Seeking Guidance: Battling Chronic Illness for Over a Decade
I'm in dire need of assistance. For years, I've been feeling unwell, experiencing an almost constant state of illness. It's difficult to convey precisely what I'm going through, but I will attempt to articulate it as best as I can. My daily existence is overshadowed by overwhelming fatigue, lingering headaches, an absence of energy, and an unsettling sense of unease—though I wouldn't classify it as nausea. The demands of a workday have become increasingly challenging. One silver lining during the pandemic was the shift to remote work, which made my days more manageable. However, I've recently transitioned to a new role that requires me to commute to the office weekly for a 100-mile round trip. We've now been informed that starting mid-January, attendance will be mandatory from Tuesday to Thursday, and it's likely a full return will be expected in the future. Currently, I find myself rising nearly two hours earlier than necessary just to have time to drink coffee, catch up on the news, and mentally prepare to shower and begin my day. Whether it's a workday or a weekend where I can potentially sleep in, I still find myself needing to sit quietly for an extended period before I can muster the energy to move. Regardless of whether I've had 6, 8, 10, or even 12 hours of sleep, I never feel truly well. I force myself to complete essential chores: cleaning the house, cooking, doing laundry, caring for pets, working, and even showering. Shopping has largely migrated online for me, including grocery deliveries. Although my husband and I look forward to going out for drinks with friends at our local American Legion on Friday nights, the exhaustion afterward seems to linger throughout the weekend. Although my mind craves activities and I long for the hobbies I used to enjoy, I feel restricted by a lack of energy. I miss feeling like my old self—active, engaged, and capable of doing the things I love. This nagging sense of discomfort has persisted for around 13 years, escalating from just fatigue to a pervasive feeling of illness over the last six years. Despite discussions with my doctor, I haven't found satisfactory answers. All my blood tests yield normal results, and during routine check-ups, no issues are identified. ### My Background: I am a Caucasian female approaching 62 years in February. - **Height:** 5'5" - **Weight:** 150 lbs (I’ve experienced a weight increase of approximately 20-25 lbs due to menopause; my menstrual cycle has never been consistent, often skipping several months.) - **Mental Health:** I've dealt with depression since childhood, starting treatment in 2004 with 30mg of Cymbalta three times a day, which was later increased to a 60mg time-release version (Duloxetine) once daily in 2016 due to constant fatigue. - **Hypertension:** I take 100/25mg of Losartan HCTZ once daily, 5mg of Amlodipine Besylate once daily, and 25mg of Spironolactone once daily. This condition is hereditary; I began medication at 37 during my peak physical fitness, having maintained a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Both my mother and maternal grandmother also had high blood pressure and relied on medication. I typically indulge in a few beers weekly during our outings, and I do not use recreational drugs. Three years ago, I had pre-cancerous polyps removed during my first colonoscopy, and I underwent a second colonoscopy six months ago with another scheduled for February. I've also been experiencing loose stools on a regular basis, likely a side effect from my medications. This issue began around ten years ago. Could there be a possibility that I have an autoimmune disorder? What steps can I take moving forward? I cannot continue to live my life constantly feeling unwell. Any guidance or suggestions would be immensely appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 3:20:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that living with chronic illness for many years can be incredibly challenging, and your feelings of exhaustion and discomfort are very valid. It's important to address both your symptoms and your need for answers moving forward. We will explore potential factors contributing to how you feel and steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms have persisted for a long time with no clear diagnosis, which can be frustrating.
- Chronic fatigue, headaches, and general malaise can have multiple potential causes, including autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes (such as menopause), and medication side effects.
- Taking actionable steps can help in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Explanation:
Many factors could influence your current state, such as hormonal changes due to menopause, chronic stress, potential side effects from medications, or even the effects of prolonged depression. Autoimmune conditions, while a possibility, often require specific symptoms and testing to diagnose accurately. Given your history and current symptoms, it's essential to consider all possible angles to gain insight into your health.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Start a detailed diary to track when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (diet, activities, stress levels). This can help identify patterns and provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
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Schedule a Comprehensive Review: Request a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your chronic fatigue and other ongoing symptoms, focusing on potential testing for autoimmune disorders or other conditions that may not have been previously discussed.
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Discuss Medications: Review your current medications with your doctor, especially concerning the side effects related to fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. A medication review might reveal alternatives or adjustments that could help alleviate your symptoms.
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Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Nutrition: Consider enhancing your diet with anti-inflammatory foods (like fruits, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, and whole grains) and reducing processed foods and sugars.
- Physical Activity: Incorporate gentle exercises like walking or yoga, which may help increase your energy levels gradually.
- Stress Management: Explore relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve your mental wellness.
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Support Network: Engaging in support groups, either in-person or online, can provide emotional support and additional strategies from others with similar experiences.
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Monitor Changes: After implementing any changes, continue to observe any changes in your symptoms and report them back to your healthcare provider.
It's crucial to remain proactive in seeking answers and advocating for your health. You deserve a better quality of life and effective solutions to help restore your well-being. Remember, you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to feel more like your old self again. If you need further guidance or specific resources, please let me know.
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