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52 Card Project 2022: Week 28: Deficiency
Jul. 15th, 2022 12:03 pmAbout 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
Click here to see the 2022 52 Card Project gallery.
Click here to see the 2021 gallery.
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.
Click here to see the 2022 52 Card Project gallery.
Click here to see the 2021 gallery.