Question:
Need suggestions on how to deal with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I had been diagnosed with CFS before I had surgery, it was a subset of my Sleep Apnea. Now, 18 months after surgery, I can hardly keep my eyes open! It is a struggle to get out of bed to go to work, and once I am at work, I spend the next 8 1/2 hours fighting sleep. I am a computer tech support agent and I need to be sharp, but every day is getting harder and harder. The brain fog is getting so bad that I often forget to take my vitamins . I had been to my sleep dr, who prescribed Provigil for me (400mg daily), and the first two days I was practically flying hi, but that did not last long. I don't have any health insurance (not since March) because I and my husband are both contract employees and get no benefits, so I had individual insurance. I could not afford the premiums anymore because my husband went for 3 months with out any job, so I had to let it go. Therefore, my sleep dr could not prescribe anything else for me because I could not afford another sleep study to prove I needed a stronger stimulant. My CPAP is worthless, does nothing for me. I go to bed fatigued and wake up fatigued. Up until recently, I was taking the following vitamins: Liquid Iron (tbsp) supposed to be 3 times a day, but taking it 1 a day 3 ADEK 6 Citracal Vitamin C (with the Iron) 2 multivitamin chewables 200mg Provigil (2 x's daily) I can't afford labs, so I have no clue where they are at. I have not had any labs done since, I think it was November last year. I am currently trying to get Minnesota Comprehensive insurance (this is because no other insurance company will touch me with a 10 foot pole!) and applied for a HSA, figured if I need to have a high deductible, I might as well take advantage of the tax break! Now I have added the following (hoping to get rid of the brain fog): Ginko Biloba 2 x daily CQ10 1 daily Vivarin 1 daily Just started these Sat morning, and yesterday I was a working machine, lol, I cleaned and scrubbed the inside of the fridge and scrubbed down the cupboard doors and anything else that needed cleaning in the kitchen. Of course, I was in the process of setting up a wireless router in the home and that took a bit of time out of the day. Does anyone have any ideas on this issue? I'm at my wits end just about, and not sure that how I have felt the last two days is going to last or not (it usually never does). Help!    — DragonLady (posted on August 20, 2006)

August 20, 2006
I don't see any you taking any B vitamins in your list & most likely your b-12 & Iron are in the toilet. If you are not willing to get them checked at least start taking sublingal b-12 and very soon. They are not expensive & being difficient in b-12 can cause severe probelms one is being tired all the time. Get some & start taking them 3 times a day and get back on those Iron pills. Doesn't the State have spme kind of Inusrance you could get (temporarilly) I have been unemployed and the State of AZ put me on the State Insurance, It isn't great, but I get to se my Doc & get the pills I need. Check it out & hope you start feeling better soon. (e-mail me off-line if I can help any furhter) I 1m 2 1/2 years out from Surgery
   — Marilyn C.

August 20, 2006
I agree with the above statement on your B-12 Not only is it bottomed out because our tummy holds what they call the Intrinsic factor in it wich breaks the B-12 down and now that is comprimised. I would get it checked. Lack of B-12 will make you highly fatigued and also comprmise you memory. As far as Iron I would be careful taking Iron your body produces and stores its own Iron for when its needed most people who by and take Iron are basically wasting there money. Iron is a touchy thing. I have to ask this question and it may seem ignorant. But have your doctors checked for the basics.. Like the fact that you might have Mono... It will give you same symtoms you describe. Hope this helps Your WLS Friend Jo Michalko
   — Jo_Michalko

August 20, 2006
You say you cannot afford to get labs checked but if your levels are off more serious problems and hospitalizations could occur. You and your husband are working now so you need to make your health the priority when there is a will there is a way...if you need to cut back on other things (i.e. cable, internet, going out to dinner) to afford to take care of your health you NEED to do that. It can't cost more then a couple hundered dollars for a blood test. Not only is it dangerous when you feel so tired it can have lasting affects. Low b12 can cause neuropathy and anemia. I hope you feel better soon but please get your self checked. If your CPAP doesn't help at all then I would say sleep apnea is most likely not to blame. Also... is it possible that you are depressed and don't know it? That can cause severe fatigue. Good luck to you!
   — SteffieBear15

August 21, 2006
First i agree with the previous posts...Where is your B-12? your levels could be extremely low which can cause not only tiredness but also brain issues, IE. concentration problems"brain fog". And secondly so you don't have insurance...I don't either but i make it a priority to get my labs done very 3 months as required by my surgeon( I didn't even have insurance for the surgery I paid cash for it...not rich just have family to borrow the money from for it). I suspect you are not taking enough iron. you should try Vitron-C which is an iron supplement with vit.C and you may have to take more than most...I do because my iron levels are really low. Spend the money to get your labs...it's worth it to know what is really wrong!
   — jpcal

August 21, 2006
Tell me if you are in tune with your body and what are you doing for food. Are you getting the nutriants your body needs to fight this. Antioxidents, b vitamins, vitamin C ect... I have a friend who you sound like a ditto of... She is better now that she took a look at what she was NOT doing...Feeding her body the nutrition she needed. If you would like to get in touch with her, I can ask her to email you... Talk soon? Celeste
   — shakeyourweight

August 22, 2006
I had the same problem in a big way,you will need to check your B12 sublingual but also try magnesium and malic acid (found in apples so is natural). If you feel bone weary all the time and fatigued when you wake up it could be your magnesium levels are extremely low. Talk to a naturopath at your local health food shop
   — elenav

August 24, 2006
I take B-12 shots and they really work, just once a month and my energy is fantastic!!! Good luck!!
   — Zimpo