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What Causes Extreme Fatigue?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: I've been SUPER tired the last couple months. I was living in Spain for a while during then, and was eating very well and healthily. It has continued over to moving back to the US and now after my alarm it takes me 2 hours to get up and out of bed, even after 8 or 9 hours of sleep. I feel like it could be thyroid, but I know some sorts of cancers present extreme tiredness. Also, my foot hurts badly when I walk or ride my bike the last few months, with no explanation, not having hurt it, but it has been the same time frame as my tiredness. Maybe that's just a coincidence? I want to get lab work, but have 2 problems, one, I can't get it without going to an expensive doctor and having them order it, and two, I can't really afford it. I would like labs ordered for whatever types of things help forsee cancer and thyroid and also diabetes. Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The minimum tests will be sugar, TSH, CBC

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM
Thanks for posting the question. I understand your concerns

There is no simple test to say whether you are having cancer or not. Cancer is a rare cause for tiredness. So don't worry.

The minimum tests needed for are
Random blood sugar
TSH
Complete blood count
Chest X-ray

If you can afford little bit more additionally you can do

HbA1c
Serum Iron studies
Peripheral smear
Serum Vitamin D and B12
Ultrasound abdomen
Lipid profile
Liver function tests

You can consult a GP and have a physical examination done to look for any swelling

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (3 hours later)
I also forgot to mention that I'm tired during the day as well, all day. I feel like I'm just bogged down and have no energy at all. Cancer runs in my family big time, that's the only reason I mention it. I know there's no specific blood test to cancer, but I know there are like blood cell tests and things you can do to see if someone may have something going on like cancer or another similar disease. Diabetes also runs in my family and I'm hypoglycemic to begin with.

Why would I need a chest xray? What would that see? Is there anything with my foot that might be related to this problem. It seems weird that I would have bone pain randomly begin at the same time of extreme tiredness. At some points I can't walk on it at all, it feels like it's broken and I have to limp around, but I never injured it or did anything to it.

Is there any way to get a doctor on here order the lab tests? I don't have the money to see a regular doctor, especially if I have to pay for some labs.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
See detailed answers

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back. Good day.

The answers to your questions are

1. The blood cell tests to detect cancers are for blood cancers and lymphoma- the complete blood count and peripheral smear will give you a clue.

2. Chest X ray will show if you have enlarged lymph nodes in chest seen in lymphoma. Lymphomas and leukaemias are associated with none pain and nerve pains in lower legs

3. No idea on where you can get a doctor to prescribe the lab test. The initial test I have suggested is not that expensive. please check if you can do it in a local lab without prescription.

Regards

Dr Ajish TP
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ajish TP

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 819 Questions

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What Causes Extreme Fatigue?

Brief Answer: The minimum tests will be sugar, TSH, CBC Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM Thanks for posting the question. I understand your concerns There is no simple test to say whether you are having cancer or not. Cancer is a rare cause for tiredness. So don't worry. The minimum tests needed for are Random blood sugar TSH Complete blood count Chest X-ray If you can afford little bit more additionally you can do HbA1c Serum Iron studies Peripheral smear Serum Vitamin D and B12 Ultrasound abdomen Lipid profile Liver function tests You can consult a GP and have a physical examination done to look for any swelling Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you. Regards, Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM] Consultant Endocrinologist