Chronic Fatigue

[Skyhawk]

I spend much of my life sleeping because I'm always tired. My doctor cannot figure out why. Now I'm wondering is it my root canal tooth? Can any kind of dental X-ray show if there is an infection there?

[startagaingirl]

Hi - this forum is concerned with thyroid issues, do you think you may have one? What we your symptoms, have you had any blood tests? Have you consulted a GP about your fatigue?

[greygoose]

Certainly a dental xray will show infection. Go and talk to your dentist.

So many things can make you fatigued, so perhaps it would help if you told us what your doctor has tested and ruled out. For example, has he tested your thyroid? Has he tested your ferritin? If you don't give us all the details, we'll just be groping in the dark.

[shaws Administrator]

Has your doctor taken a blood test for your thyroid gland hormones?

If not ask for TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

The test has to be the very earliest possible, fasting, and if you were taking thyroid hormones you have to allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levothyroxine and the test and take afterwards.

He or lab may not do all of them but you can have those not done you can have privately.

Hypothyroidism is often missed due to poor training of doctors

At the same time ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be checked.

Get a print-out of the results and post them with the ranges on a new question.

[Treepie]

I believe that a tooth infection was the trigger for my hypothyroidism.

[HighlandMo]

Look at Sarah Myhill's website. She specialises in chronic fatigue. Her books are really easy to read. She recommends many tests, vitamins and minerals but mainly lifestyle changes.