Whats wrong with me...
 

[Closed] Whats wrong with me.... Constantly ill/tired/achy ???

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Hello everyone I am after some advice.

Ive had the following symptoms for the past two and a bit months now....

Chesty cough
Achy bones/joints
Frequent night sweats
No concentration
Jumbling words
Low moitvation
Lack of sleep/ waking all the time
Constanly tired/drained
Always thinking about things and doubting myself
Not wanting to socialise
Weight gain.

Since the start of December Ive been away on ops with the RAF and have been doing 12 hours shifts for 7 days a week. We get one day off for fatigue manegement every two weeks.

Ive got no motivation to go to the gym and everyt ime Ive tried I just feel crap afterwards and feel as though Ive got a chest infection.

I keep coughing up white/greyish flem yet when Ive been to the doctors twice my chest has been clear??

Im constanly feel knackered and dont want to do anything and anything I do is a big effort.

The food isnt that great out here and I will admit my diet isnt the greatest hence Ive put weight on. Im up to 117kgs now !

My sleep isnt the best either, I keep waking at in the early hours and struggle to sleep from then on?

Any ideas?

Im starting to get really depressed by it.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:37 am
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Has your cat visited sub-Saharan Africa recently?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:38 am
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pregnant?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:38 am
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Thanks for the replies fellas..... really helpful ??


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:42 am
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What has the doctor said?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:43 am
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Thanks for the replies fellas..... really helpful ??

You've already been to the Doctor twice.
Did you expect the internet to be more helpful?

Try the Doctor again. Third time's a charm and all that.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:45 am
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Change your 5 star hotel?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:45 am
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The first time said nowt was wrong, second time said the same but gave me some antibiotics to try.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:46 am
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Go to the docs again, say you feel tired and run down all the time. I've just done the same thing and he's booked me in for blood tests for liver function, thyroid and a few other bits.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:48 am
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Sounds like your bike is the wrong size


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:49 am
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obecalp brand antibiotics ?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:49 am
 bubs
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Im starting to get really depressed by it.

This? ^^^


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:50 am
 DrP
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Soo.. if you saw me (and bearing in mind I'm actually a circus clown, not a Dr) I'd probably get a routine screen for diabetes and thyroid etc etc.

I'd also nod and scratch my ginger beard at "[i]Since the start of December I've been away on ops with the RAF and have been doing 12 hours shifts for 7 days a week. We get one day off for fatigue management every two weeks[/i]" and pose the question to you if you thought working like a dog for twelfteen hours a day might have something to do with it if all the tests came back as negative.

Then I'd juggle. Cos I'm a clown. Not a Doctor.
Clown.

DrP


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:52 am
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Ive got an appointment booked for next week.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:53 am
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Since the start of December Ive been away on ops with the RAF and have been doing 12 hours shifts for 7 days a week. We get one day off for fatigue management every two weeks.

You're knackered I would guess, either mentally, physically or likely both. The doc may be able to help but what you actually need is to work less and rest more. You also say your sleep is pure and your food bad too, I suspect you're in a bit of a perfect storm with all those things together.

Edit

Sounds like your bike is the wrong size
I won't lie, this made be chuckle.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:53 am
 Yak
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Look at the things you can control and change within this work set-up.

So - better quality food - plenty of veg/fish/meat - less processed crap.
Get some sunshine or vit d.
Prioritise some short sessions of fun exercise - rides, runs, footy, squash - whatever floats your boat as you need some headspace from this too.
Less caffine and try and get a decent amount of sleep.

All obvious stuff, but it's easy to get into a self-perpetuating downward spiral, so take control of the bits you can.

ianad obviously... 🙂


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:55 am
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Brufen and tubigrip is standard Med Center answer. Or at least is was when I was in the Mob. +1 for Yak. Get well soon from this ex crab.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:58 am
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bearing in mind I'm actually a circus clown, not a Dr

My experience has been that these two professions have a great deal in common.

Make an entrance into the ring.
Muck about a bit.
Leave you feeling slightly creeped out and uncomfortable.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:00 am
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Ive been taking paracetamol sporadically for the last two months to try and stop my headaches.

I always feel thirsty too.

Im drinking lots of water though.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:01 am
 DrP
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ta da........
[img] [/img]

DrP


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:01 am
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Make an entrance into the ring.
Muck about a bit.
Leave you feeling slightly creeped out and uncomfortable.

[img] [/img]

I always feel thirsty too.

Im drinking lots of water though.

Go back to your docs. Mention this specifically.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:02 am
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Thanks for the helpful replies chaps???

Some knobbers on here today though isnt there.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:04 am
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I always feel thirsty too.
Im drinking lots of water though.

Can be an indicator of diabetes among other things.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:07 am
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today? 😀


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:07 am
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Back in the fridge with you Nobber!


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:09 am
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Ive actually came on to get some genuine help but instead the keyboard warriors turn it into a pisstake.

I remember a thread on here about "post viral fatigue" but cant find it.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:10 am
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You've had some genuine help. DrJ, who I believe is actually a doctor, has said you should see your doc again, as your symptoms do need further investigation. Extreme tiredness and being constantly thirsty should really trigger a blood glucose test in a man of your size.

I know you seem to take umbrage pretty easily in your threads, but the info is right there for you. You need to exclude Type II diabetes before considering things like post viral fatigue.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:16 am
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Ive actually came on to get some genuine help but instead the keyboard warriors turn it into a pisstake.

Typical oversensitive crabfat 😉


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:21 am
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Nobber!

A bit harsh my feline friend! 😆


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:21 am
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I know you seem to take umbrage pretty easily in your threads, but the info is right there for you. You need to exclude Type II diabetes before considering things like post viral fatigue.

This is 100% true but you also need to acknowledge that working that much, eating poorly and sleeping badly can wear you out. It may not be an medical issue as such, you may just be knackered.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:24 am
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Could be, definitely. I hope so. He needs to rule out the nasties first though.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:25 am
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,


A bit harsh my feline friend!

Couldn't help it. Misread your username. What is seen can't be unseen and all that.

Today, I have mostly been ....a pisstaking knobber.
A bit of a departure from my normal style, I know but, it [b]is[/b] Friday.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:25 am
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I know you seem to take umbrage pretty easily in your threads, but the info is right there for you

Unfortunately it's not the information that he wants to hear. We have perfectly good doctors out there, I don't know why anyone would come here for a (serious) second opinion. I'm sure the doctor knows Renton better than anyone here to give a correct diagnosis.
As an aside, can anyone help with a rear mech problem I have, my doctor couldn't so I'm a bit stuck. 😛


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:26 am
 DT78
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I'd prescribe a new bike.

Slightly more helpful, your not alone, felt similar since start of nov. basically just run down from lack of sleep and working to hard, meant virus after virus. 3 weeks clear and then last weekend yet another cold. This time, stopped all training, alcohol and bed early so even if im not asleep I'm resting a minimum of 10hours a night. Still have sniffles and blocke ears but past the worst much quicker than previously. Just start looking after yourself.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:30 am
 dazh
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Much sympathy for your affliction. I've been similarly knackered, over-worked and generally unmotivated over the past couple of months. Really though, if you post on the internet about stuff like this, you should expect some mild p*ss-taking. Especially as a many people on here are of the cynical, chippy northerner ilk 🙂


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:35 am
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Im sorry for being stroppy, just feeling really out of sorts at the moment and seem to have lost my sense of humour/self confidence.

Docs keep saying nothing wrong when there clearly is.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:41 am
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YHM


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:44 am
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Docs keep saying nothing wrong when there clearly is.

Apart from the fatigue that will have an effect, how much of this is mental in a depression sort of way. Being away from home, working 12 hour days, the nature of the job etc all has a price. Is the doctor you've been speaking to a MTFU sort of person? Change doc.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:45 am
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Long hours, crap food, overweight and depressed. Sounds more like a viscous psychosomatic cycle that i know all too well and is a horrible rut to be stuck in (you have my sympathies). But I am afraid the only advice I do have, if nothing is really physically wrong, is suck it up buttercup and pull yourself out of it. That is purely from personal experience where the only way to get out of it is to pull yourself out of it in any way you can. I am especially susceptible to lack of sunlight and hate winter and get stuck in a very similar cycle along with getting colds etc as I am run down. This year having my yellow fever jab really didn't help matters.

That said I think it's worth getting other things checked - bloods, urine etc for the obvious things. Check for lumps in obvious places both for checking for a response to an infection (lymph gland responses) and for something more sinister.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:57 am
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Just to add, I had a horrendous cold at xmas (I've had flu and it wasn't that, just a cold but 10X worse than any I've ever had), I couldn't eat or sleep for a few days because my throat was so sore and painful, missed xmas dinner and everything!

I kept getting much milder versions of it ever few weeks and it's only just gone away for good a few weeks ago.

I put it down to doing a hell of a lot of training in December, and overdoing it big time. On top of that I was converting and repairing my van, so any time when I wasn't wet and cold on the bike, I was wet and cold under the van!

If your working a lot of hours and feel run down, then any small cold/bug/ache will take ages to heal.

Apart from getting advise from doctors as has been mentioned, I'd suggest taking your rest time seriously for a while, and really try and relax.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:59 am
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the moment you start to do something about it the situation will improve. Sort diet go to gym. That will make a start. Your not the only one working those hours and longer and in harsher environments.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 12:04 pm
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Alcohol involved?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 12:06 pm
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Your not the only one working those hours and longer and in harsher environments.

Ive never claimed to be, I was just explaining my current workload.

EDIT... No alcohol involved.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 12:06 pm
 loum
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Mention the irritability/stressed out feeling/stroppiness to the docs too.
Could be another significant symptom.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 12:09 pm
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The problem with a lot of the advice about changing diet, exercise, etc is that, if he's on ops, renton's not going to be able to do that, or will only be able to make limited changes. The same thing with the doc. Depending on where he is, there's going to be a doc, maybe a couple, and he's not going to be able to change to a different one like he rest of us.

Renton,

Listen to the docs here and ignore the rest (unless it's funny). Look after yourself.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 12:41 pm
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Lymes?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 12:54 pm
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Err, it's Lyme Disease. That's the stuff that's messed up and awful lot of people. I wish folks would spell it correctly.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 1:09 pm
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I would suggest having a blood test to check your red blood cell count.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 1:14 pm
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Renton, are you RAF Police. Most of them are stroppy buggers 😉


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 2:03 pm
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Lymes?

This is no time for citrus fruit. A man's life is in danger!


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 2:05 pm
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Your not the only one working those hours and longer and in harsher environments

Even including the piss taking this one sweeps the floor at the unhelpful nobber awards, congrats.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 2:31 pm
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+1 for Lyme disease test. Any possibility that you could have contracted this at any time during 2015? It doesn't fit the description you've given perfectly but does tick quite a few boxes...


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 2:40 pm
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I'm not sure how you catch it to be honest.

I've done quite a few rides around the local area (Elgin) and also walk my dog quite a lot and am forever pulling ticks off him.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 6:10 pm
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Exhausted, run-down and maybe a little depressed about being exhausted and run-down?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 6:16 pm
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Too much work, stress and poor diet can and will cause havoc. Good luck getting to the bottom of it mate and chin up things never stay the same .


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 6:24 pm
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What about mossie bites as I've got loads of them.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 7:18 pm
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Low vitamin D


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 7:54 pm
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What size wheels are you running?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 8:12 pm
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I thought Lyme disease, not easy to tell, tests often miss it. Sometimes the docs just give you the medicine for it and see what happens.
You get it from infected tic bite in woods normally, so easy to get on mtb.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 8:29 pm
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Sounds like you are worn out dude! You definitely need a holiday somewhere sunny like bahamas or anywhere tropical.. just sit all day in the beach looking at the horizon till sunset with a cold beer on your hand. That would sort you out. ..I was like that mid year last year and completely given up and took sabbatical riding..it comes to a point that even riding my bike feels like a chore... so I went to tuscany and just do nothing and just enjoying laid back life not even care about touristy thingy.. and for some magical reason those tiredness/achy/ill feeling becomes like it never happened.... then i came back to england and rain never stops, so back to achy tiredness ill feeling again 😕

Never underestimate what stress can do to your heading and body.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 8:50 pm
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If the doctors said you are fine then you are either stress or very tired which resulted in causing mess to your body. Happened to me ...

Unless you are poisoned or contracted viruses/parasite/bacteria etc while abroad?

To me it sounds like you are stress but best check with other doctors again.

Chesty cough = I had the worst cough recently ...

Achy bones/joints = Got that ... my lower back.

Frequent night sweats = yeap that too but less now.

No concentration = ya, just very tired ...

Jumbling words = because you are too tired ... I would fall asleep on sofa.

Low moitvation = especially work related ...

Lack of sleep/ waking all the time = I had this when I got many deadlines
just before Xmas. More related to stress.

Constanly tired/drained = I sleep on the sofa or while watching telly ...

Always thinking about things and doubting myself = I don't doubt myself but I can't be arsed to argue ...

Not wanting to socialise = no energy as I want to eat, sleep and sleep ...

Weight gain. = I was so tired I couldn't be arsed to cook properly so loosing weight a bit but I can still woof down big portion of fish & chips easy ...

Stress and tiredness ... 😮

I slept for 3 hrs on average for nearly 2 months ...


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 8:57 pm
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If you work too hard (and 12 hours a day for three months is definitely too hard) then your immune system will become less effective. That amount of continual stress would make anyone feel more than a bit tetchy too. When's your next break?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 9:02 pm
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Worms.

Also, being grumpy is a natural part of your other symptoms so I won't take offence if that offended you 😆

But also, you're on deployment, they ought to have your back with stuff like this. The good advice is gtf back to the doctor. Had a quick word with a mate who's ex raf regiment and he says, "if the doc doesn't fix it tell your officer", I know nothing about the raf but it seems reasonable- they expect you to be in good condition, it's not just you that suffers if you're off your game.

And thirst, tiredness, aches are total t1 diabetes indicators but only a ****ing idiot diagnoses or accepts diagnoses over the internet, especially when they have an actual service doctor on hand whose job it is to do that.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 9:08 pm
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To me it sounds like your'e ****ing knackered mate.

Definitely gets screening tests done, but also make an effort to eat as well as you can and get as much kip as you can (as in get to bed at a decent time).

To echo the above: it's in the RAF's interests to see you fighting fit. Speak to your doc, and s/he's a quack, then your immediate officer.

A friend of mine is a Dr. in the Yorkies - drop me a line at pimpmasterjazz [at] yahoo [dot] com if you want me to ask his opinion.

On a personal note I've been fighting various colds over the winter, but I put that down to awful weather and being the father of a toddler/germ magnet. I also need to get more sleep. I wanted to get in some training for summer events, but so far I've managed the sum total of bugger all. The joys of two full-time working parents. While it's not a huge deal, it has undoubtedly affected me mentally. A lot less motivation to get out when there's a window to do so, and consequently a lot more aches and pains when I actually do something. Gah.

Finally, chin up - best of luck!


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:13 pm
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One extra thing to try is visit the dentist + Hygienist.

If there is any decay in the teeth obviously the dentist should sort it.

But also make sure they really clean near the gums.

Even if you dont have much pain in the mouth it come be Teeth/Gum issues.

I've had this a couple times. Last time I was SURE it was nt my teeth and didnt go to the dentist for ages (even though it had happened before). Once I'd got my teeth sorted within a couple of weeks I was a right as rain. Should of gone earlier.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:26 pm
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Renton, apologies; I have nothing to offer (but back to the doc and/or TRY to get out of your rut, which I reckon is what's really up)

DrP - I had no idea

Any chance you could take a look at my balls - they're gone all spotty

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:30 pm
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What about mossie bites as I've got loads of them.

Get checked for Dengue Fever too. It doesn't fit brilliantly, but the aches and pains certainly do.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 10:35 pm
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Im not a doc but 12 hour days, 7 days per week sounds a lot to me. Im betting you are run down and stressed about your symptoms.

However get a doctors diagnosis to be sure.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:12 pm
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2 pages and nobody has given him the MTFU prescription..

Its cat aids and you need a week off. Eat well rest well.


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:48 pm
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Been checked for diabetes?


 
Posted : 04/03/2016 11:59 pm
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"If you're fat there's either something wrong with your mind or your life".Gerard Depardieu.


 
Posted : 05/03/2016 10:00 pm
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[img] [/img]

I wonder what's wrong?


 
Posted : 05/03/2016 10:03 pm
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renton - Member
Im sorry for being stroppy, just feeling really out of sorts at the moment and seem to have lost my sense of humour/self confidence.
Docs keep saying nothing wrong when there clearly is.

With your symptoms - being stroppy is pretty normal. Most people here are trying to be at least a bit helpful - some more successfully than others. It may not feel like it but even the ones taking the piss a bit are most likely not trying to hurt but probably trying to cheer you up a little. Trouble is, it is hard to see that when you feel as you do.

You do sound overworked and have only a few things you can change in your current situation re: diet and exercise. You do sound low and this is should be a concern for your medic as well as your physical symptoms. I know it is a bit harder to push your medic as you would a civilian GP, so see what help you can get from your CO or if you have a welfare type officer. Maybe even talk to the chaplain (If you have one... Sorry not a forces guy so don't know) and see if he can influence a little to get you listened to.

Take care and come back after you have tried some next steps. People do really care here - some are not so good at showing it!

J


 
Posted : 06/03/2016 8:45 am
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Your not the only one working those hours and longer and in harsher environments.

I love attitudes like this 😆 It doesn't mean it's right and guess what, we are not machines!! Some folk! Do you live your life like this

I'm in the mob too and methinks you are physically and mentally knackered. I would even wager work related stress has had an impact on you. I'd use some relaxation techniques to get to bed, this works [url= http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/units/health_ed/stress_audio/pmr_txt.html ]PMR[/url]

The Dr "should" be able to help you more, I know in the mob they can be hit and miss.


 
Posted : 06/03/2016 10:08 am
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One thing that is guaranteed to help you is a break, and that is also something that you can say with absolute certainty is heading your way as we speak. You probably already know the date. So start working towards that time. There has been a lot useful suggestions on this thread that we will help you get there and you can take or leave them as you see fit, depending on whether you find them useful. The important thing is to start setting goals- long term, ie getting to your next lump of time off, and short term, like how you can make the next 12 hour shift more comfortable. You will get there. And take comfort in the fact that everyone around you is finding it as hard as you but don't look like they are because they are all making a great deal of effort to not show it as well! 🙂


 
Posted : 06/03/2016 11:53 am
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Sounds as if yu have japanese encephalitis.


 
Posted : 07/03/2016 12:33 am
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Prime PMS/PMT territory IMO.

Eat Marmite. Avoid full moons


 
Posted : 07/03/2016 2:48 am
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http://www.vitamindtest.org.uk/

Watch stewart lees new comedy vehicle on iplayer?


 
Posted : 07/03/2016 3:02 am