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What Causes Extreme Fatigue In Elderly?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Sep 2015
Question: I am 65yrs old, I am a widow so all jobs are mine. I am up by 6am every morning and out walking my two dogs for around 4-5miles then home to start on daily chores, gardening etc. Should I feel tired?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
fatigue numerous causes

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You have been feeling tired more recently. You are responsible for all the activites around the house. You are up at 6am and then work the rest of th day. My question for you is are you getting enough sleep. For adults 7-9 hours is appropriate. Anything less is not allowing your body to get restorative sleep and will feel tired most of the time.

Also since you have Crohn's disease you could be anemic. since you already get Vitamin B 12 injections you should be getting routine blood work which would include your blood counts. Ask your doctor if you are anemic.

Another cause is low thyroid. WIth your next blood work ask for a thyroid check. If your thyroid labs show hypothyroidism then you will need to have replacement therapy.

And lastly stress. Are you over stress or depressed? If you are then talk to your doctor about an antidepressant medication

In summary
1. restorative sleep 7-9 hours nightly
2. anemia?
3. Hypothyroidism?
4. Depression?

I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (16 hours later)
Thank you for your reply. I suspect I am not getting enough sleep a bare 7hrs. A lot of the work I do housework, gardening etc is labour intensive. Although I enjoy my life I am beginning to realise I cannot continue at this pace. I will have have myself checked out at the doctors. No question really. All I wanted was confirmation that at my age it may be that I am overdoing it a bit. Not getting any younger!! Bye XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
life's too short

Detailed Answer:
Yes I agree try to find a balance of sleep and activity. Please see your doctor and have them do a complete check up
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Extreme Fatigue In Elderly?

Brief Answer: fatigue numerous causes Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns You have been feeling tired more recently. You are responsible for all the activites around the house. You are up at 6am and then work the rest of th day. My question for you is are you getting enough sleep. For adults 7-9 hours is appropriate. Anything less is not allowing your body to get restorative sleep and will feel tired most of the time. Also since you have Crohn's disease you could be anemic. since you already get Vitamin B 12 injections you should be getting routine blood work which would include your blood counts. Ask your doctor if you are anemic. Another cause is low thyroid. WIth your next blood work ask for a thyroid check. If your thyroid labs show hypothyroidism then you will need to have replacement therapy. And lastly stress. Are you over stress or depressed? If you are then talk to your doctor about an antidepressant medication In summary 1. restorative sleep 7-9 hours nightly 2. anemia? 3. Hypothyroidism? 4. Depression? I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns