DEAR DR. GOTT: Some time ago, you received a letter from a 47-year-old female who was always tired. There was a section where she stated that following breakfast, she had to fight to keep from taking naps all day long. This was a “light bulb” moment that made me think she may have the same problem that I did.
I, too, had the same confusing symptoms and fought them for 11 years. My doctors and I looked at many possible causes, such as depression, endocrine disorders, sleep problems, fibromyalgia, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes and more. I had no energy, always felt as if I had a hangover and was unable to work or even complete simple tasks of daily living. I felt as though I were disabled.
My endocrine specialists wanted me to try the drug acarbose for what I thought was unrelated insulin resistance and low blood-sugar episodes.
The results have been amazing. I now feel energized in the mornings and don’t feel the need to take naps after eating. I am able to work, see my friends, clean my house, and concentrate. It has truly changed my life.
Perhaps this reader should investigate in this direction. I know how disabling this can be, and I hope she can be helped as I was. Please “pay it forward” on my behalf and suggest this to her and all of your readers who may be battling chronic fatigue or know someone who is.
DEAR READER: I have printed your letter in the hopes that my readers will benefit from it.
Chronic fatigue is often difficult to treat because it can be the result of many health conditions, and in some cases it has no known cause. Diabetes, hypoglycemia, fibromyalgia, depression, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, cardiac insufficiency or other causes might be to blame. You were fortunate to have had a physician who worked with you to find the cause of your fatigue.
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