Endo/Adeno and Chronic Fatigue

[wombwithattitude]

Does anyone have any tips for chronic fatigue?

Finally got a diagnosis of Endo/Adeno last Nov after going to countless GPs/A&E trips with all sorts of different symptoms.

The one thing I struggle most with is fatigue, particularly during my period, which seems to be worsening.

I take magnesium before bed but still get terrible insomnia during PSM phase and a liquid iron/B vitamin plus during pms/bleeding/recovery days. I don't have caffeine or alcohol. I am vegetarian but my diet pretty healthy - spinach and protein shake each morning!

I just never feel refreshed after a sleep, and struggle to gather the energy to work, let alone exercise.

The fatigue really affects my anxiety too, which makes me even more tired!

[Moon_maiden]

Have you had a blood test? Things like iron/ferritin, thyroid, vit D, B12.

Although my general bloods were ok, ferritin is low so having a transfusion later this week.

[wombwithattitude in reply to Moon_maiden]

Hi - yes i have had a lot of blood tests, they are usually fine, generally a bit lower on Iron and Vit D but nothing that stands out. I am considering going private to get a more compresentive blood test done to see if there is anything missing.

[bluebug in reply to wombwithattitude]

If you are lower on the iron and vitamin D side then you need to supplement.

If you are in the UK it is near impossible unless you are outside everyday for a lot of the day in summer, so April to end of September, - AND the summer needs to be a good one - for you to have sufficient vitamin D levels to last you for the entire year.

You need to supplement with both until you in the top third of their ranges. You then will likely need a maintenance dose to stay there.

Yes you will probably have to pay for your own private tests to check that you are there, and that you stay there.

You are also likely to be less than optimal on the B vitamin side particularly B12 and folate, if your vitamin D and iron are low.

There are now lots of private providers where you can get blood tests. Many use NHS labs. Some GPs will be happy to take the results of your private tests others will refuse. Either way they are extremely unlikely to advise you on supplements if you are in range even on the lower part of the range as that's outside their knowledge.

[Moon_maiden in reply to wombwithattitude]

I’ve used Medichecks in the past, they do a comprehensive one inc hormones but pricey, couldn’t afford it these days. As long as you’ve reasons to back up what you want GP should be ok.

[Bumblebee11]

Hey lovely, Im afraid I can't be of help, but I can absolutely fully empathise!

Not a vegetarian here but like you I could wake up from a 20 hour sleep and still feel exhausted. My blood tests are always fine for iron/vitamin D etc.

Well- slightly lower on the iron side but I ensure I eat lots of greens to boost it.

I have a similar pattern with insomnia too.

Im incredibly sorry that I can't suggest any remedies yet- im just sailing through myself xx

[Daveexaggerate]

Hi there.Sorry your feeling so fatigued. I have endometriosis and M.E ( or chronic fatigue syndrome)

Fatigue sucks and for me it's there all the time. Pacing is the only thing suggested by doctors which although helpful not a cure and not always an option when life gets hectic.

Any way I think you can find alot of helpful information on The ME Association website. I use it alot. They have alot of free literature that could help you. It covers all areas of fatigue, un-refreshing sleep, diet and many other areas.

I hope their website will give you some help like it has me

[BloomingMarvellous]

As above ensure full blood work up on the basics front first.

Try the really helpful book called Heal Endo by Katie Edmonds. Hugely useful resource . She has an instagram feed of same title. Thoroughly research based solid approaches across range of disciplines including nutrition. You might find yourself challenged on some aspects of nutritional holy cows but the science is sound. You can work out your best route to help yourself bit by bit. She also has Endo so it's an insider view too.

I found the Curable app also really good for the fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue side of things alongside a tiny dose of Nortriptyline ( 5mg per day which is half the lowest dose recommended but it works for me ) both suggested by my gp . I was started on 10mg and I know others use more - depends on you. The Curable app is available on a six week free trial through GP referral or you can start yourself off and get a two week free trial . It's not expensive to do the basic level in it and I've found it invaluable. It's part of the picture but not the whole.