[Erika]

I'm still having trouble with serious fatigue. It is different than the usual kind I've experienced. This is more like narcolepsy; in that if I sit still for a few minutes, the body starts to go to sleep. First the body shuts down and everything feels really heavy and sort of numb, then the brain clicks out and I find myself being jarred awake as my chin hits my chest.

I've had this happen while sitting at my computer, while eating and reading.

Sometimes I drink a coffee substitute made from grain, but I tried some caffeinated coffee yesterday and it seemed to help the fatigue. My guts don't appreciate it, but I'm wondering how much you folks drink, and how often during the day to combat fatigue.

Have you also used the caffeine pills? I'm thinking that might be easier on the digestive system than the actual beverage.

Thanks.

With love, Erika

[Kitty]

I drink coffee but it's just because I like it. I don't drink milk so I use a non-dairy creamer plus Stevia for sweetener. I probably drink three to four cups a day. Never in the evenings, though. It might give me a little more energy.....I've never stopped to see if I feel more tired without it. But I can still fall asleep at night.

When I do try something that's darker or has more caffeine in it I can tell. I get antsy and shaky.

[TheSleeper]

I drink coffee basically non stop, but like the medicines I have been prescribed it does little or nothing to help my fatigue.

[Erika]

Kitty,

If I get any more shaky, I'm just going to get into the bath, throw in a little laundry detergent and add my laundry. May as well do the wash.

With love, Erika

[ewizabeth]

Hi Erika,

I take a 200 mg caffeine pill in the morning with my vitamins and I also take Vyvanse 20 mg at the same time. I have two cups of coffee after breakfast. It gets me going and I do not fall asleep during the day.

[Kitty]

I find that I drink more coffee now that it's colder outside.

I'm eating mostly a plant based diet now and it seems the coffee helps keep me feeling fuller. Not totally vegan but definitely vegetarian.

[Erika]

Thanks Everyone,

I'm a vegetarian too Kitty. I'm going to give the caffeine a try. Who knows, maybe I'll not need the washing machine anymore .

With lov, Erika

[Jomar]

Have you tried B 12?
* the sublingual (under the tongue) best if taken first thing in the morning before any food or drink - place under the tongue moving it around a bit so it isn't staying in one place til it dissolves.

* Methylcobalamin


we are trying this one- seems to kick in nicely for me, no need for coffee in the mornings if I need to be somewhere. sold @ Costco also.
dh takes one every morning & he wouldn't do that if he felt it was not making any difference.


http://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signa...sublingual+b12

[ElaineD]

I live on coffee, too. I can drink two or three cups before bed and go right to sleep.

I may be too tolerant to it now for it to do much good.

Profound fatigue is a hallmark of autoimmune conditions, and I have several, in addition to a Primary Immune Deficiency Disorder, and Peripheral Neuropathy.

Coffee keeps me going, (at least to the bathroom!).

Hugs, ElaineD

[Debbie D]

Erika, sorry you're getting the narcoleptic type of fatigue…I've fallen asleep while eating dinner and out at restaurants. I know whereof you speak.

I'm not sure that caffeine will help this type of fatigue, but try it…I drink 2 cups of caffeinated coffee in the morning, even though my cardiologist recommends decaf. It gives me a bit of a boost, although when the fatigue hits nothing helps and I end up sleeping the day away

Hope you get your vim and vigor back soon