Energy

I have a question for anyyone that might be able to help. I am having an extreme problem with energy levels. My surgery was May 24th, 2004. I have about 4-5 hours in the morning when I feel ok, but downhill fast after that. I think it's my Iron. My PCP says no. My Iron levels before the surgery were in the 90's. Now it is in the 60's. I have an appt, with a neurologist tommorrow, and a endocrinologist on Monday. I am getting B-12 shots twice a week from my PCP. When I get a shot it lasts about 3 days, then back to the same old scenerio.That is all the b-12 he will give me. Because he says there are no test studies done. Big deal. He also say's my iron is ok because it is in the levels of the parameters.I know how I feel which is very weak in the afternoons every day. And I know my body and this is not normal. Any suggestions? If I can't get my PCP to cooperate I am seriously thinking of changing to someone more modern thinking. What do you think? Thanks in advance for alll your help.

Candy my surgery was May 25th and I am so happy to see Im not the only one going through this I look forward to reading the replys. I am so tired all the time. My iron level was lower also but they said within range Now I wonder. Love and laughter, Kim

Hi Candy, Sorry you're feeling down. Aren't you taking an iron supplement? I've been on Feosol once-a-day since the beginning and haven't had a problem with energy since very early post-op. Also I take a sublingual (under-the-tongue) B-12 1000-mcg tablet every day. Both are over the counter. Good luck, and let us know how you make out. Donna 243/185/134

What does your surgeon say? Are you getting in enough protein and calories? I know some of us have trouble with that. Maybe you need a bit more to eat. Maybe you need to eat smaller more frequent meals. Some people do that and it helps their energy. Good luck Cheryl 316/245/150 ish

Candy- How frustrating to have the PCP be so uncooperative. You might also look into the amount of water you are getting in-mild dehydration can make you feel weak and icky in the afternoon. Are you getting in any exercise during the hours you feel good? It's possible your body is trying to "hibernate" because it thinks you are starving to death, so it's shutting down and making you weak and tired. Exercise has really helped me with this. What are you having to eat in the early part of the day? Could it be triggering so-called "late dumping"-a hypoglycemic reaction? Just brainstorming here. If it's that, small frequent high-protein meals can help prevent that reaction. I'm glad to hear that you're meeting with specialists this week-I hope they're able to sort it out for you. Hugs, Susan

Have your PCP do a full work up. I felt this way and it was my phosphorus and potessum levels were very low. After they figured out what it was I feel great. Press the issue with your PCP you know your body. Good luck! -Gerriann 112 pounds gone forever!

Candy - Everyone's advice is great. The only thing I would add it to look at how much B-1 you are getting. At my last nutritionist's meeting she suggested that we should increase our B-1 with an additional supplement. I started with a B-1 100 and feel much better now. She told us there are more and more documented cases of B-1 deficiencies. In some cases, resulting in neurological damage. John

I also struggle with energy and actually logged on today because I am worried about hair loss, dizziness, and lack of energy and lo and behold thank the good Lord there you all are struggling with the same things and helping me out sooo fast! I have not had any follow up blood work yet so I am looking forward to that next month believe it or not (I hate needles) I guess I usually just blame myself, oh I probably did not get enough water, protein, ate too much sugar etc. but now I have some very good ideas and know what to ask thanks to all of you! Lisa

Just wanted to post an update. I went to an Internist and then an Endocrinoligist, and both agreed I am hypothyroid. That explained alot! I had been telling my PCP that for some time! I have an appt. with him (PCP) tommorrow and we are going to find out if I will continue to see him, or someone else! I was put on Armour Thyroid (At my choice) and am feeling better now. But I am taking partial Armour, and partial alternative supplements. I insisted on Armour because it helps with the T3 AND T4 levels, and it is natural, not synthetic. Thanks for all your help!