Crashing fatigue?

[TaffyStretch]

Hi, in my recent blood test they said I had low kidney function bordering on 'kidney disease'. I am in my late 30's, male, overweight @ 270lbs/5'11, fatty liver raised enzymes.

I think this is from years of taking ibuprofen pills (also containing codeine), around 120 pills a month/4 per day over 10 years, but I don't know for sure.

In the past couple of years, I have been having crashing fatigue. What happens is, I am sitting down and suddenly rapid onset fatigue would run through my body, and it would take around 5 minutes before I had to immediately lay down. I would then 'sleep' with intense nightmares for EXACTLY 4 hours every time (WHY 4 hours???)

it would not even really be sleep, but more of a paralysis, where you would wake up intermittently feeling very ill and even more tired than before. This crashing fatigue happens every few days.

I don't know what's going on, the doctor seems to think the fatigue is part of the general 'fatigue syndrome' I have from depression/anxiety, but this is new and an entity on its own. Thanks

Edit: I also have Hashimoto thyroid disease, depression, anxiety. Taking 200 mg Zoloft, 600 mg Lyrica, 50 mg levothyroxine.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

There is several things going on here that you could look into. One is the Thyroid disease. That definitely can cause fatigue. btf-thyroid.org/coping-with....

Zoloft interrupts sleep patterns and can definitely cause fatigue and on set weakness like you are describing. Best if you could come off this. nhs.uk/medicines/sertraline...

Lyrica also affects sleep and for some improve it and for others cause fatigue.

Your liver is working overtime, and this is an issue as well.

And then lastly, and I can say this because I am person of size, being overweight can make you tired. Believe it or not, the antidote for this is exercise and it does work. Even if you do not lose weight, getting out and even just walking is a big help.

There is a lot of medications here that are probably causing exactly what you are experiencing with your overwhelming fatigue and only 4 hours of sleep with nightmares. That is probably the Zoloft doing that the most. Sometimes you can take a drug for a while and it is fine but then, it changes and is giving you side effects. Talk with the doctor about changing up the meds.

And yes, the ibuprofen probably did cause CKD. Very common. It is what set my CKD off. Prescribed ibuprofen, not with codeine, but just OTC which I took every day for almost 2 years.

At this point you have a lot you can do to help. You did not say what stage you are. See if you can get a referral to a renal dietician. A renal diet is something you can do and it will slow the progression. It does not mean you can't enjoy food, you just need to eat better foods.

[TaffyStretch in reply to Bassetmommer]

I have been on the medication for years, the crashing fatigue is kind of recent, only starting around 2 years ago, thanks for the info and the links.

[drmind]

May I ask why you were taking the ibuprofen and are you still taking it?

[TaffyStretch in reply to drmind]

I get migraines behind my left eye, pulsating with flashing lights. I have non-allergic rhinitis where one of my nostrils is always blocked, which may contribute to the migraines starting. I wake up with the headache, then I have to take nurofen plus (In the UK it is a combo over the counter of codeine and ibuprofen).

I forgot to mention I also get burning sensation below the bellybutton above the pubic area, in the front of the stomach. I don't urinate blood.

[drmind]

Oh, goodness, you do have some problems. thanks for your response. I see you're in UK and I guess this means you do not have access to specialists who can help diagnose some of these awful problems that you have. For the migraines, can you get medication specifically for that? Over here in USA, a new migraine medication has come on the market that people are saying is very helpful. Anyway, so sorry that you are suffering from so much undiagnosed pain and discomfort. Hoping your primary doctor can help.

[TaffyStretch in reply to drmind]

There are specialists but for migraines, globally I don't know anything that beats NSAI's or maybe there is, paracetamol does not work. Thanks

[Blackknight1989]

While true it’s obvious that by continuing the NSAIDS you are contributing to this crashing fatigue. IMHO I’m very surprised your doctor hasn’t ceased all NSAIDS period. However, not according to me but to several well known CKD site if you continue this 120/ibuprofen per month this MOST LIKELY will continue to contribute to slow destruction of your kidneys. Honestly I’m extremely surprised the doctor would continue to prescribe if indee your labs indicate the initial onset of CKD. My suggestion is another appointment and a MUCH more in-depth discussion with the doctor regarding the specific issues:

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