Question:
I had pneumonia in Aug 98 ever since I have been constantly tired. I only
am able to work 20 - 25 hrs a week because of my asthma and now I am tired
so easily even that has become a struggle. I cannot afford to cut back
anymore and still pay my bills. I was on prednisone 6 times last winter and
for a while my hair was coming out in clumps which my family and hairdresser
even noticed. I couldn't afford to get it check out at the time but have
since gotten on a local program. My doctors physicians assistant tested me
for thyroid problem and anemia both came back normal. On my last
appointment I felt so rushed and didn't say anything when I told him I was
still tired I really didn't elaborate but I should have but I have been
complaining for over a year and all they have done is run the 2 tests. I
might try going back to his physicians asst. She seems to do allot more for
me then the doctor does anyway. But when I mentioned about my hair he made
an appointment for me to see a dermatologist next week. I am also trying to
file for Social Security don't know if I will get it but I wanted to try it
any way. I don't think its depression although I am feeling it as a side
affect of my current situation. I came home from work tonight and have been
crying for over 45 minutes. Thanks for reading I just needed to type this
out. It has made feel better anyway. Any advice is welcome
Answer:
Is your doctor an asthma specialist? or a GP?
Some GP's are reluctant to refer their patients to specialists. Their
ego's get in the way and their patients suffer because of it. Have you ever had complete lung function tests done, or Xrays of
your lungs? if not, then your doctor has not been doing his job and
you should look for a new doctor.
My hair falls out too when I'm on Medrol [a systemic steroid similar
to prednisone]. My hair is waist length and believe me when it falls
out it appears to be a lot more than it actually is. However, when I'm
off medrol, the hair fall-out is normal. My doctor is a critical care and pulmonologist? I have been seeing him
since I was 10 years old. The last x-rays were about 1 year ago. The last
time I had lung function test done was when I was initial diagnosed at age
10. They do want to redo them but I can afford to pay the $750 for it. I
applied for both SSI and Social security. I am on Serevent 2 puffs twice a
day, Flovent 220 4puff twice a day. Ventolin 1-3 puffs as needed(one of
these inhalers lasts me about 3 months but I am just getting over a nasty
cold so I have had to use it several times a day for the past week.) I
actually got over this one on my own, that's rare for me:) and I am on
Uniphyl 1/2 of 400 mg tablet at noon and 1/2 of a 600 mg tablet at bedtime.
I tried singular but did nothing for me. Your drug regimen indicates you have Severe Persistent
Asthma. Those with a chronic disease often need more
sleep and perhaps a midday nap. If you can't work a
40 hour job, you may qualify for SSI disability benefits. Links:
http://www.drkoop.com/conditions/encyclopedia/articles/006000a/006000...
Fatigue (Dr. Koop)
Excerpts:
"The external causes that may trigger its onset include a
particularly stressful day, heavy physical exercise, inadequate
(persistent) fatigue often occurs as a symptom of infection,
deficient diet, depression, or an underlying disorder, such as
anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis, or cancer. "
My personal experience is that asthma tends to cause fatigue
and I need extra sleep since I came down with adult onset
asthma. I ended up taking early retirement.
And ask the new doctor to do a simple test for Potassium level. Sometimes
that's missed, but a Potassium deficiency can cause LOTS of problems. I
was having serious fatigue and muscle weakness problems until this was
found. I now take potassium suppliments daily.
