Whether you’re a long-time reader or you’ve only stopped by recently, you’ve probably noticed that I’m on a mission to feel better. I know I’ll never be 100% better, of course, but there’s a lot of room for improvement.
Two years ago, when I had to leave my job due to fatigue, the doctors told me there was nothing they could do to help me. I started doing my own research, searching out new doctors and other practitioners, and changing my diet. I’ve already seen huge improvement, but I also have a long way to go. Sure, I don’t nap anymore, but I sleep 10-11 hours per night and I’m still tired. I’m in more pain than before. My digestive problems are soooo much better, but still not quite right.
Remember how I was dealing with too many doctors and not enough help? Well, I saw one thyroid doctor last week and he actually agreed to keep me on my current med and give me the new one I wanted to try. Unfortunately, it’s been a week and I haven’t noticed any change yet. Still, it’s a start, and I’m on a very low dose. And I’m seeing the other thyroid doctor next week. So I’m keeping my arthritic fingers figuratively crossed and hoping that he has some new ideas.
At the same time, I did some of the testing that the sleep doctor wanted me to do. Some of it came back normal, which is good. Some of it didn’t, though. As it turns out, in addition to circadian rhythm issues, I have a sleeping condition that’s sometimes lumped in with sleep apnea. It’s similar, but different. When the doctor told me about Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, it described me exactly. When I got home I looked it up and again, it described me exactly. There’s no doubt I have it, now we have to work on treating it. The doctor warned me that the insurance company might not cover treatment, but we’re going to move forward and see what they say. With any luck, I’ll be trying out a sleep apnea machine in a couple of weeks, and I’ll know shortly after that if it’s helping or not. I’m not thrilled about having to use the machine, but if it works, it’ll be worth it!! After all, I’ve given up gluten, most dairy, most eggs, peanuts, and many of my favorite vegetables (broccoli, beets, parsnips, and more) for the sake of my health. This machine wouldn’t be so bad!
There’s no way to know what’s causing my fatigue, but more and more I don’t believe there’s just one cause. The more I think about it, the more I think there are many contributing factors. My energy improved as my adrenals improved. My energy improved and I tried different thyroid medications. And I’m guessing my energy will improve when my sleep disorder is treated. I doubt any one of these things would “fix” my fatigue, but I’m hoping that all of them combined might just do the trick!
So now I’m really excited to try the CPAP machine. I’m excited in a way that healthy people will just never understand. Because maybe, just maybe, this will make me feel better. Maybe, just maybe, this will allow me to socialize more, date more, go back to work, and in general resume my life. Here’s hoping!
Chronic Rants 
Oh, Baby! YEAH!!
~ Yeah – there are undoubtedly *many* factors; and Yeah! Every improvement is cause for celebration – including improvements in Doctors’ attitudes! :)) (and in yours, I’ve noticed, too )
Well, I guess my attitude improvement or lack thereof depends on the day 😉
Oh,of course!
There is a general trend upward, though, over the last 2 or 3 years (I have been reading around your Archives, a bunch)!
{{{CR}}}
Ok, I might have to admit that much is true. A few years ago I was healthier (relatively) but I didn’t think I’d ever improve. At least now, even though I’m feeling worse, I have hope things could get better. That’s huge!
High Five!
🙂
[…] I got diagnosed with a form of sleep apnea earlier this year. Using a cpap machine has made a huge difference. Or at least, it did. My problem is that the mask needs to be replaced every 3 months, and I noticed a huge difference in my sleep about 2 weeks before that 3 month time was up. But when I reached the 3-week point, I had some insurance issues, so the company wouldn’t give me a new mask. I get it from their point of view – they had no one to bill but me, and I wasn’t jumping to pay $400. Still, this was a real problem. I waited anxiously for Medicare to come through, or for Medicaid to be more solid, or something. Then, finally, I got the insurance issues temporarily settled and I got my new mask a few days ago. Relief was in sight! […]
[…] I mentioned the other day that I’ve been having some sleep issues. And I’m certain the problem is my CPAP machine. […]