It makes me feel the weight isn't related...

I get upset stomach sometimes... I’ve been blaming that on Japanese food.

I dunno, was fishing around webmd... makes me feel like i'm going to become a hypochondriac.

thingstodo · 08-19-2005, 01:01 PM

Probably just not getting enough rest along with walking a lot. Of course, you didn't mention if the weight loss was a good thing from your overall stand point. Eating better will do that. Stress will make you feel tired and I know I would have more stress in another country for an extended period of time!

Siege · 08-19-2005, 03:40 PM

Maybe the walking. Maybe not enough iron? I know people who've had anemia.

Martian · 08-19-2005, 03:46 PM

Could be a lot of things. You'll get a lot of unqualified opinions here but the doctor is your best bet. Having said that, I'm going to throw my own unqualified opinion into the ring.

Anemia is a possibility, depending on the diet. I don't know what the japanese diet is like nutritionally speaking, so I can't say whether low iron levels are a possibility. Also could be hypothyroid, that can cause fatigue and weight loss. Then again, so can diabetes.

Have you been getting a good night's rest every night? That could easily be it too. Lack of sleep will cause a fatigued feeling (obviously) but will also cause weight loss and funny aches and pains that aren't present normally. It's your body's way of telling you that you need to sleep right effing now. The weight loss is due to eating less, as your appetite will shrink when you don't get enough sleep.

So, yeah. Bloodwork is the word of the day. You need a full gamut of tests to determine what out of approximately 8 billion possible causes is the one that's giving you grief. Take heart, though. For every diabetic, there's about 50 people who just don't have enough iron in their diet.

pje120 · 08-19-2005, 08:52 PM

It is likely a combination of diet and psychological reasons. Getting a book about goal setting and learning to do so may help to give you more motivation throughout the day.

You can test the effects of diet on your energy levels yourself, simply by writing down how you feel after each meal and a few hours later. You may find that meals with a certain fat/carb/protein ratio will give you more energy while others will make you feel tired a few hours later. Personally, and I have heard several stories of others, that they were in similar positions to you and got *great* results from cutting down carbs (although this apparently doesn't work for everyone). If you have hypothyroid, then you may be given drugs to help if you go to a doctor, but I think if you can find a solution through changing your diet you will find it more permenant and satisfying. I really recommend you try the food test. Good luck

Vincentt · 08-19-2005, 09:32 PM

Yeah I can see how dire my first post sounded; I was a bit 'off' when I posted.
My sleeping has been strange for quite a while. I guess I’ve been stressed a bit too.

I've sent some emails to my home school, to find where the closest English speaking doctors are, and how to use my schools insurance.

thingstodo · 08-20-2005, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

Yeah I can see how dire my first post sounded; I was a bit 'off' when I posted.
My sleeping has been strange for quite a while. I guess I’ve been stressed a bit too.

I've sent some emails to my home school, to find where the closest English speaking doctors are, and how to use my schools insurance.

I bet you've answered your own questions! Stress can cause lack of sleep, which causes more stress, which leads to...you get it. You may be in a cycle and not know it. Also, quite often your body will create cravings if it is missing something from your diet, so I would also listen closely to any cravings.

Fourtyrulz · 08-20-2005, 10:55 AM

Honestly, the first thing that popped into my head while reading your post was "tapeworm."

Maybe you could have gotten it whilst enjoying Japanese cuisine?

thingstodo · 08-21-2005, 10:24 AM

Here's something on tapeworms:

WHAT LEADS PEOPLE AND OTHER ANIMALS TO GET TAPEWORMS?

Early, immature forms of tapeworms can be present in some types of infected beef, pork, and fish. Cooking the fish and meat long enough will kill the tapeworms. Tapeworms are usually acquired when people eat meat or fish that has not been cooked enough. The tapeworms produce eggs in the intestines which then get passed out of the body in the feces (poop). If human feces wind up in the environment (due to poor sewage, for example) the tapeworm eggs may wind up in soil, grass, and water. When this happens, other animals, such as cows, dogs, pigs, and fish may consume the tapeworm eggs.

The tapeworms can then break out of the eggs when they are inside the animal's intestines. The first form of the tapeworm (known as a hexacanth) attaches itself to the wall of the intestine and continues to grow and develop. The tapeworm will develop into an adult when it is passed on to live in another organism. For example, the tapeworm can be in preadult form when it lives in a human and can develop into an adult form when it is passed on to a dog. From the above information, you can see that tapeworms can live in more than one animal at different points in their lives.

Another way that people acquire tapeworms is by touching feces that have tapeworm eggs in them and later putting their fingers in their mouths. Although it may seem like common sense not to do this, it can happen by accident.

WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAVING TAPEWORMS?

Although beef, pork, and fish tapeworms can be very large, they rarely cause symptoms except for diarrhea and an upset stomach. Dwarf tapeworms also cause these symptoms. One sign of having tapeworms can be if pieces of the tapeworm break apart and come out through the anus (the area of the body that poop comes out of) or appear in the feces (poop).

Tapeworms can lead to cysts in an animal's muscles and other organs. A cyst is an abnormal lump, swelling, or sac that contains fluid, a part solid material, or a gas, and is covered with a membrane. A membrane is a thin layer of flexible tissue that covers something. The cysts can develop in organs such as the liver and lungs, a condition known as hydatid disease. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for filtering (removing) harmful chemical substances, producing important chemicals for the body, and other important functions. The lungs are two organs in the body that help people breathe.

From:

http://www.medfriendly.com/tapeworm.html

Willravel · 08-21-2005, 11:32 AM

Go see your doctor, then go see your shrink. Odds are at least one of tthem can help you. My uncle lost almost 50 pounds after my aunt was diagnosed with cancer. It was 100% psychological.

VitaminH · 08-21-2005, 04:11 PM

I hate webmd. As a healthcare provider there's nothing worse than someone reading on the internet and self diagnosing then coming in saying they're sure it's this, when it's generally not. Also, I've noticed that punching in almost any symptom combonation on webmd's search feature, one of the first few results is generally cancer. It's a hypochondriac's nightmare.

However, a significant amount of unexplained weight loss IS means for concern, as is a noticable lack of energy, ESPECIALLY if your eating habits have imporved and your exercise frequency has gone up. Both of those should INCREASE your energy, not the opposite. If someone came into my pharmacy telling me what you just did, I would advise them to see a doctor immediatly. Could be nothing, could be the big "C", or it could be anything in between.

thingstodo · 08-22-2005, 03:13 AM

Actually, the most common answer on WedMD is to see your Dr. I think you'd find that to be true if you did a statistical analysis. Personally, I've never run across that as a diagnosis for anything.

shesus · 08-22-2005, 04:19 AM

It looks like youo got some good advice already. I used to be fatigued all the time. I could hardly find the energy to get up and get something to drink or go to the bathroom. I also had pains a lot. I don't know if this is your extreme, but this is where mine led. I was sleeping 10 hours a night and taking a 2 hour nap after work. Come to find out I was seriously depressed. Went to a counselor, talked out my problems, took meds for a year, and here I am feeling much better. Just a suggestion.

However, go to a doctor please.

raveneye · 08-22-2005, 05:14 AM

When I had chronic fatigue, the first thing my primary doctor did is run a big battery of blood tests whose purpose was to rule out any organic disease.

The blood work suggested allergy or parasitism, turned out my problem was allergic fatigue syndrome. I had developed an allergy to dust mites, which was wearing down my immune system and leaving me too tired to do anything. I had a complete allergy workup, and did the immune therapy, which cured me completely.

That, however, is very rarely the cause of chronic fatigue. Much more common is depression, which is very treatable. In any case, go see your doctor, you'll be happy you did.

avernus · 08-22-2005, 05:43 AM

I had a similar thing, plus I was drinking lots and peeing lots. My doctor thought it might be diabetes but it turned out to be simple stress and depression. Sleeping didn't help but you know what did? Sport! Tennis, basketball, running and especially squash (sooo thereputic). Anything to get my blood pumping and adrenaline flowing. It releases endorphins too. Hurts to do it when you're knackered but it really helps.

Vincentt · 08-22-2005, 09:39 AM

I am really thankful for all the advice.

I am most likely stressed and maybe even depressed (even though i'm in another country, having good times) it isn't all fun and games.

When talking with my adviser from my home college, she said most of what I said is common.

I have become mostly inactive recently, and need to get to a gym.
The weakness has passed, I still find myself tired often though, but while I do sleep, it is very strange times.

raeanna74 · 08-22-2005, 03:00 PM

How much meat are you eating. Red meat. Are you getting at least 2 servings of red meat each day? Fish does not have nearly as much Iron in it in an absorbable form.

I have had serious fatigue before and the result was Iron deficient Anemia.

Also when recently I was diagnosed with an underactive Thyroid I had been feeling exceptionally tired, not sleeping normally, and had leg and joint pain almost as if I had the flu. Once I began taking Iodine/Kelp suppliments my symptoms practically disappeared.

All that said - DO get yourself to a Dr as soon as you can work out the insurance things. Good Luck. Get well.

thingstodo · 08-24-2005, 04:27 PM

Seriously, two servings of red meat a day?? That's normally the weekly amount recommended. I think you can get all you need from a balanced diet and then take a multi like Dualtabs from Twinlab.

ManWithAPlan · 08-24-2005, 05:20 PM

What is your profession? I know personally as a computer slave, if i don't stay active when i'm not working on the computer (or relaxing on the computer for that matter), my health starts to slip with all the same symptoms.

you should find time to try to stay active, some cardio would do you well.

also, i have to say that Chi Kung has helped me greatly in getting healthier... most people don't believe in this sort of thing, but especially since you're out there in the East, you should give it a try, you might even find a good class that does it, but personally i just learned a few exercises from a book and practice them before my karate class (helped me greatly as i was extremely out of shape).

Vincentt · 09-13-2005, 03:54 AM

Well, I went to the doctor.

He said it wasn't too strange to loose this much weight.
He said it could be because tokyo is so humid, it is dragging me down.

Or that I am stressed from being abroad.

I did give some blood, to make sure everything is alright.

I'll find out in a while.

Recentlly I went jogging for a while, and i've been feeling a bit better.

My BMI is fairly damn good.. but my body just reacts so weakly to food.
I tend to feel sick after eating.

pje120 · 09-13-2005, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

My BMI is fairly damn good.. but my body just reacts so weakly to food.
I tend to feel sick after eating.

After ANY meal independent of what you actually eat? Perhaps you feel sick because of lack of appetite and you have to eat when you don't really want to? If so I'd say this is a pretty clear cut indication of depression. That would explain the tiredness as well. In any case, if you do have a lack of appetite, tell your doctor this as it is significant.

Keep up the jogging - I'm sure you'll find if you exercise in the earlier half of the day you'll feel much better throughout the rest of the day.

Vincentt · 09-13-2005, 08:24 AM

Yeah, I am never hungry. I eat because the effects of not eating (getting tired / dizzy) are bad and I know I need to eat.

After eating, it is hit or miss, sometimes I get sick, sometimes I feel fine.

Doctor told me the heat here causes many people to loose their appetite.

I am moody, I am constantly getting into better and better shape(BMI)... yet I don't feel better.

So I assume I have stress and anxiety that I don't even notice, because i've been dealing for so long.

I just keep pushing through, I don't want pills for it...

raeanna74 · 09-13-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thingstodo

Seriously, two servings of red meat a day?? That's normally the weekly amount recommended. I think you can get all you need from a balanced diet and then take a multi like Dualtabs from Twinlab.

Meats and beans - according to the
USDA Food Guide Pyramid The recommended daily allowance of meats OR beans is between 5 1/2 oz to 6 1/2 oz for adult men and women. Yes I realize this is for Meat OR beans not just meat but when I was anemic my Dr encouraged me to increase me intake of red meat and even eat 2 servings daily of LEAN red meat. I think this will be irksome to vegetarians but the thread starter does not sound like a vegetarian.

Sweetpea · 09-13-2005, 11:33 AM

Well, Vincennt, i think you have low Iron. You have all the classic symptoms. Did they check your iron levels when you gave blood?

being Iron deficient is pretty serious, i'd make sure that isn't the problem.

Sweetpea

Vincentt · 09-27-2005, 04:40 AM

Well I got my results back from the doctor.

Everything seemed to be fine, all test were normal ratings.
My health has improved as the weather has become cooler here.

My blood did have a strange thing, that will require another blood test in about a month, my TSH (some kinda thyroid test) was 3.89 normal is (.4 - 3.0) so another test is in order.

I think it is all about stress.
To say I am going a little crazy, is fair.

Anyway, not dying, thats good.

pje120 · 09-27-2005, 05:38 AM

Hypothyroid (underactive thyroid gland) isn't really surpising considering constant tiredness. They go hand in hand pretty much from what I have picked up. Is the other test T3/T4 test? If you are diagosed with this, ask yourself: what caused the hypothyroid? Mental? If so drugs probably won't help in the long term, and you should treat the real problem. Of course I am not a doctor and have never had experience treating hypothyroid, so feel free to ignore me, but I am convinced that a lot of doctors are irresponsible and respond with drugs to things that really need other solutions. So keep that in mind..

By the way: it's great that you are seeking a solution to your tiredness. A LOT of people have similar problems but in their laziness never bother to try to fix it. They think that it's just "how life is", but that's definately wrong. So keep trying to seek a solution and eventually you'll find it. Humans aren't supposed to be constantly tired, something is obviously wrong that can be fixed.

Vincentt · 09-28-2005, 07:39 AM

The next test is to check, see if this one was a one time thing, or something.

While I am tired, that could be hypothyroid, I lost a good amount of weight... But I think that was just from my diet and stress etc.

I my have been starving myself sometimes, not really noticing. Just putting off eating, and then when getting food.. not being hungry etc.

Trying to get back on the right path.

08-19-2005, 08:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Tired, always. I am tired all of the time. I feel weak and fatigued. This has been very persistent for a long time. I've been wondering what it could be. Before I came to Japan I had a full medical check up, and was given a clean bill of health. I have lost 33 pounds. Recently I haven't been very active other then walking, a lot of walking. I take a multi vitamin, and try to eat well when I can. I feel tired and weak. __________________ .

08-19-2005, 10:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
Daoust "I'm sorry. What was the question?" Location: Paradise Regained	sounds serious, man. Especially the losing 32 lbs part. Time to see a doctor, mi amigo. __________________ I have faith in a few things - divinity and grace But even when I'm on my knees I know the devil preys

08-19-2005, 10:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
BigBen Comedian Location: Use the search button	Amen. This is a very serious symptom, and one that you need more advice than I can give you. As doctors often get scared with the whole "Nagging headache that won't go away" or "Feel's like someone is sitting on my chest", What you have here is one of the most troubling long-term symptoms. Weight loss and chronic fatigue is damned serious, but unfortunately it is also a common symptom to about half of the medical texts. If you are posting to try and justify an out-of-pocket doctor bill expense, then you have my blessing. If the doc does not do a full physical, including complete blood work and a finger-in-the-bum, you need to explain politely that you are not leaving without an explanation. Every system can present with your symptoms, from bowel to depression, from bones to lungs... there is something wrong! If you were here standing beside me, I would not let you leave my sight until I had physically taken you to a doctor. Do it. __________________ 3.141592654 Hey, if you are impressed with my memorizing pi to 10 digits, you should see the size of my penis.

08-19-2005, 10:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	the 33 pounds might be explained by eating a healthier diet... The Japanese diet is a lot healther than a regular american diet, but adding the tiredness to it, isn't a good. Is the 33 pounds you lost, good or bad, can you afford those pounds? Taking a vitamin IS NOT a substitute for eating right, it's called a supplement for a reason, you have to eat right and the vitamin just adds to that. Do you have any other symptoms, other than just tired, is there an achiness, sore throat, lingering sniffles or cough? get thee to a doctor, soonest.. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

08-19-2005, 12:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Well the 33 pounds is since April 4th. Just tired, or sometimes a little 'beat up'. I've always been a little "less energy" then other people. My legs are sore often, but I have been blaming that on how much I tend to walk. The weight has been down, but I have been 'dieting' per say. I just cut out all junk foods and junk drinks... and Japanese food is a bit healthier. It makes me feel the weight isn't related... I get upset stomach sometimes... I’ve been blaming that on Japanese food. I dunno, was fishing around webmd... makes me feel like i'm going to become a hypochondriac. __________________ .

08-19-2005, 01:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Probably just not getting enough rest along with walking a lot. Of course, you didn't mention if the weight loss was a good thing from your overall stand point. Eating better will do that. Stress will make you feel tired and I know I would have more stress in another country for an extended period of time! __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

08-19-2005, 03:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
Siege is a tiger Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada	Maybe the walking. Maybe not enough iron? I know people who've had anemia. __________________ "Your name's Geek? Do you know the origin of the term? A geek is someone who bites the heads off chickens at a circus. I would never let you suck my dick with a name like Geek" --Kevin Smith This part just makes my posts easier to find

08-19-2005, 03:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Could be a lot of things. You'll get a lot of unqualified opinions here but the doctor is your best bet. Having said that, I'm going to throw my own unqualified opinion into the ring. Anemia is a possibility, depending on the diet. I don't know what the japanese diet is like nutritionally speaking, so I can't say whether low iron levels are a possibility. Also could be hypothyroid, that can cause fatigue and weight loss. Then again, so can diabetes. Have you been getting a good night's rest every night? That could easily be it too. Lack of sleep will cause a fatigued feeling (obviously) but will also cause weight loss and funny aches and pains that aren't present normally. It's your body's way of telling you that you need to sleep right effing now. The weight loss is due to eating less, as your appetite will shrink when you don't get enough sleep. So, yeah. Bloodwork is the word of the day. You need a full gamut of tests to determine what out of approximately 8 billion possible causes is the one that's giving you grief. Take heart, though. For every diabetic, there's about 50 people who just don't have enough iron in their diet. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

08-19-2005, 08:52 PM	#9 (permalink)
pje120 Upright	It is likely a combination of diet and psychological reasons. Getting a book about goal setting and learning to do so may help to give you more motivation throughout the day. You can test the effects of diet on your energy levels yourself, simply by writing down how you feel after each meal and a few hours later. You may find that meals with a certain fat/carb/protein ratio will give you more energy while others will make you feel tired a few hours later. Personally, and I have heard several stories of others, that they were in similar positions to you and got great results from cutting down carbs (although this apparently doesn't work for everyone). If you have hypothyroid, then you may be given drugs to help if you go to a doctor, but I think if you can find a solution through changing your diet you will find it more permenant and satisfying. I really recommend you try the food test. Good luck

08-19-2005, 09:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Yeah I can see how dire my first post sounded; I was a bit 'off' when I posted. My sleeping has been strange for quite a while. I guess I’ve been stressed a bit too. I've sent some emails to my home school, to find where the closest English speaking doctors are, and how to use my schools insurance. __________________ .

08-20-2005, 10:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
Fourtyrulz Psycho Location: io-where?	Honestly, the first thing that popped into my head while reading your post was "tapeworm." Maybe you could have gotten it whilst enjoying Japanese cuisine? __________________ the·o·ry - a working hypothesis that is considered probable based on experimental evidence or factual or conceptual analysis and is accepted as a basis for experimentation. faith - Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. - Merriam-Webster's dictionary

08-21-2005, 10:24 AM	#13 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Here's something on tapeworms: WHAT LEADS PEOPLE AND OTHER ANIMALS TO GET TAPEWORMS? Early, immature forms of tapeworms can be present in some types of infected beef, pork, and fish. Cooking the fish and meat long enough will kill the tapeworms. Tapeworms are usually acquired when people eat meat or fish that has not been cooked enough. The tapeworms produce eggs in the intestines which then get passed out of the body in the feces (poop). If human feces wind up in the environment (due to poor sewage, for example) the tapeworm eggs may wind up in soil, grass, and water. When this happens, other animals, such as cows, dogs, pigs, and fish may consume the tapeworm eggs. The tapeworms can then break out of the eggs when they are inside the animal's intestines. The first form of the tapeworm (known as a hexacanth) attaches itself to the wall of the intestine and continues to grow and develop. The tapeworm will develop into an adult when it is passed on to live in another organism. For example, the tapeworm can be in preadult form when it lives in a human and can develop into an adult form when it is passed on to a dog. From the above information, you can see that tapeworms can live in more than one animal at different points in their lives. Another way that people acquire tapeworms is by touching feces that have tapeworm eggs in them and later putting their fingers in their mouths. Although it may seem like common sense not to do this, it can happen by accident. WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAVING TAPEWORMS? Although beef, pork, and fish tapeworms can be very large, they rarely cause symptoms except for diarrhea and an upset stomach. Dwarf tapeworms also cause these symptoms. One sign of having tapeworms can be if pieces of the tapeworm break apart and come out through the anus (the area of the body that poop comes out of) or appear in the feces (poop). Tapeworms can lead to cysts in an animal's muscles and other organs. A cyst is an abnormal lump, swelling, or sac that contains fluid, a part solid material, or a gas, and is covered with a membrane. A membrane is a thin layer of flexible tissue that covers something. The cysts can develop in organs such as the liver and lungs, a condition known as hydatid disease. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for filtering (removing) harmful chemical substances, producing important chemicals for the body, and other important functions. The lungs are two organs in the body that help people breathe. From: http://www.medfriendly.com/tapeworm.html __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

08-21-2005, 11:32 AM	#14 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Go see your doctor, then go see your shrink. Odds are at least one of tthem can help you. My uncle lost almost 50 pounds after my aunt was diagnosed with cancer. It was 100% psychological.

08-21-2005, 04:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
VitaminH An embarrassment to myself and those around me... Location: Pants	I hate webmd. As a healthcare provider there's nothing worse than someone reading on the internet and self diagnosing then coming in saying they're sure it's this, when it's generally not. Also, I've noticed that punching in almost any symptom combonation on webmd's search feature, one of the first few results is generally cancer. It's a hypochondriac's nightmare. However, a significant amount of unexplained weight loss IS means for concern, as is a noticable lack of energy, ESPECIALLY if your eating habits have imporved and your exercise frequency has gone up. Both of those should INCREASE your energy, not the opposite. If someone came into my pharmacy telling me what you just did, I would advise them to see a doctor immediatly. Could be nothing, could be the big "C", or it could be anything in between. __________________ "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever." - Napoleon Bonaparte

08-22-2005, 03:13 AM	#16 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Actually, the most common answer on WedMD is to see your Dr. I think you'd find that to be true if you did a statistical analysis. Personally, I've never run across that as a diagnosis for anything. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

08-22-2005, 04:19 AM	#17 (permalink)
shesus Fancy Location: Chicago	It looks like youo got some good advice already. I used to be fatigued all the time. I could hardly find the energy to get up and get something to drink or go to the bathroom. I also had pains a lot. I don't know if this is your extreme, but this is where mine led. I was sleeping 10 hours a night and taking a 2 hour nap after work. Come to find out I was seriously depressed. Went to a counselor, talked out my problems, took meds for a year, and here I am feeling much better. Just a suggestion. However, go to a doctor please. __________________ Whatever did happen to your soul? I heard you sold it Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

08-22-2005, 05:14 AM	#18 (permalink)
raveneye Born Against	When I had chronic fatigue, the first thing my primary doctor did is run a big battery of blood tests whose purpose was to rule out any organic disease. The blood work suggested allergy or parasitism, turned out my problem was allergic fatigue syndrome. I had developed an allergy to dust mites, which was wearing down my immune system and leaving me too tired to do anything. I had a complete allergy workup, and did the immune therapy, which cured me completely. That, however, is very rarely the cause of chronic fatigue. Much more common is depression, which is very treatable. In any case, go see your doctor, you'll be happy you did.

08-22-2005, 05:43 AM	#19 (permalink)
avernus Crazy Location: Bath, UK	I had a similar thing, plus I was drinking lots and peeing lots. My doctor thought it might be diabetes but it turned out to be simple stress and depression. Sleeping didn't help but you know what did? Sport! Tennis, basketball, running and especially squash (sooo thereputic). Anything to get my blood pumping and adrenaline flowing. It releases endorphins too. Hurts to do it when you're knackered but it really helps. __________________ I like to browse in occult bookshops if for no other reason than to refresh my commitment to science. -- Heinz Pagels, "The Dreams of Reason"

08-22-2005, 09:39 AM	#20 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I am really thankful for all the advice. I am most likely stressed and maybe even depressed (even though i'm in another country, having good times) it isn't all fun and games. When talking with my adviser from my home college, she said most of what I said is common. I have become mostly inactive recently, and need to get to a gym. The weakness has passed, I still find myself tired often though, but while I do sleep, it is very strange times. __________________ .

08-22-2005, 03:00 PM	#21 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	How much meat are you eating. Red meat. Are you getting at least 2 servings of red meat each day? Fish does not have nearly as much Iron in it in an absorbable form. I have had serious fatigue before and the result was Iron deficient Anemia. Also when recently I was diagnosed with an underactive Thyroid I had been feeling exceptionally tired, not sleeping normally, and had leg and joint pain almost as if I had the flu. Once I began taking Iodine/Kelp suppliments my symptoms practically disappeared. All that said - DO get yourself to a Dr as soon as you can work out the insurance things. Good Luck. Get well. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

08-24-2005, 04:27 PM	#22 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Seriously, two servings of red meat a day?? That's normally the weekly amount recommended. I think you can get all you need from a balanced diet and then take a multi like Dualtabs from Twinlab. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

08-24-2005, 05:20 PM	#23 (permalink)
ManWithAPlan Addict Location: M[ass]achusetts	What is your profession? I know personally as a computer slave, if i don't stay active when i'm not working on the computer (or relaxing on the computer for that matter), my health starts to slip with all the same symptoms. you should find time to try to stay active, some cardio would do you well. also, i have to say that Chi Kung has helped me greatly in getting healthier... most people don't believe in this sort of thing, but especially since you're out there in the East, you should give it a try, you might even find a good class that does it, but personally i just learned a few exercises from a book and practice them before my karate class (helped me greatly as i was extremely out of shape). __________________ In the end we are but wisps

09-13-2005, 03:54 AM	#24 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Well, I went to the doctor. He said it wasn't too strange to loose this much weight. He said it could be because tokyo is so humid, it is dragging me down. Or that I am stressed from being abroad. I did give some blood, to make sure everything is alright. I'll find out in a while. Recentlly I went jogging for a while, and i've been feeling a bit better. My BMI is fairly damn good.. but my body just reacts so weakly to food. I tend to feel sick after eating. __________________ .

09-13-2005, 08:24 AM	#26 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Yeah, I am never hungry. I eat because the effects of not eating (getting tired / dizzy) are bad and I know I need to eat. After eating, it is hit or miss, sometimes I get sick, sometimes I feel fine. Doctor told me the heat here causes many people to loose their appetite. I am moody, I am constantly getting into better and better shape(BMI)... yet I don't feel better. So I assume I have stress and anxiety that I don't even notice, because i've been dealing for so long. I just keep pushing through, I don't want pills for it... __________________ .

09-13-2005, 11:33 AM	#28 (permalink)
Sweetpea Fade out Location: in love	Well, Vincennt, i think you have low Iron. You have all the classic symptoms. Did they check your iron levels when you gave blood? being Iron deficient is pretty serious, i'd make sure that isn't the problem. Sweetpea __________________ Having a Pet Will Change Your Life! Looking for a great pet?! Click Here! "I am the Type of Person Who Can Get Away With A lot, Simply Because I Don't Ask Permission for the Privilege of Being Myself"

09-27-2005, 04:40 AM	#29 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Well I got my results back from the doctor. Everything seemed to be fine, all test were normal ratings. My health has improved as the weather has become cooler here. My blood did have a strange thing, that will require another blood test in about a month, my TSH (some kinda thyroid test) was 3.89 normal is (.4 - 3.0) so another test is in order. I think it is all about stress. To say I am going a little crazy, is fair. Anyway, not dying, thats good. __________________ .

09-27-2005, 05:38 AM	#30 (permalink)
pje120 Upright	Hypothyroid (underactive thyroid gland) isn't really surpising considering constant tiredness. They go hand in hand pretty much from what I have picked up. Is the other test T3/T4 test? If you are diagosed with this, ask yourself: what caused the hypothyroid? Mental? If so drugs probably won't help in the long term, and you should treat the real problem. Of course I am not a doctor and have never had experience treating hypothyroid, so feel free to ignore me, but I am convinced that a lot of doctors are irresponsible and respond with drugs to things that really need other solutions. So keep that in mind.. By the way: it's great that you are seeking a solution to your tiredness. A LOT of people have similar problems but in their laziness never bother to try to fix it. They think that it's just "how life is", but that's definately wrong. So keep trying to seek a solution and eventually you'll find it. Humans aren't supposed to be constantly tired, something is obviously wrong that can be fixed.

09-28-2005, 07:39 AM	#31 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	The next test is to check, see if this one was a one time thing, or something. While I am tired, that could be hypothyroid, I lost a good amount of weight... But I think that was just from my diet and stress etc. I my have been starving myself sometimes, not really noticing. Just putting off eating, and then when getting food.. not being hungry etc. Trying to get back on the right path. __________________ .