For Some Time I Have Not Been Able To Eat

Posted on Mon, 10 Jun 2019

Question: for some time I have not been able to eat a normal breakfast. I had to drink a protein drink in the am to get by. If I try to eat anything else I am so sleepy that I feel dull and slow if I manage to stay awake otherwise I give in and take a nap. It started as an am problem but now it can be after every meal that I eat. I have slept all day an felt really out of it some days.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The causes of a dull metabolism;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your detailed history.

There are 2 pathologies that need to be excluded:

-Hypothyroidism
-Sleep apnea

Hypothyroidism is the most common cause of a dull metabolism and one of the main symptoms is feeling sleepy. You need to check thyroid hormones to confirm/ rule it out.

Sleep apnea is manifested with snoring during the night that causes less oxygen of the brain and feeling sleepy during the day is typical. It happens at obese people.

So, I would suggest discussing with your physician about these 2 possible causes.

Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (3 hours later)

what about BS issues? Especially when it happens after I eat? I was told at one time My body was overreactive to carbohydrates, that showed up in a 5-hour glucose tolerance test. I would again get so sleepy after eating. Later when I had moved to NM another DR.put me on Metformin and it controlled the spikes and the sleepiness but then I started to have low BS problems. I am aware that when I left University Hospital in MI that I was told I probably become a diabetic later in life.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About reactive hypoglycemia;

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

Hypoglycemic events have been attributed to reactive hypoglycemia as far as I can understand from your description. It is a common finding in females, happens after a carbohydrate load and metformin helps to maintain flat glucose levels.

I think this is a different problem, much more likely caused by hypothyroidism, as you are not taking carbohydrates (that may cause reactive hypoglycemia).

A low cortisol level can also be the cause of this situation, but first, you should exclude an underactive thyroid.

Wish you good health. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Best wishes,
Dr. Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (21 minutes later)

I did have thyroid problems in 16-17 and put on Synthroid for over a year but my levels came back normal so taken off the med now what? My Dr. will not work with me? I have been under a lot of stress and I think every time I have had problems with my BS? it been related to my stress level but now what. I planted a garden to keep my mind off our financial issues and it helped but I still need help with the BS? I guess I need to find another Dr.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Need to start Synthroid again;

Detailed Answer:

So, in that case, it could be due to underactive thyroid causing your symptoms.
You need to start Synthroid again.
The doctor can not refuse to treat you.

Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (26 hours later)

I had a bad day. I ate a light lunch fish, 1/2 of a small potato and 1/4 cup of seasoned rice. the rice was a leftover so we ate a small potato to go with it. I had a glass of juice that is i/2 carrot juice and 1/2 Zero Gatorade to keep the sugar down. within a short time, I felt very sleepy and groggy and was walking like a drunk to my chair. I slept and felt better when I woke up but not back to par. I have taken the Synthroid for two days now. How long before it helps? I got out what is left of the Metformin I was on in 2014 and took a pill. I remember how I felt in HS when I had Insulinoma I don't want to have BS problems again. Back then I was like a drunk 3 hr. after I ate. this time instead of feeling light-headed It now feels heavy. How can I get a machine to take my BS?

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (20 hours later)

this am I took my BS before breakfast and it was 92. I had started to feel foggy and disorientated and unsteady on my feet. 30 min. an after I drank my shake I took my BS again and it was 58. I didn't believe it so I took it again and it was 60. I called my DR and told the nurse the results and if the Dr. didn't want to work with me I find another. He gave me a referral to an Endocrinologist.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
About low BS;

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Synthroid needs 4-6 weeks of treatment, to see its effect.

You are in the right way, just need to see an endocrinologist for further examinations after you have informed him for the low BS checked with a glucometer.

Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

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. Prasad