Foggy, confused, lethargic ~ reactive hypoglyc

Dear Dr,

Every 3-4 weeks I become totally fatigued - transforming me from a highly active professional to a total zombie - exhausted & barely able to tackle simple daily activities and my mind is clouded with a dull headache. Usually the tiredness hits me first and then, through frustration, on comes the depression - it lasts about 5 days and then I'm back to normal again until the next episode.

I've had a battery of biochemical tests completed and the only test that was slighly abnormal was my GTT which indicated a slight tendency to hypoglycaemia.

The illness leaves me very 'detached', unable to do physical activities, etc - and can be worsened by any other stressor occuring at that time - i.e. additional physical endurance. This is a total contrast to me usual 'state' - it's very worrying when it happens, but I tend to 'deny it' when I'm over it.

I swim twice a week and am on no meds. Should I be changing my diet, taking meds, having counselling, etc...?

Thank you!

[ettebette]

Hi, Shredder.  First of all, I suffer from Fibromyalgia, CFS from the Fibromyalgia (those of us who have Fibromyalgia do not get the deep level sleep, hence, we're never wake up feeling rested and restored).  I have Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis, and a host of other medical conditions.
My suggestions to you are this: consult with a good nutritionist, and seek out a good therapist.  These are good support people for you.  I have a wonderful therapist.  It took YEARS to finally find the right one.  When you do, you will be amazed at how beneficial counseling/therapy can be.  I know what it's like to be tired all the time.  It's something I have to live with.  I also have to deal with chronic headaches and chronic pain.  I've tried every treatment modality known to man/woman to try to deal with my chronic pain.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, has helped.  I just started seeing an acupuncturist, and she feels that Fibromyalgia is complicating the accupuncture treatments, and suggested I look into a Fibromyalgia protocol developed by Dr. Brice E. Vickery.  It is a diet/supplement program, and is expensive.  I don't think I can afford it.  At least not now.
Now back to you: why not try some of my suggestions?  It can't hurt, and it may help.  Good luck!

ettebette