Tired of feeling ill

[HpprKM]

I don't want to sound too depressing, but I have found this to be a long winter. Seem to have had so many bugs, started with work related stress, then went into a vicious sickness bug, followed hard on the heels with throat infection, now have a really debilitating cold. Never used to get all of these things, not sure if this is just bad luck, or the diabetes making me vulnerable. Also, have found work too much this year, I have decided to retire in April, had thought to work longer, but really stressful and difficult job, plus baby sit my grandson 2 days a week, just do not have the stamina I used to have. I keep very active, try to eat healthily, started taking some cod liver oil each day to try and build myself up. Some days I get a bit down, as I feel that since being diagnosed T2 three years ago I am going downhill health wise. Need a bit of cheering up and reassurance - please - not sad, not really unhappy, but just a bit down knowing this is an ongoing battle.

 

[HpprKM]

Should add - that I know there are people in much worse situations, this makes me feel guilty at my moan, but cannot always help how I feel :!:

 

[))Denise((]

Hi
I know the feeling, after diagnosis, I felt like life had well and truly hit back at me. I would say it would be a good idea to go to your GP and get some blood tests done. There are various medical conditions that can make you feel like this. Get your thyroid checked, vitamin B12 levels, iron levels and vitamin D levels checked.

After many tests, I was found to be Vitamin D deficient, since taking the prescribed supplements, I'm feeling so much better.

 

[HpprKM]

Hi Denise,

Thanks for reply, it is strange you mention thyroid, as this was the reason I found out I was diabetic. I started losing my energy just prior to being diagnosed, as I have two grown children who have Hashimo's Thyroid Disease I thought I should get my checked, that came back ok, but they just blew me away with the diabetes diagnosis. I don't think that has changed, but I will go back to GP if not feeling better once I retire. To be honest, my days are non stop go, even weekends, trying to catch up with housework, and as a Lecturer (endless marking and prepping), just too much!!! But I do feel that with the diabetes I am on a downward spiral, there is so much written about all the things we can and possibly will suffer it can be depressing, especially when feeling unwell when one is so very vulnerable.

I do not feel like this all the time, but I have to say that I do not feel I have the energy to fight it right now - once summer comes I am sure I (and many others) will feel much better.

What a vision of doom I sound, strangely I am not, usually optimistic by nature, but even the most optimistic need some down time I guess!

 

[viviennem]

I think taking retirement - or trying for a sabbattical year, why not? - is probably the best thing you can do. You need time to look after yourself for a while, slow your pace down and do the things you really want to do. You are the most important person in your life, and a very important person to others too, so you need to get yourself right.

I used to come out of every winter in a dark and depressed mood - I have a joke with my doctor about bursting into tears all over him every February :lol: :lol: :lol: . Since I've been taking Vitamin D supplements, and have got my thyroxine up to a dose I feel comfortable with, those horrid 'winter blues' are pretty much a thing of the past. I take a high dose of Vitamin D3, well above the RDA, so do a bit of research on it on Google before you start. I also make sure I get plenty of sunshine, from about now, really - sitting in a sheltered corner in a short-sleeved shirt, if it's warm enough :shock:

Incidentally, all my thyroid readings have always fallen within the 'normal' range, but I had lots of symptoms including dry skin, hair loss, depression, lack of energy, obesity, aching joints and muscles - I could go on - and have been very much better since I persuaded my doctor to treat the person not the numbers. Just a thought!

As for the diabetes - I'm lucky to have been diagnosed early, and am managing it with a low-carb diet and Metformin, to help me lose weight. I have absolutely no intention of getting any complications whatsoever, if it's humanly possible. It has almost given me a new interest in life - it's a challenge!

I too find I haven't the stamina I used to have, and can't do things as easily as I used to, but I'm afraid part of that is getting older :roll: . I retired last April, because I'm going to spend the rest of my life pleasing myself instead of being at an employer's beck-and-call. I still do a bit of consultancy work, which adds a few pennies to the kitty - and you could always look at going back part-time, or tutoring, when you are feeling better.

Do PM me if you want to have a good moan at someone - it does help! You have friends on here who'll support you, and who do understand what you're going through!

We'll all be better for a bit of sunshine!

Viv

 

[HpprKM]

Hi Viv,

What a ray of sunshine you present, certainly make me feel better. I would love to take time out but I have prior commitments in looking after my grandson 3 days a week as of retirement, but that can be a joy - taking him to the park etc and he is such a lovely little soul he certainly makes me feel better if a little weary.

My daughter and son both have thyroid issues so will pass you tips on to them for thyroid problems.

I am on Metformin - GP upped to two dose a day in January as she felt my blood glucoses were around 6.9 and could be better. Last check (two weeks ago) they came up at 6.7, but I have not got to grips with the low carb issues - not really had time but plan to do that once retired.

I do not have a weight issue, in fact I lost 5lbs with sickness bug in December, and my weight is now around 8.12 lbs, though I have never been of a larger build. I was only 6 stone 7 when I got married at 19 and my mother was always a petite lady with top weight of only 8 stone. But I am extremely active of late and this is keeping my weight down. My heaviest was just prior to my diagnosis when I was getting too high in the 9 stones to be right for me - I have heard somewhere that Metformin can cause weight loss - or did I just invent that LOL.

Thanks so much Viv, I had the same fight in me that you have, that I would do everything possible to ward off the long term side effects, and I am sure I will find that fight again.

Take care.

Kathy