Posted by KaraS on July 24, 2004, at 22:17:37
In reply to Re: Supplements for brain fog? » KaraS, posted by Larry Hoover on July 8, 2004, at 9:32:30
Hi Lar,
It's time to at least start on some of my questions for you since you raised the issue of adrenal fatigue. It got me to thinking about a lot of my symptoms and wondering now if they're adrenal exhaustion, a manifestation of atypical depression or some combination of both. How does one tell the difference? I mentioned to you about how I start the day so slowly and how I don't usually come alive or feel normal until late in the afternoon. I've been thinking that my depression is atypical because of the lethargy but I recently read that atypicals tend to do better in the morning and regress as the day goes on. If that's correct, then that might be a clue for me. OTOH, few people are a perfect clear cut case for any of the classifcations of depression. In fact, when I read the descriptions I inevitably find aspects of major depression, melancholia and dysthmia that relate to me. (I'm a lot of fun to hang out with!)
But getting back to the adrenal fatigue... I've always been a night owl. How do I know that my condition is not just diurnal variation? Wouldn't too much MAO produce the same symptoms? If I don't sleep much, I come alive much sooner in the day. I'm not as groggy and brain dead. I have more energy and I'm not nearly as depressed. Unfortunately, I can't do that very often as I end up feeling sick a day or two later. Hmmm... that might argue for both too much MAO and adrenal fatigue, couldn't it?
There are a few other things I should mention that might make the waters even murkier. I probably have an overabundance of candida yeast from antibiotics and too much sugar. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and I was diagnosed with CFS almost 20 years ago. My CFS is not what most people think of when they think of that syndrome. There are so many conditions and viruses that get misdiagnosed or labeled as CFS because they just don't know what the hell they really are. One day when I was incredibly worn out, I got a horrible flu that included stomach symptoms, nausea, swollen glands, sore throat etc. It got better gradually and then a few days later I'd get it again. This went on for years. There's no doubt in my mind that it's viral. (I've known of 3 other people with exactly the same symptoms.) As time went on, the "attacks" started to occur less frequently. I would even go months without it. Now, it only seems to happen if I get really run down. I'm sorry to run on so but I think it might help if you knew what some of the other factors involved are.
Some other issues of mine that might also be important are that I've had a lot of allergy problems in the last few years including cholinergic urticaria when I exercise (which hasn't been that often). The last time few times I've taken a walk, I feel good at the time but then an hour or two later I'm exhausted and have to sleep. I'm menopausal as well.
I must sound like a mess to you but surprisingly, I still present well. Ironically, I still look like I'm in good shape and I look younger than I really am. (The last nurse practitioner I saw was alarmed that I was having menopausal symptoms until told of my age so I think it's legit.) My sense of humor is still intact. All of this deceives most people (esp. my family and friends) who think that I'm just lazy. They don't get it that I just don't have the energy or the motivation to get a job or take care of my apartment.
At any rate, I know that it's critical for me now to diagnose this correctly because otherwise treatment of the wrong condition could make things so much worse. I had been planning on trying everything noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic until I found relief. However, if adrenal fatigue is a major factor here then I'd, in effect, be whipping a dead horse (or a very sick one), wouldn't I? (metaphor not simile, right?)
What I'd like to do right now is go to a good holistic Dr. and get a lot of testing done. I know of 2 near me who fit the bill but I can't afford to see them right now.
Thanks for listening and considering all of this, Dr. Hoover. Let me know your thoughts when you get a chance.
Gratefully,
Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:359642
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040718/msgs/370136.html