Energy capacity

[Debbrn]

Today I had to get up a lot earlier than usual and therefore only got 4 hours of sleep. I had to go to a seminar from 7:30 to 3:00. I had to get up at 6:00to get there in time. Since I work evening shift, I go to bed about 2:00 in the morning. From the time I got up I felt terrible. I was extremely tired and coughed intermittently all day. When I tried to lay down to get some rest, I was mildly short of breath and coughed a little. This only happens if I am extremely tired. I was finally able to lay down about 4:30. I didn't feel human again until about 7:00. Today is a day that I usually exercise, but was afraid that my body was not up to it. Another day without exercise. I hope to at least cook a simple, healthy meal for dinner. I don't even feel up to that.

Is this normal for a 40 year old, or do you think that my heart/lungs could be the cause? Any suggestions?

Sorry to be so whinny.

Debbie

 

[mntbiker]

Hi,
I don't remember but I had thought you were post repair so this may not apply. I always have less energy with trouble breathing (feels like I can't get enough air even though I am able to breath fine) when I get tired. Yes my chronic cough gets worse as well. My wife can now tell when I am tired by how much I cough and she will usually tell me to get some sleep. When I lay down I have to prop myself up on pillows. I am still presurgery and I am in my 30's. I don't think this is something you should be dealing with at 40.

Don't know if this helps.

 

[Ann L]

Hi there. You sound sssooooo much like I do with anything less than 8 -9 straight hours of sleep. (I also require an hour or two during the day.) I've noticed the lifeless feeling when I get too little sleep. For me, it's only gotten more intense. Now I even notice it in memory, coordination, and mood. Just wondering ... when's the last time you had an overall checkup with bloodwork and all?

 

[Marguerite53]

Hello. I see you are a registered nurse. Please don't tell me that you are like the painter who never paints his own house! Perhaps you need to call your cardio, or at least speak to a nurse at his/her office and describe your sypmtoms. Do not just attribute things to a long day, or your particular occupation IF you do not normally feel this way.

One of our members, George, just had a PVR after 40 years with, I think, no PV at all due to his TOF repair as a child. I know he would answer a PM if you wanted more specific conversation.

My magic solution to everything is to drink more water. I honestly think that our bodies just cannot repsond to any stress without cleansing and rehydrating. It can't hurt, so please up your intake abit when you start feeling tired and see if it helps some.

Good luck, and I hope you call someone for answers and are feeling better soon.

Marguerite

 

[Mary]

Today I had to get up a lot earlier than usual and therefore only got 4 hours of sleep. I had to go to a seminar from 7:30 to 3:00. I had to get up at 6:00to get there in time. Since I work evening shift, I go to bed about 2:00 in the morning. From the time I got up I felt terrible. I was extremely tired and coughed intermittently all day. When I tried to lay down to get some rest, I was mildly short of breath and coughed a little. This only happens if I am extremely tired. I was finally able to lay down about 4:30. I didn't feel human again until about 7:00. Today is a day that I usually exercise, but was afraid that my body was not up to it. Another day without exercise. I hope to at least cook a simple, healthy meal for dinner. I don't even feel up to that.

Is this normal for a 40 year old, or do you think that my heart/lungs could be the cause? Any suggestions?

Sorry to be so whinny.

Debbie

Debbie,
If I only had four hours of sleep, I would feel just like you do.

I wouldn't worry too much about it if you feel better after you get a good night's rest. If it continues, you might want to make sure you're not a little anemic, and mention it to your doctor.

 

[Debbrn]

Thank you for your concern.

I saw my cardio in December and he said that everything was fine. I am never anemic. My hematocrit runs high normal all of the time. I had my pulmonary valve replaced 15 years ago. Like George they had removed mine when I had my TOF "repair". I am probably closer to be putting on Coreg than I would like to think.

I am feeling a little better today. I think with all the other little things that are going on that depression is trying to grab hold again. The counselor that I have used in the past is not in the office today. I may try and get in touch with her next week.

Debbie

 

[George]

Greetings from a fellow TOF patient

Greetings from a fellow TOF patient

I can't really say I've had the coughing issue that you mention. I certainly can relate to sleep problems, however. At 6 months post-op, I'm still struggling with it. I tend to be one who lays awake, worrying about things. It can really catch up to you! A person's day to day issues with job, family, money, etc. can have a big effect on overall health. Perhaps some counseling is what would help you, Debbie.