4 replies to this topic

[kg53]

Hi guys. New guy here.

I'm a 37 year old C5/6 for 21 years due to a football injury in high school. I have been tired, lethargic, just worn out feeling for the 7-8 years. I get 8-9 hrs sleep every night so that's not it. I use the 5 hr energy, sugar free Rockstar and nothing gave me any energy. About three months ago my dr. suggested I try Adderall. I'm not ADD, but he said it may pep me up. He started me on 10mg in the morning. Couldn't tell any difference. Then after a month went to 20 mg in the morning, and wow, i felt great. Like I hadn't felt in years. Only problem, made my blood pressure go way up. Avg. about 160/110. It used to be about 100/60. So he sent me to a hypertension dr. the hypertension dr. cut my Adderall to 7.5 in the morning and 7.5 at lunch and also added 300mg of Wellbutrin in the morning. The dr. told me Wellbutrin works kinda like Adderall on the neurons (or on something like that) without the big jolt. Now I'm back to feeling like I did before Adderall and bp still high. Back to feeling tired and lethargic.

I work 8-3 everyday and can push myself through that but as soon as I get home all I wanna do is sleep. Kinda getting on my girlfriends nerves cuz I don't feel like going out on the weekends. Just wanna stay home and watch tv.

I guess what I'm asking, are any of y'all on a med to help with the same feeling of tiredness and lethargy like I am? And if so, what is it? This feeling is absolutely miserable. Don't know if there is an amphetamine like Adderall without the bp side effect or something else to try. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thx

[canuck]

Having the same issues myself, I know there is a trial starting for L-Carntine for fatique in SCI. Trial is being done in Canada

[goose]

Welcome kg53...glad you decided to join the group.

Sorry to hear about your lack of energy. I'm kinda full of energy all the time...opposite of you. I'm not on any kind of doctor prescribed medication. I do take lots of vitimin D3 sometimes as much as 5000 a day. I've even heard of 50,000 a week being prescribed by a doctor. When I don't take it , I do tend to feel down. Diet also has alot to with energy level.


Have you ever tried juicing your own fruits and veggies? You'd be surprised at your energy level after just a few days! You'll start to feel alive and healthy again.

[KayDub]

I know my little brother (no SCI, AB) has had intense fatigue issues since high school. He failed out of school, couldn't keep a job, it was really bad. His doctor put him on Provigil. It worked really well for him, none of that weird jumpiness and tenseness you get from Adderal. It might be worth mentioning to your doctor.

For non medication, it sounds weird but exercise helps me when I get faitgued. Whether it's a swim or weight lifting (I'm a low level) or even a roll around the block in fresh air, it helps a lot to just do something. When I hit the wall after school and can convince myself to go outside/swim, I feel sooo much better. It's a struggle, but worth it!

[MTB John]

Would a day off mid week be a possibility??