Complaint of Fatigue

QUESTION: I know it must be a common complaint, but I am always tired. I am
not sure what type of doctor to see, or what he could do, so thought I would
ask you first. My letter is a long one, but perhaps you can offer some
advice.
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ANSWER: Physicians do hear the complaint of fatigue very, very frequently as
it ranks as number 7 in the list of physical complaints. And while your
"book" does give much information, you have the cart before the horse. It is
most necessary to see your physician (a Family Physician, of course!), but can
be best prepared for your visit if you do a bit of homework first. Try asking
yourself a few questions, because their answers will be revealing and will
help your physician home in on the possible causes of your problem. Are you
really getting enough sleep? When the body does not have the rest it needs,
fatigue is the result, and it is easy to overlook this most important clue.
Reflect on your patterns of sleep or difficulty in falling to sleep, and be
prepared to discuss this with your physician. Are you taking any medications,
including over-the-counter preparations? Make a list of all of them, as they
may be the cause of an abnormal fatigue. Have you given up smoking? If not,
your body is not able to use your oxygen intake properly, and you lose a bit
of your vitality. How is your emotional life? If there are reasons for
feeling blue, a lost job, a broken relationship, then emotional
stress--possibly depression--can be at the root cause of a fatigue problem.
Have you abandoned your plans for a rational exercise program? If your job is
one that requires you to remain planted at a desk, then the need for some
planned exercise is a priority consideration. There are many more items we
could discuss here, but I am hoping you will have a full physical examination
and an intensive history taking session with you own physician which will
uncover medical problems such as diabetes, endocrine disorders and hidden
infections which can also bring about the symptoms you describe. Once the
cause is established, there is much that can be accomplished in cooperation
with your physician to alleviate your present condition.