CLL and ADRENAL FATIGUE

[unairdefamille]

I wonder if anyone has experienced adrenal fatigue since being diagnosed with CLL, of after treatments? Thank you and sorry if my question isn't clear ...

🙃

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

"Adrenal fatigue isn't an accepted medical diagnosis. It is a lay term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems,"

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

"Proponents of the adrenal fatigue diagnosis claim this is a mild form of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic stress. The unproven theory behind adrenal fatigue is that your adrenal glands are unable to keep pace with the demands of perpetual fight-or-flight arousal. Existing blood tests, according to this theory, aren't sensitive enough to detect such a small decline in adrenal function — but your body is.

It's frustrating to have persistent symptoms your doctor can't readily explain. But accepting a medically unrecognized diagnosis from an unqualified practitioner may leave the real cause — such as depression or fibromyalgia — undiagnosed, while it continues to take its toll."

[unairdefamille in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you, Neil for your factual and wise response. I'm trying to find hope that this extreme fatique will soon pass. Bless you and be well!

[skipro in reply to AussieNeil]

My endocrinologist said basically the same thing about cortisol and testing.

I do have depression treated with meds for 30 years. Not sure if the meds help much but my doc hasn't wanted to try other types.

I've always wondered about Fibromyalgia. I've treated it my entire career as a diagnosis of exclusion and tried all of the current recommendations with my patients. Not sure how successfully these went.

I've tried all of these as well, including Cymbalta which was one of the first meds approved for Fibro but it doesn't help.

The only thing that does is high intensity exercise runner's high sort of thing, but the soreness hours after and especially when trying to sleep is very challenging.

Not sure what to do

[CycleWonder]

I looked at your posts to understand your history with CLL and treatment. I am wondering how you are doing with exercise? I know it seems counterintuitive to use more energy to feel less fatigue. But, it turns out, that incorporating an exercise routine into your daily schedule may result in significant benefits, both physically and emotionally.

It need not be strenuous exercise - going for a daily walk is enough.

Anyway, just a thought.

[unairdefamille in reply to CycleWonder]

YES! Thanks for reaching out. I agree.

🙏🏼

[skipro in reply to CycleWonder]

I exercise almost daily and do feel better but just can't get back to the previous levels

[CycleWonder in reply to skipro]

I’m still working on it. Sometimes I feel like it’s coming back but then I am stymied by weather or smoke, which sets me back.

[AnneHill]

I am really stressed and I am not coping. Its not because of the cll but a problem caused by my my brother after my Mum died in February.The symptoms you mention are how I feel. I slept all morning and was cold. My bones hurt and I am stiff. I do have mobility problems but this is a flare up.

Anxiety is the reason I am sure, Anne uk

[Thursday45 in reply to AnneHill]

I recognise some of these symptoms. Losing your Mum and the problems with your brother do sound stressful. Don’t neglect how you are feeling, storing up stress will take a physical toll. Be kind to yourself.

[AnneHill in reply to Thursday45]

Thankyou. I need to calm down and deal with things. I would never have thought I would panlc like this. Fatigue is something I have had for years.

[Thursday45 in reply to AnneHill]

Every thing you are feeling is valid and it all needs a voice. If you can find someone to share with all the better. I know from experience that bottling things up does not help.

Take some time out just for yourself and do what makes you happy. Put yourself first. I’m just learning to do this myself, after years of looking after everyone else. Now, when we have visitors I ask them to help. No one seems to mind.

[unairdefamille]

Thanks. I also think it has its origins in emotional turmoil. 🤗