
What Causes Extreme Fatigue And Lack Of Energy With Swollen Eyes And Ankles?

Question: White male, age 88, type two diabetes(insulin dependent), hypopituitarism, steroid deficiency(take 30 mg hydrocortisone daily) hypothyroidism(150 mg synthroid daily) BP is 125/76. CLL is in the 14,000 lymphocytic range. Chief Complaint: For the past few weeks I have awakened in the morning extremely fatigued, a condition that persists throughout the day. Eyes become puffy. ( aside: Ankles have been edematous for several years so I sleep with pillow under to elevate). Lack of energy keeps me from commiting efficiently to daily routine activities. I walk .5 miles daily on treadmill and intersperse various additional exertions during the day such as climbing steps, lifting weights and walking one mile to and from post office. Since retiring 20 years ago, I take one hour naps daily around 3 PM. Sleep 7 -8 hours/night. Recent stress tests ruled out any cardiac problems. MRI, and CATSCAN performed at local hospital last week were negative (I had an unusual ataxic episode and we wished to rule out a stroke) .
Any suggestions on how to get me re-energized?
Any suggestions on how to get me re-energized?
Brief Answer:
Vitamin D
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying. When I see someone like you in my practice I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination: CBC, CMP, HbA1c, Free T4, 25 hydroxy Vitamin D, Prolactin, Total Testosterone, SHBG,FSH,LH. These tests will allow us to know the potential cause of your low energy. For example lie vitamin D, inadequately replaced thyroid, uncontrolled diabetes and low testosterone can all cause this condition. Once the cause is determined , appropriate treatment can be initiated
Vitamin D
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying. When I see someone like you in my practice I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination: CBC, CMP, HbA1c, Free T4, 25 hydroxy Vitamin D, Prolactin, Total Testosterone, SHBG,FSH,LH. These tests will allow us to know the potential cause of your low energy. For example lie vitamin D, inadequately replaced thyroid, uncontrolled diabetes and low testosterone can all cause this condition. Once the cause is determined , appropriate treatment can be initiated
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


May I first compliment you on your helpful guidance. I will relay your suggestions to my Endocrinologist(Dr. Mansour Saberi) and primary care physician(Dr.Rajshekar Narasamaiah) here in Delaware in the USA. Several of the tests you suggest have been performed but there are others that have not been.
Incidentally, though not germane to the subject but perhaps of possible interest to you, Dr. Narasamaiah has been straddling his stateside practice with prolonged visits to his hometown in XXXXXXX to sponsor, and supervise construction of a hospital in Bangalador in honor of his deceased father. Fortunately, the project is near completion and we patients will be glad to have him return full time.
Again, thanks for your input.
XXXX
Incidentally, though not germane to the subject but perhaps of possible interest to you, Dr. Narasamaiah has been straddling his stateside practice with prolonged visits to his hometown in XXXXXXX to sponsor, and supervise construction of a hospital in Bangalador in honor of his deceased father. Fortunately, the project is near completion and we patients will be glad to have him return full time.
Again, thanks for your input.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Best wishes for good health
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Best wishes for good health
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
