Exhaustion and Lack of Focus

[osuche]

Just a question....

I've been going through this period recently where I am always exhausted - mentally and emotionally. Sometimes people talk to me and I can't even tune in enough to process what they're saying. I mean - I literally walk off midway through the conversation and I don't even know why I do it.

I've been sleeping about 6-8 hours a night (which is my usual) but I wake up exhausted too.

I've never been this mentally sluggish and easily frustrated. I get these periods of irrational anger, too.
Anger + exhaustion + inattention = disaster.

The only two things that have changed since I've been having these problems - about 2.5 weeks - are the following:
- We're going through a strategy process at work which has taken a lot of time and emotional energy
- I've not been working out
- It's the end of the semester and I'm busy with class deadlines

I also recently got bitten by a spider...but other than that there have been no major illnesses or any other changes.

Any ideas about how I can cure my malaise? I'm starting to get worried - I can't focus, am always tired, and I scare myself when I get angry like I've been doing. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

((((Pixies))))

[Winston77]

Have you ever thought about medatation, when I start getting the way you've described a even just a few minutes does me wonders.
Someone gave me a great book "The Three Minute Medatator" 30 simple ways to unwind your mind while enhaning your emotional intelligence, by David Harp and beleive it or not the forward was written by Ben and Jerry

[IowaMan]

Well, I'll take a quick stab at it.

The way I see it, you have simply been pushing yourself too hard for too long. The extra course at school this semester may have been just what it took to push you over the top.

You are getting the sleep that you would normally get but you aren't getting the rest and relaxation.

Let's see how close I am with this one. You go from work to school, grab something to eat quickly between the two. After class you go home and do more work before you go to bed. Or if it's not work then you do some schoolwork, or sometimes both.

When you do hit the pillow you are thinking about what you have done during the day and what you will be doing tomorrow. I'm betting that you are thinking about those things while you are asleep as well, as stupid as that may sound.

Your weekends are filled with more classwork and also work that you've brought home from the job, right?

I think you need some good, quality "osuche time" where you relax and enjoy life without thinking or worrying about school and work. And I think you need it on a more regular basis, not just every once in awhile. You've been on one hell of a pace for quite some time now osuche. Probably too simple of a solution but I really think that your body just isn't getting the chance to recover from your stressful job and classes and it's just sort of deciding to do it whenever it wants to.

Just my thoughts on it.

(((((((Osuche)))))))

Time for me to try again to get the sleep that I'm needing. :wave:

[Loulabelle]

Yep, I know it sounds obvious but you are suffering from stress.

All of your complaints are classic indicators.

You need to realise that an ineffectual Osuche is no help to anyone and that in this case, putting yourself higher up your priority list is not being selfish, it will actually benefit everyone.

You've said in the past that working out helps you to relax and while that's a concept completely lost on me, perhaps finding a half hour a day to do some exercise will get you back on track. Alternatively, some other kind of relaxation technique for just ten minutes a day can make a difference.

I know you think you don't have time, but at the moment you're probably spending more than 10 minutes a day trying to sort out things you've messed up, apologising to people you've upset with your anger, or beating yourself up about how you aren't being the best Osuche you can be.

For everyone's benefit, you have to put yourself closer to the top of your list for a while, and if anyone questions it (which they won't - it's sometimes depressing to see how the world does NOT stop spinning when you stop pedalling for a while) you need to explain that you need to do this in order to function.

The more useful a person you are in a family/ business/ whatever, the more important it is that you look after yourself. Take this from someone who has recently learned what it means for someone else's very existence to depend on you.

[osuche]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the perspective - I have very little of it myself right now.

Winston - I work with someone who is a medatative coach. Perhaps I need to get him to give me some tips.

IowaMan - I know you're right, but I've just been worried it's something more complex because stress has never felt this way to me before.

Lou - Your baby is lucky to have someone as sweet and perceptive as you to depend on. (((Lou)))

[Lilith]

Osuche- perpective is exactly what you need. I can say this because I am in the midst of trying to gain some myself.

Step back and try to view where you are at more objectively. Look at where you can honestly give less so you can retain some time for yourself. I always say there is nothing I can shirk off on but truth be told I give 150% when giving 100% is really enough. Learn to stop at enough and not continue to put so much pressure on yourself. If you are anything like me people respect you for the way you do everything to the best of your ability. They won't think less of you for just completing the task.

[maddy]

All I can say, is from my experience everyone here is spot on. I don't have any great recommendations on how to fix it as I'm not sure I've found the perfect solutions yet.

What IM said about the quality of sleep is so important. But finding a way to turn the mind off when your head hits the pillow isn't always easy. What I've tried and it sometimes works is make a small list before you get in bed ... what you accomplished for the day (whether it was intended to be accomplished or not!) and what you have to work on the next day. Sometimes the pen to paper method is enough to get a few things off the mind for a period of time.

I hope you find some relief and quick.

((osuche))

[WildIrish]

I left an incredibly stressful job because I was collapsing inward. I think I aged ten additional years in the last two at that job, and things were physically breaking down. I was getting migraines & yes...my wang was not easily hugified by Mrs. WI's strenuous & persistent efforts.

I'm the kind of person who's mind never stops, so meditating is very difficult for me if it doesn't include some kind of activity to distract me. If I don't pass out the minute I close my eyes...I lay awake for hours with my mind spinning. Good thoughts as well as bad. I've tried reciting a verse over & over again. I've tried standard relaxation techniques to pinpoint where I store my tension, and recently I've been attempting to get a working knowledge of Tai Chi so I can go to a class & not look like a retarded ballerina on rollerskates. :p

I've considered going back to martial arts, but it's been a couple of years since I've done it...and I know I'll be very hard on myself when I see how soft I've let myself get. And quite frankly...I don't need that frustration right now.

I suggest getting your shapely butt back to the gym so you can blow off some steam & get some endorphins pumping. And taking everyone's advice & applying it in a way only you know how to your life.

And of course...don't be shy in reaching out to your friends.

[Belial]

Try and stop work - anything that involves physical or mental effort - at least an hour before your normal bedtime. Don't cheat by pushing your bedtime back an hour to compensate. In that time, unwind. Have a shower or bath, then snuggle with Mr. Osuche, watch some mindless TV, a favourite DVD, then go to bed. I find that I sleep much more soundly after having a shower in the evening. And try and get 8 hours consistently, maybe you can't function on 6 the way you used to..it happens.

Of course, how you can use this, I don't know, just thought I'd throw it out there for ya.

*huggles*

[scotzoidman]

While it certainly sounds like you've got enough stress going on to be the cause of your problems, it might be a good idea to rule out any physical causes, disorders like sleep apnea could be behind this...
About 12 years ago, I was constantly sleepy & irratible, & having serious probs drifting off at the wheel...a sleep study determined that apnea was interupting my sleep several times a night, & a CPAP unit prescribed (that Mrs Zoid describes as "Darth")...while apnea is more likely in men (due to a larger soft pallette), women are by no means immune to it.

[Aqua]

There's already loads of great advice from all the Pixie's above... so i'm just going to recommend a weekend getaway.

Seattle is beautiful this time of year.

;)

[wyndhy]

((((osuche))))
yup, lots of good advice, but....i've gathered from the few years i've gotten to now you through pixies that you sort of thrive on stress, so i must say i'd be a bit surprised if it wasn't more that just stress. not to rule that out, 'cause it sounds like things have gotten a bit out of control, and NOT to downplay the added recent stresses AT ALL but take scotz's advice and see a doc. maybe even a new mattress is in order. perhaps you are closing your eyes for the same amount of time you're used to but if you're tossin and turnin, you're not getting rest. (((more hugs))) i hope it all gets better real quick.

[osuche]

Thanks, everybody! I do think I'm going to schedule a check up...usually the doctors aren't terribly helpful with such nonspecific symptoms....but I checked my temp this morning and it was 99.5F and I'm usually a 97.3F girl. But I don't feel sick! Just exhausted, unfocused, and short of temper.

Lilith - Maybe you and I should form a perspective group...I often need a kickm in the ass to see what's apparent to others.

Maddy and WI - yes, good quality sleep is the most important. I like the idea of T'ai Chi, but I also crave the endorphin rush of working out. Maybe a workout plus list making is the best approach...

(((((Belial)))))

Scotz and whydhy...I'll take the good advice and go see what the dr recommends

Aqua: Will you take me out for fish tacos? ;)

Thanks everyone!!! I appreciate the advice.

[musicman]

I think part of it, and I know as I went through it...is that even though you're sleeping, it's not restful sleep - you're concerned about everything else going on in your life and it's not conducive to rest.

You should follow the others advice and try to completely relax before bed and if you find yourself thinking about all the things going on, try to find your happy place - somewhere in your mind where you can find peace....maybe that'll help...

just my 2 cents

[Cheyanne]

I concur with the advice about seeing a doctor. It may be stress, lack of restful sleep, or even a mild form of depression. What you describe is exactly what I went thru a few years ago. I was diagnosed with mild depression and given pills... They helped for a while, but then I was right back where I started.. so I quit them. I went back to the doc, and she did more tests and found out that I was estrogen dominant. I was prescribed natrual progestron and felt 100% better! I was just a few years older than you when I went thru this... wouldn't hurt to have that checked while you are there too!

(((osuche)))

[Irezumi Kiss]

In my own case, I had more of a lack of focus than exhaustion. When financial circumstances forced me to put my social carousing on the back burner I was more or less forced to focus on that which benefitted my soul the most without having to cost me anything. And less abuse with vices meant better body actions.

If you don't have to deal with the need for money too much in the face of all this extra work and stress (I work overtime by choice for the $, but I make sure to have my "escape" time), definitely step back and be selfish for self a little bit doing something strictly for your own pleasure out of each week, even if it means nothing or seems absurd to anyone else but yourself. That lil' bit o' happiness has a lot of spread value over your bread, believe that.

[Coaster]

It's been said, and I've had bouts of that type of exhaustion too. I think it's a combination of stress, lack of that deeeep sleep, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and finally depression because I know somethings wrong but can't "fix it" myself.

I've still resisted depression meds but usually i pump up my vitamins, bike til practically a rag and take some Coaster time in the woods for a good talking to and relax.

Come to my coast!!!!!!!!!!!!

(((((((((((((Osuche)))))))))))) :kisser:

[LixyChick]

(((((osuche)))))

All good advice above...and don't forget to mention that spider bite to the doc when you see him/her. Low grade fever, lethargy, etc. can all be caused by certain spider bites. Please don't wait too long to see the doc and keep us informed in any case!

[dicksbro]

... Like Lixy said ... all good advice ^^^ and the spider bite shouldn't be ignored. Not much to add except to let you know you're always in our thoughts and when you're feeling wiped out, know that there's a whole lot of Pixies offering big hugs to help you relax.

(((( osuche ))))

[osuche]

I'm calling the dr today to make an appointment for next week.

I've tried an experiment the past 2 days - I've gone to the gym and also ended my night by reading pulp fiction in the bath tub. I was hoping one or the other would help.

I have more energy during the day, but the focus is still really, really bad and I am often quite unable to follow a conversation. I also have the headache and fever...so I think it's time to go in. Not that 2 days is conclusive or anything.

:confused:

[Coaster]

(((((((((((Osuche)))))))))))

Good Luck and keep us informed please!!!

[osuche]

I have a dr appt for Wednesday morning.

I was running a low grade fever again this morning.

And I did something very stange (for me) today.....I went out to grab a salad down the street, paid for it....and left my purse right on a table. I didn't even realize I'd left it until almost an hour later. Thank God when I went to pick it up, the restaurant had it and everything was intact.

I've only once left my purse somewhere in my life - something I just never forget.

What's happening to me?????

:banghead:

[maddy]

I'm not a doctor, so you can feel free to ignore this... but stress is a horrible little creature and it turns completely normal people into other strange beings. I hope this is only stress, and you find some relief or coping mechanisms soon.

[osuche]

(((((maddy))))) - I hope you're right. I'm feeling a bit like Humpty Dumpty who fell off of the wall.

Thanks for letting me whine, and for offering good advice and perspective.

[IowaMan]

((((osuche)))))

Glad you did make the Dr. appt. osuche. :nod:

And you know what? You're no Humpty Dumpty dear. You'll get back on track and you've got a bit of support here if you need it. Remember that. :console:

[Oldfart]

osuche,

Fatigue is a creeping thing that has you flat on your bum before you have any idea you're in trouble.

It is a vicious spiral that needs aggressive measures to drag yourself back.

My rotating roster shift work has caught me a couple of times, so this is personal experience.

Do something, please.

[osuche]

((((OldFart))))) -- I think Ineed someone to distract me. ;)

[Wicked Wanda]

Sweetie, SEE A DOCTOR, or an NP or a PA NOW!!!
Yes, I know this is possibly, even likely, all due to stress, but a healthy woman DOES NOT usually run a fever due to stress, especially after a spider bite!!

Spider or tick? Are you SURE?? You have some symptoms of Lyme disease, hon. You also have symptoms of thyroid disease, anemia, (different kinds) sleep apnea (already mentioned) even heart disease, (I am not talking about vessel disease, but other problems, such as myopathy or even endocarditis, an infection affecting the heart muscle and valves), Addison's disease (a problem with your adrenal glands) and even diabetes.
There is of course CFS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which causes flu -like symptoms for up to six months.
There is a host of infections besides Lyme you can get, most have nothing to do with the sider bite. There's Mono (mononucleosis) of course, which needs a special test, viral encephalitis, and so on, plus several types of what are called "occult diseases", subtle infections that are hard to track, like kidney infections, or even TB!!
There is also Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, not to mention all the things one can get from insect bites. Oh, and are your teeth OK? Dental infections can cause all of your symptoms too!

There are scarier things.

I am sorry I did not see your post sooner, and am happy you have your appointment. Please let us know, even PM me if you prefer, but please get a full checkup!!


WW
(A.K.A. Linda R. -- RN, BSN, MSN)
*just a reminder*

HUGS!

W.

[rabbit]

(((osuche)))

Please let us know how you are doing.

[IowaMan]

Thinking of you and wishing you the best with your appointment today osuche. ((((((osuche)))))))

[osuche]

Thanks guys. My appointment is at 9 am PST. I have meetings at work from 10 am - 12 pm...but I'll be by in the afternoon to let you know what they said. I hope it's something better than "get more rest"

<sigh>

[osuche]

Popping on quickly in between meetings.... :)

Doctor is puzzled. Neuro evaluation went fine - no issues. She ordered some blood tests and we've scheduled another appointment for next week.

She says it might be stress - but was worried about the blood work. We'll see.

[WildIrish]

I'm beginning to think that restrictive clothing may be the issue.

[osuche]

I'm beginning to think that restrictive clothing may be the issue.


/me looks around, puzzled.

You mean the spandex top I have on under my sweater? Or the thong???

:spin:

[WildIrish]

I think we need a detailed description of the pro's & con's of your undergarments.



Perhaps that could be an added section in the weekly report you file with us.

[Coaster]

/me looks around, puzzled.

You mean the spandex top I have on under my sweater? Or the thong???

:spin:


It's hard to tell if your underwear is too snug..... I must evaluate further! :wtp:

[IowaMan]

It's hard to tell if your underwear is too snug..... I must evaluate further! :wtp:
I'm thinking they could be a bit too snug. Just the thought of them is making my eyes bulge out. Uh oh.......... now it's seemingly happening in other places too. :yikes:

((((osuche))))

Hey, I've been there too many times to count with the waiting for test results. You know how to get hold of me if you need an ear. :x:

[rabbit]

/me looks around, puzzled.

You mean the spandex top I have on under my sweater? Or the thong???


:faint:

[Wicked Wanda]

BUMP!!!!
So. What's up sweetie?

WW

[denny]

Is anyone thinking what I am! Is Osuche going through Peter Parker syndrome? Just kidding, I have been going through the most stressful period in my whole life the last few months. I can relate to the same symptoms. Hang in there W.

[IowaMan]

Thinking of you and hoping all goes well with your follow-up osuche. :x:

((((((osuche)))))))

[musicman]

Thinking of you and hoping all goes well with your follow-up osuche. :x:

((((((osuche)))))))

What he said :D

(((osuche)))

[osuche]

Not sure exactly what's up. I went to the heath center for a visit with my doctor. All the blood work looked basically normal. She did another neuro evaluation and it looked good too. Spent a lot of time looking in my eyes...

Then she went for a consultation with a neurologist, who asked me some questions about the headaches I've been having and about how a feel on my "bad days."

He prescribed an MRI and a follow up consultation. Then I spent another hour getting *more* blood work and the approvals for the MRI from my insurance.

More to follow, I guess...after the MRI and appointment with the neurologist. In the interim, I have a head cold and took the day off of work. I think I am headed for a nap...

Thanks to everyone for caring. :x:

[IowaMan]

Thanks for letting us know ......:x:

Hey, we all care a lot and just want to see you feeling back to your old self ASAP osuche. :nod:

((((((osuche))))))

[WildIrish]

Spent a lot of time looking in my eyes...



Can't say as I blame them. :)

[osuche]

I scheduled my MRI for tomorrow.

[WildIrish]

Good.

Thank you.

[osuche]

Good.

Thank you.


:x:

[IowaMan]

I scheduled my MRI for tomorrow.
I echo WI's sentiments. I'll definitely have you on my mind. :nod: ((((((osuche))))))

[Eastern]

(((((((OSUCHE)))))))))) i hope it all works out and you are fine.
Hugs to you


Not sure exactly what's up. I went to the heath center for a visit with my doctor. All the blood work looked basically normal. She did another neuro evaluation and it looked good too. Spent a lot of time looking in my eyes...

Then she went for a consultation with a neurologist, who asked me some questions about the headaches I've been having and about how a feel on my "bad days."

He prescribed an MRI and a follow up consultation. Then I spent another hour getting *more* blood work and the approvals for the MRI from my insurance.

More to follow, I guess...after the MRI and appointment with the neurologist. In the interim, I have a head cold and took the day off of work. I think I am headed for a nap...

Thanks to everyone for caring. :x:

[Wicked Wanda]

It sounds like they are being very careful hon. Like I said, it is not usual for healthy women to feel bad, and your Doctor is paying attention to what you say.
I am glad to see they are being so careful, and that the days of "Oh it's just the vapors" is fading away.

HUGS

Please keep us all informed.

WW

[osuche]

I think the relaxation plan is working - I am getting more focused and feeling better. I'm going to be taking some time off of work next week and I'm looking forward to feeling even better. Plus...now my head cold is finally going away which makes everything even better!

I still find it hard to concentrate sometimes. But I have more good days than bad now, which is a step in the right direction.

[Coaster]

Excellent!!!!

I'm glad to see you taking care of yourself. Now actually relax next week and bring NO HOMEWORK OR WORK with you........... don't even think about that stuff!!!!

Of course you are allowed to think about us Pixie Men........................... well it's ok to think about the pixie lasses too if you HAVE to! :D

(((((Osuche))))

[osuche]

Of course you are allowed to think about us Pixie Men........................... well it's ok to think about the pixie lasses too if you HAVE to! :D

(((((Osuche))))



You had to get me all worked up, didn't you?

:spank:


:hot:

[LixyChick]

Glad to know you are taking the steps to get better (((((osuche)))))!

TY for the update and I'll keep good thoughts for your continued upswing!

[wyndhy]

You had to get me all worked up, didn't you?

:spank:


:hot:
the release of sexual tension can be THE best form of relaxation and has been shown to increase mental acuity. :D
((hugs)) i'm glad to hear there's been improvement

[Oldfart]

osuche,

Has the possibility you picked up some bug over Xmas in the Holy Land been discounted?

[Coaster]

the release of sexual tension can be THE best form of relaxation and has been shown to increase mental acuity. :D
((hugs)) i'm glad to hear there's been improvement



Ahhhhhhhh wyndhy.... yet ANOTHER reason why I love the way you think!!! :kisser:

[osuche]

osuche,

Has the possibility you picked up some bug over Xmas in the Holy Land been discounted?


All of my blood tests are within range. That doesn't necessarily mean I didn't pick something up - these things are hard to diagnose.

The MRI is "in case" of a brain tumor or similar...other than blood tests I'm not sure how you'd detect an unholy Holy Land bug.

Good thought...I'll ask. :)

:x:

[dicksbro]

Osuche, you're always in our prayers, but we'll add a few extras for good measure. My wife helps at the parochial school and the kids start each morning with a prayer for those they know need or want prayers. They'll be thinking of you!

(((( HUGS )))) and :wish:

[Oldfart]

osuche,

I think it's either Bell,Book and Candle or three laps of the Lourdes fountain.

[Winston77]

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/gabbyguide/3078/12-ways-to-stay-on-top-of-stress

[Oldfart]

Bump (or two).

[osuche]

You know, I'm better. I still have bad days - but they're fewer. I did the MRI and the analysis came back that everything was normal, so I'm thinking about cancelling the neurologist appointment.

I am, however, sticking it out with the counselor as I try and learn some stress management techniques. I'm really bad at it, I guess. Else I would have never gotten myself into that state.

[IowaMan]

You know, I'm better. I still have bad days - but they're fewer. I did the MRI and the analysis came back that everything was normal, so I'm thinking about cancelling the neurologist appointment.

Now, you do realize that if I were to say something similar about one of my doctor appts. that you'd probably have a few harsh words to say, right? ;)

Just glad that everything came out ok with the MRI. (((((((osuche))))))))

[scotzoidman]

I am, however, sticking it out with the counselor as I try and learn some stress management techniques.
Have you learned the one where you picture a mountain pool so clear you can easily make out the face of the person you're holding under?

[osuche]

Have you learned the one where you picture a mountain pool so clear you can easily make out the face of the person you're holding under?


That sounds like a great idea. :D

I cried today in my counseling session...I'm just too tired and spread to thin. It's less about having so many things I hate but more about having so many things that I love - so many people I want to spend more time with and so many activities I want to participate in. I guess it's a good problem to have. :D

[IowaMan]

(((((((osuche)))))))))) :x:

[musicman]

I agree with IM - you should keep the app't...safer to rule everything out. I'm really happy your MRI is clear though.

and lastly to agree with IM..... (((osuche)))

[Steph]

Erm, could it be that you're working full time & going to school full time?

Really. People don't do this every day. I know you're your own martyr but seriously. You're getting an MRI?

I'm sorry, I just have to bring it up. Jesus. You're doing a masters and working full time (and are apparently the most important person at your job).

Maybe it's burnout?

You're spending how much on medical tests?