Awful head aches and totally exhausted.

Had two weeks of terrible head aches and feeling totally exhausted.

I saw the emergency Doctor at my surgery who said it's nothing to do with my COPD and gave me something for the pain.

I managed to cook Christmas Lunch yesterday but since then have been totally clapped out.

Does anyone else get this?

I cannot talk to anyone else about it.

I just know family just think I am a 'creaking door' and a moaner, I really do try not to be.

[pollyjj]

Hi Alan, I get headaches with stress but I think Stitch may be on the ball with sleep apnoea.

Don't worry about venting on here, you will get lots of support. Hope you will be feeling better very soon, sit back and let the family do what needs doing.

polly xx

[lavender1]

I know what you mean Alan about what the family thinks about you. I too tend not to moan but this is the strangest illness inasmuch as everything seems like a mountain to climb and nobody understands except our friends on here and thank God for them. My son cajoles me and asks "are you swinging the lead" when I'm not 100 per cent and although he says it jokingly when visiting me or I go to see him (only a couple of streets away but includes climbing a hill) it hurts but its not really their fault as we don't really understand it either.

The headaches are a new one on me also and the sleep thing is interesting i.e. I wake at eight and cant put my feet on the floor or raise my head from the pillow even for two hours and then the bathing and dressing takes double the time it once did. So dont worry about having a wee moan I do it regularly on here and the folk are not a bit judgemental -a great comfort. All the best to you for the coming year xx

[Hidden]

Hi Alan I am sorry you not feeling well. It can be exhausting fighting illness especially when your loved ones don't understand!

Didn't the doctor at the emergency room say what was wrong? If it is not COPD then what is it? If you don't feel better soon maybe you should go to your gp and have it investigated. Sleep apnoe does sound a possibility though.

Really hope you feeling better soon,

Bev x

[PollyP]

Hi Alan, I wonder - are you feeling any better? The symptoms you describe are very similar to when I had a pneumonia some yeas ago, I felt like I had a mild case of flu, weak, no appetite or energy, terrific headache and gradually became worse. I had already had a diagnosis of COPD, tho no one picked up that it was my chest! Was told by the GP that the headache and vomiting were a 'meningism' , and he sent me home. Needless to say, a few days later I required much more serious treatment. They never did establish what the bug was? So do keep an eye on things and do ask again for a medical opinion if you need to. Let us know how you go. Happy New Year to you.

PollyP

[JabbatheHut]

Quote

"As people gain weight, many complain that they feel tired all the time and may have problems obtaining a restful sleep. Problems with sleep may be indicative of a more severe condition referred to as sleep apnoea. For people with this problem, it becomes progressively more difficult to breathe (especially at night) as their weight increases. These people typically snore severely and have episodes when they stop breathing completely, sometimes for up to one minute at a time. During these apneic (not breathing) periods, the amount of oxygen in the blood drops, which may cause the heart may beat irregularly. Individuals affected with sleep apnea transiently awaken before they resume breathing. This transient awakening may occur hundreds of times per night, leaving the afflicted individual feeling tired the next day. These individuals may fall asleep while sitting in meetings or driving.

Upwards of 95% of individuals experiencing sleep apnea are obese. Weight reduction is an effective treatment for sleep apnea, however, other measures are available such as CPAP (specialized equipment and masks that prevent the airways from collapsing, improving respirations) are usually used to prevent the irregular heart rhythms that frequently occur with this condition"

Michael D. Myers, M.D

End Quote

Link between sleep apnoea and obesity worth research if it turns out that weight is part of exhaustion it is something that can be dealt with at source not as a symptom needing a cure. Good luck in the search for a way off the downwards spiral and stay with it if it works.

[Hidden in reply to JabbatheHut]

This has really frightened me.

Another thing wrong with me!

I just don't think I can take anymore.

Looks like the headaches are caused by arthritis in my neck. (Blood tests are being done)

I feel like I am falling to bits.

[trw99 in reply to JabbatheHut]

it is a catch 22 situation if you do not sleep properly you have difficulty losing weight

[trw99]

the headaches are caused by lack of oxygen to the brain