52 Card Project 2022: Week 28: Deficiency

[pegkerr]

About a month ago, I contacted my doctor to say that I've been feeling awful, and can anything be done? I have been SO exhausted. I walk with some friends around a local lake several times a week, and my stamina has been flagging badly. I used to be the pacesetter. Then I started getting exhausted halfway around the lake. Now I want to quit when I'm a third of the way around the lake. Is this still post-concussion stuff? My plant-based diet? What? I feel as though I have been living in a fog, struggling to stay awake in the evening and yet sleeping badly at night.

So, I met with my doctor, underwent a series of blood tests, and went back for a consult with my sleep doctor, too. Conclusion: yes, the sleep problems probably ARE related to the concussion--that is, concussions can cause sleep issues, and even when symptoms recede, the fact that the sleep pattern has been disordered means that sleep can continue to be screwed up even months later.

The blood tests revealed that I have a Vitamin D deficiency (very common for people in Minnesota--we have less sunlight than other parts of the country) and I'm low on Vitamin B12 (common for vegans).

So, I am back to Sleep Boot Camp (NO naps, later bedtime) and I've started Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 supplements. I hope that I will start feeling better soon. I really want my life back.

Image description: Foreground right: Peg stands hunched over, looking exhausted. A windup key emerges from her back. Behind the windup key a hand holds a Vitamin D pill up against the sun. Lower left: pink pills spell out "B12" Center left: Vitamin D.

Deficiency



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Comments

[dreamshark]

Sorry to hear this, and hope you find the solution. In all likelihood there is one (or more). Gradually decreasing energy/stamina is hard to pinpoint, because the symptoms sneak up on you and there can be multiple things going on that each contributes a little.

I assume that if your doctor did blood tests they tested for anemia and thyroid problems. Actually, you might have to ask specifically for thyroid tests. Even though hypothyroidism is incredibly common in older women, it is rarely included in a standard panel of lab tests.

Did you get an EKG? As I have recently learned, another condition that is surprisingly common in older women (men too, but more women) is atrial fibrillation, and the symptoms of that may not be obvious. I didn't think that I had any symptoms, but when I got my heart rhythm reset with a cardioversion, I felt SO MUCH BETTER. More energy, more stamina, and just feeling more optimistic than I had for weeks. The staff at the cardio department tells me that this is a common reaction.

[pegkerr]

Yes, I was tested for iron and thyroid, as well as protein deficiency, and everything there was normal. It was a virtual visit, so she didn't listen to my heart, but we talked about heart symptoms and I didn't have anything that twigged it as possible (swelling in feet, racing or stuttering heartbeat). The agreement was that if I don't feel better in a month, then I should have an in-person visit to see if there should be any further cardiac evaluation.

[pameladean]

I've had both those deficiencies, and they can certainly wipe out one's stamina. I hope the supplements help you be your usual pacesetting self again.

P.

[dreamshark]

I didn't have any of those symptoms either: my AFib was identified by my Apple Watch. I had a slightly elevated heart rate, but never qualifying as tachycardia (over 100 bpm). I'm not sure if a doctor can detect AFib with a stethoscope, but an EKG picks it right up. And you shouldn't have to make an appointment with a cardiologist for that - both Richard and I have had them done at regular doctor visits.

[mizzlaurajean]

It's pretty bad if you are deficient in Vitamin D and you've been getting outside in summer. Hope you feel better soon.