Hmmm... I happened to read a news article on hemochromatosis (it's main point was about stroke risk, and I know someone with this disease), and it mentioned that two of the symptoms are fatigue and aching joints. Hmmm... those are two symptoms I have that have never been diagnosed! (I don't want to be a hypochondriac, but I want these two problems solved, or at least diagnosed. Grrr.) Anyway, after some googling, it looks like hemochromatosis has some symptoms that I don't have (but my friend didn't show *any* symptoms), is more common in people with thyroid problems (I have a family history of thyroid problems, although none diagnosed myself), and is underdiagnosed. I do know that when I go in and mention my tiredness, they check my iron and it's always fine (aka not low)... but I also know that when donating blood, that blood drop for the iron test drops like a rock (always impressing the nurses), I've been having (cut due to TMI) with Aunt Flo. I talked to my folks, and they think it's worth checking this with my doc, and also suggested asking about sleep apnea (probably a good idea), and keeping a record of how much I sleep.
...oh... and depression was another side effect! Wouldn't it be great if I could cure all my problems with the simple act of blood donation?!?
I must remember to call and make an appointment tomorrow.
Oh.. and if you have any other suggestions of things I should ask about, please post a comment or send me an e-mail! I hate being tired all the time.
Speaking of depression... that therapist never did call...
Update: What fun... a list of 80 proposed causes and/or cures of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and non-CFS chronic fatigue. Somehow I don't think my doc would be too thrilled with me if I brought this in.
4 comments:
hemochromatosis is a recessive genetic condition. my grandmother had it but my mother does not. they should test for lyme (from your time in NC), and you may want to consider getting a referral for a reproductive endocrinologist (or at least having hormone levels checked in your blood). that could be at work too.
I think you should ask about getting a prescription for a loooong vacation somewhere tropical. Let me know if it works!
Mandi: I could go for that! Unfortunately, I kind of doubt that would be covered, even with our universal health care up here.
Knittah: I don't think I have lyme... I'm pretty sure I would have noticed a tick and/or the distinctive rash. I'll tell my doc that you suggested it, though... and I'll ask about the hormone levels. Did you get tested for hemochromatosis? Could that cause your CFS? Hmmm... I just gooogled "hemochromatosis chronic fatigue" and it says that hemochromatosis needs to be ruled out before a diagnosis of CFS is made, so I guess you've probably had that checked out.
Another one you might ask about, on a whim - celiac disease. Manifests in MANY different ways, only one of which is GI issues, but can cause lots of other problems as well, including fatigue, aching joints, depression, etc. etc. etc. And 98% of people with it aren't diagnosed. They used to think it was rare, but now they know it's not, and there's a blood test. Just a recommendation. Wouldn't hurt to test you, anyway, what with all of your allergies and such. It can mimic CFS and Fibromyalgia as well. :-0
Post a Comment