Question: Short Version; for the last thirty five years, I have suffered from fatigue that sometimes feels like vertigo. The condition is so severe, that I can only describe it as debilitating. There are also cluster headaches which are related. They are at times painful, but by comparison, are little more than an annoyance.

Long Version; because of the fatigue, my life is divided into two categories, things I have to do, and things I don’t have to do.
Of the things I have to do is go to work, and be productive. My job is one where I can make my own routine, and pace myself. I know what to expect. It impresses my boss that I show up early, as much as a half an hour early. In truth this gives my time to bring myself up to speed, and get used to being at work.
I have to purchase food and pay bills. Paying bills is less stressful that paying collectors. Food consists of easy to prepare meals, and the diet doesn’t change much.

Those things that I don’t have to do include, pursue relationships, (I never married and haven’t had a girlfriend in almost twenty years,) go to church, (though I used to,) and engage in non-work related activities. I don’t own a car. For everything you would use a car for, I use a bicycle. Bikes are easier to maintain, but more importantly, riding a bicycle is one of only two times, (the other being listening to music,) where I don’t feel fatigued.

What I’ve done about it so far: At first I just presented the symptoms to medical professionals. As a doctor, you know that dumb looks are not free, and talk is not cheap. I got better results when I asked to have what I thought it was tested. The pulse side of this is that I can say it is not caused by depression, or anemia. It is not a sinus infection, nor is it a glandular or hormonal problem. I had my skull x-rayed and C-T scanned with differential, so I can say it is not a tumor. I didn’t start having blood pressure problems until I was in my thirties.
My current working theory is that it is the result of a blow to the head I suffered when I was less than a year old. I am pretty sure that it was also responsible for several LD problems I have. The difficulty here is that I was adopted at eight years old, and any information I have about it is what birth-mother told me when I was four or five years old.
The blow to my head deformed the left forehead boss of the frontal bone. The reason I didn’t have a problem with fatigue initially was because there was still space between the bones of the skull. I first had problems with fatigue when I was about fifteen and a half years old, which is roughly the age when the sutures harden. My parents assumed that the problems I was having at that time were physiological in nature, (and therefore my fault.)
There are two physical structures related to this theory on the forehead. The first is a vertical scar in the middle of my forehead, about thirteen to fifteen millimeters long. It is also a haft of a century old, and therefore difficult to see. There is also a lump that is roughly the size and shape of a lima bean, but it is so close to the boss that the two are difficult to distinguish between.

What I am asking of you: I just need some information, and I’ll take it from there.

First, how plausible is my “Working Theory?”

Second, what other conditions can cause my fatigue?

Lastly, what kind of specialist do I need to see to get treated?

Thank you for your time, and I apologize for writing this novel.

XXXX

Dr. Bhardwaj,

Thank you for your response.

First of all, I suffered the blow to the head when I was less than a year old.

The fatigue I feel is constant. It is like I take a mild sedative every morning when I wake up. It is unrelated to sleep.

The vertigo happens once about every six to nine months. The spell lasts only for a few moments. It may not be related to the overall problem.

I had a blood test last month. I do not have a computer file, but the paper file said there were no anomalies.

XXXX

Dr. Bhardwaj,

I was seen by a neurologist once. It is my opinion that he walked into the session believing I was a Hypochondriac.He never mentioned anything about an evaluation.

I will get the requested information to you as soon as I can.

XXXX

Dr. Bhardwaj,

I’m sorry, I thought the CMP was “Blood Work.”

I will get myself checked for Hypothyroidism. I don’t think that is the problem, but if it leads to an effective treatment, I will be pleased as punch. I will also get my head aches evaluated. It will that me some time to get all this done, and I don’t know how long Healthcare Magic will maintain this link. I will try to contact you when I get this finished.

Thank you for your time,


XXXX