5 mo out: extreme fatigue

[HilaryInRC 116]

I too take meds to keep Migraine severe Migraines at bay. I have noticed since I have lost my first 50 lbs that I was feeling very lethargic and tired. I am only 7 weeks out so of course I am assuming this has a lot to due with just getting better from surgery. I actually had to go in and have my Vitamin levels checked out this week to make sure because it got so bad there were a couple of times I thought I was going to pass out.

The meds they were giving me to keep my migraines at bay was actually now causing a low blood pressure and heart rate because of my weight loss. The good news was, I had not had a migraine since my surgery.

The bad news, I have been off the meds for the last two days and it is taking my body a lot to get use to this much faster heart rate. I am very jittery, I can feel my heart in my ears (it is normal, I have taken my blood pressure several times a day).

And of course yesterday I had a migraine. YUCK!

I am hoping my body is just getting used to not having this drug in my system. I am definitely NOT relaxed and clenching my jaw. I was only on a low dose of Propanol but I think we should have cut it in half instead of just stopping it.

Anyway......I do think that those meds can cause some of the symptoms you are describing.

I would check with your doctor right away but make sure there is a plan to wean you off if that is what they decide to do.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

Thank you for this info! I take propanalol 60 mg 2x day to prevent migraine. I'm am pretty sure that is what is behind the dizziness. I'm a bit nervous to switch off of it because I don't want the migraines back and when I miss a dose of propanalol, I get the racing heart too! If I go off, I will definitely wean myself down and not go cold turkey. I think I should talk to my doctor about those Botox shots! Wouldn't it be great to get some injections every so often and be off the propanalol completely?

[jems 36]

Have you been tested for reactive hypoglycemia?

[sassy14 178]

Botox works really well. After a while all the preventative meds stopped working or I developed a reaction. I have been getting the Botox for about 2 1/2 years and it is covered under insurance-- just pay my copay. I have fewer and fewer headaches. And when I get one--a dose of maxalt works in minutes. Btw-- maxalt is not a NSAID and helps works for non Migraine headaches.

And, I'm wrinkle free!

[HilaryInRC 116]

Have you been tested for reactive hypoglycemia?

I have not been tested for reactive hypoglycemia. How do you test for that?

Also, an interesting development...a family member I live with was just diagnosed with acute Epstein Barr (mono). I'm thinking reactive hypoglycemia and possibly mono might be what is going on.

[deedadumble 1,033]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your responses. You all have great advice, which I've mostly taken - more Water, more calories, more Protein etc. I've started really paying attention to the fatigue and I've noticed an important pattern. It is only after I eat lunch and dinner that I feel the extreme fatigue. I get so tired that I either go to sleep or nearly go to sleep. The other day I had an English muffin with Peanut Butter (I was so hungry I nearly ate the whole thing) and ended up in a "food coma" - I fell asleep for 3 hours! I'm finding that if I have anything heavier than just a Protein Drink, little bit of meat, or salad/veggies/fruit with cheese that I feel that fatigue. My aunt is a retired RN and having witnessed me eat this week has said she thinks my body is releasing too much insulin, which is knocking me out after eating. She has encouraged me to take my blood sugar before eating and then during the slump after to see what is going on - I will do this next time I eat a heavier meal (which, for the first time ever, wasn't Thanksgiving! - salad and turkey for dinner here). She thinks my body just doesn't understand how much insulin I need, but that it will get better as my body adjusts more to my new eating habits. That being said, I have an appointment with both the sleep doctor and my bariatric nurse on December 10th. Hopefully, they will be able to shed more light on what is happening. And, finally, I'm thinking I should schedule an appointment with my nutritionist too.

Thoughts? Has this happened to anyone else? Does anyone know how to better control insulin?

-Hilary

It definitely sounds like reactive hypoglycemia, but with your meds and medical issues you need to see your doctor. An English muffin and Peanut Butter has too many carbs in it. To many simple carbs and your blood sugar shoots up then crashes. The crash is going to make you feel horrible. You'll struggle to keep your eyes open, your hands get really shaky and you may start sweating. You feel like you need to eat more carbs, but resist and eat some Protein like cheese, nuts, or lunch meat. The best way to manage it is to have 5-6 small meals a day and avoid simple carbs. No bread, Pasta, rice, sugar, or peanut butter with sugar in it.