Hi, As long as I can remember, I've been tired. All day, every day. I nap almost daily and then sleep a full 10 hours every night. My mother always brought me to the doctor about my "chronic tiredness" and they would say that nothing is wrong. I've had blood tests done for anemia and tyroid problems every year of my life to make sure nothing is wrong with me. At some point, I decided that it is normal to be tired. I joined the military, and just pushed on. I brought up my issue again with a military doctor, who told me it was all in my head. The next doctor told me I was depressed and put me on Prozac and Welbutrin. These antidepressants don't help my tiredness at all. I feel happy all day, but I'm still exhausted.
Because of the continued exhaustion I went back to my doctor, and she gave me the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, score of 21. The doctor thought I had Sleep Apnea, since I sleep so much and never feel well rested. She also took into account that I had a sister die of SIDs. She sheduled me for a PSG, which came back normal. Recent blood draws have also come back normal.
I have a great job in a Marketing department, which I love, but I can't concentrate during the day. I have to write everything down in meetings, and then I forget where I put the notes! My boss and coworkers get frustrated with me, because my short term memory is really poor. I can't go out on the weekends with my friends, because I fall asleep in bars and clubs. I can't go to the movies with my husband because I fall asleep. I just want, (need) something to change.
Here are my symptoms/family history/random things about me:
22 y/o female
Constant tiredness (I can sleep anywhere, anytime...and do it. This has been going on for as long as I can remember)
No relief from sleeping (I never feel awake)
Extremely low sex drive (I am married, used to have sex every other day with my husband, now it's once a month at best...and even then, I use over the counter remedies to "get me going")
Forgetfulness
Random numbness in tips of fingers
Cold hands and feet
I work out every other day (cardio, then a muscle group specific workout)
I am not overweight - 5'3", 130 lbs, muscular build
I do not "mouth breathe", even while asleep, unless I am very sick
I do not snore
I dream every time I sleep - whether is for the night or a short nap
Maternal grandmother - hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, hypertension, 2 heart attacks
Maternal grandfather - cancer (lung, brain tumor, liver), deceased
Paternal grandmother - cancer (lung), deceased
Paternal grandfather - caner (lung), deceased
Mother - no known health problems
Father - no known health problems
I had thyroid tests/PSG done recently, both of which came back normal.
My doctor also ordered complete blood count, Vitamin B12, among other tests, which have not come back.
She is not qualified in sleep medicine. I am seeing military doctors, because I am married to a servicemember overseas, and fall under Tricare.
I really hope that you may have an idea of what's going on. I know that you can't diagnose over the internet, but I want to bring ideas to my next appointment with my doc.
Thanks, and have a fantastic day!
Category: Psychiatrist