Bipolar causing cronic fatigue.

[mdrj99]

I am new to this forum so I'll tell you a little about myself. I was diagnosed bipolar II about 20 years ago and medication has effectively done away with my hypo-manias but I am still plagued with depression. I had everything semi under control for a number of years and as I was a rapid cycler I could just ride the depressions out. But 4 or 5 years ago one of my children got into meth and our lives went out of control. She is finally in recovery and things should be getting better, but I have been plagued with extreme fatigue for a couple of years now. I have to fight so hard to just function. I am always exhausted and can sleep for 24 hours or more straight. I've been to the dr. many times and he feels it is my depression and not "chronic fatigue syndrome" as I do not qualify for that illness as I am mentally ill and mentally ill "can't" have it. I can pinpoint when it started and I feel this is just more than depression. I "know" depression and this is so different from how bp has hit me before. But then again I am willing to concede that it is the bp too. But whatever is causing it, it is ruining my life. I also a dissociative amnesia and I am finding that I am forgetting things again. I feel as if I am like that game Jingo or something like that. The one where you build the tower and then start removing pieces until it finally crashes down. I am so exhausted that I can't seem to pick up the pieces anymore. Does anyone else deal with extreme fatigue? How do you cope? I know this has been a long rant and I thank you all for listening. Does anyone else deal with extreme fatigue? How do you cope?

[Csandnugget]

Hi,
Filtered coffee also known as percolated coffee.
Finely ground up coffee beans - the rich brews.

I think Starbucks and Seattle coffee co have the stronger coffees. I'm not sure if they use ground coffee or not?
But he real deal works for me.

Your sleep patterns are probably disturbed with all the unusual hours.
Reading also helps one get to sleep.
PS: the Provigil also helps alot with memory

[mdrj99]

I think I will be getting a new primary dr. so that I can have someone see me with new eyes. Narcolepsy is not something that I have considered before. I will have to google it. What is filtered coffee? Where do you get it. Willing to try anything to get out of this. I am hoping that tomorrow will be better as I have been unable to get to sleep this evening. This has not been a problem much lately, but sometimes I think I get a little mini mania and then at least my house gets clean. I will see how I am tomorrow.

[Csandnugget]

Hi MDRJ,

I also get extremely exhausted and at times have fallen asleep inappropriately.
Have you looked into Narcolepsy?
I'm using a wonderful drug called Provigil - it really helps.
My focus is good, energy is up and I feel hapoier because I'm not getting so frustrated with myself over little mistakes all the time

Every now and then filter coffee also helps to get me going.

[mdrj99]

Thank you for your comments. I'm going to add the B12 to my multi vite. Maybe it is just the depression I don't know. All I know is I am not functioning very well.

[myenzoorka]

I was originally diagnosed bipolar, then they switched me to schizoaffective bipolar type.  As a child, I was never much of a sleeper (at sleepovers I was always last to sleep a first to wake.)  But depression really does suck the energy right out of me.  I've also noticed that I seem to be more affected by the fatigue as I get older (not to mention the memory problems!)  As for coping with it, I haven't learned very well how to yet.  I have come to accept that fatigue is just a big part of my life.  I'll take naps when I get tired enough... I try to eat smaller meals more often because keeping your blood sugar level even can help a wee bit.  Oh, I forgot!  I had a doctor who told me to take B12 supplements - and I found myself feeling somewhat less tired overall.  Don't know if that will help you or not.  Since you feel that your fatigue is more than just depression, though, definitely get a second opinion!  (maybe look into sleep apnea since you can sleep for so long and still be exhausted)  

[wineandroses]

If this is ruining your life than you cannot give up getting the proper dx and treatment.  If it were me, I would seek out a dx from another doctor and forget to tell him I was bipolar.