Weird fatigue-do you know what I mean?

I have this fatigue all the time and have been noticing it for about 10 years.  It's hard to explain.  It's not like I'm sleepy and need to go to bed, and it's not like my muscles are sore and I need to rest.  It's more like a combination of "heavy body feeling" and mental fatigue.  For instance, if I work a day, I'm exhausted. I have absolutely no energy left to do anything other than sleep, maybe watch TV. 

  If I go shopping, I get tired after just a couple of hours, and then I need to rest for the entire rest of the day.  If I do chores, I can only do a couple hours of chores before I get fatigued and need to take a mental/physical break and then start again. God forbid I do anything "fun," like take a day trip, because I need an entire next day to recuperate from that.

I used to think I was just lazy or a whiner, but I don't think that's it.  There are a ton of things on my to-do list that I really want to do--even fun things! but when I sit here and think about doing it I just do not have the energy to do it.  I can't make my body move and do it.  I neglect my friends and family so I have time to catch up on chores.  I don't work on my hobbies that I really do enjoy because I don't feel I have the energy.

Does anyone know what this is or have a similar problem?  I have some factors going on that cause fatigue, but this has been going on since well before any of those things.  I have had my thyroid tested and it was normal, and my hemoglobin is normal.

Is this a psychological issue, or is it normal, or could it be physical?  I am at a loss for how to even approach this problem.

I have what sounds to me like the same type of feeling as you get. It only happens when I'm not taking care of myself properly ( I also went to my MD for tests & everything came back normal). I was not eating healthy enough or exercising because I had no energy to do anything but lay on my couch.

Eating clean along with cardio & weight training work wonders for me & I feel like I can do anything when I follow these principles. I definitely reccomend it. I feel a huge difference within a week of getting back on track.

Hope this might help!

Might you actually be suffering from depression? Lethargy/lack of energy is a symptom.

I have felt and done everything you just described. The same strange fatigue has plagued me my whole life, even as a child. For me, at least, this is different from depression, although I have suffered from it and the fatigue is even more pronounced during those times. Eating better doesn't seem to affect it, although exercise does for a short time afterward. I'm actually getting some tests run this coming week about this. I almost hope they find something so I'm not stuck with a clean bill of health but still feeling like crap.

Wow, if you find anything out let me know.  Yeah, depression is an issue, but it's being treated right now, maybe like 60% normal.  Unfortunately, most drugs do nothing for me.  I do eat pretty well, though I could use more exercise.  I used to work out twice a day though, and it really didn't help with this.  I do remember a short period of time where I had a lot of energy and thinking "wow, so this is why normal people can do all those things..." but nothing sticks out to me that was different during that time, except maybe excessive caffeine and nicotine and a very stress-free lifestyle.  I hate it!  I'm sick of needing to sleep 10-12 hours a day!

Can you even call this issue "fatigue?"  I've never brought it up really becauses I'm not sure what to call it.  I did tell my psychiatrist about it, and he said maybe I should get a light box or try stimulants.  I'd prefer to find out what is causing it. 

Do you know what your (TSH) thyroid results were because the guidelines of a normal range (the acceptable numbers) have changed recently according to the Canadian and American Throid Associations (I have been doing a lot of research for myself recently). If your docter isn't aware of these new "normal numbers" then you may actually be hypothyroid. I went to my GP a year ago and mentioned this and he blew me off. Boy was I pissed. Because despite being within an (old) acceptable level to him I always felt like I was dragging 10 pound weights around my ancles and tired, lethargic...He was obviously not informed on the latest research. A couple of weeks ago I went to my Gyno (for fertility and thyroid reasons) and she was informed! So I went back to my GP and because the information was from her he he had to listen! Do some research and then go to your docyor and find out what your TSH level was on you last blood test. This may not be your problem but if it turns out to be... good luck...

I think it was 4.9.  I thought that was DAMN CLOSE to the cut-off my hospital still uses, which is the old cut-off of 5.  I didn't mention it because my GP was VERY reluctant to even order the test for me.  The last time my TSH was checked a couple of years ago, it was about 2.  I really had to insist on running the test.  It's like fighting an uphill battle all the time.  I think he blew me off because I'm thin.

Have you ever head of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? (Sometimes also called M.E.)

I have had it for 10 years and the main symptom is the kind of fatigue you describe. There is lots of information if you type in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on Google.

There is a charity in the UK called AYME which is for young people but their website has a lot of easy to understand information about the illness - if you click the link below you can read about the symptoms, quotes from people who have it.. etc. hopefully it will help you to get an idea of if you could potentially be suffering. Just go to the website below and then all the links are down the left hand side.

AYME website

This soooo sounds like depression, and if one drug isn't working, try another...they work differently and you should be able to get some help.

Right on about your thyroid, also, I think an endocrinologist would be the answer there. Also check your vitamin D levels. Almost none of us have enough.

It wouldn't hurt to have your GYN to check your hormone levels, also.

I just started having this same problem more severely then usual i was diagnosed hypothyroid last year .still having the fatigue problems and have had nothing but issues of being overdosed w thyroid meds. I SUGGEST you go to your pcp and ask them to check your hormone levels all you need is one to be slightly out of whack and your body wont work right . There is no such thing as just depression for no reason when your body doesn't work right depression can be a symptom. find a doctor that will check you for adrenal fatigue or insufficiency its common and some doctors unfortunately don't believe in it as well.

I suggest getting blood tests for iron and B12 levels, it's possible you're anemic. I am and the symptoms you're describing are exactly what happens to me when my iron and B12 levels drop too low.

Does it improve at all during different times of the year?  There's some "natural" lights that you can buy that help some people.

Original Post by vanessarose:

I suggest getting blood tests for iron and B12 levels, it's possible you're anemic. I am and the symptoms you're describing are exactly what happens to me when my iron and B12 levels drop too low.

I haven't been tested for iron or b12, but my hemoglobin was good.