PDQ, I will likely delete some of the more personal information in here at some point later today. I need some input from some people who understand longer distance running especially.
I have been absolutely wiped out for the past 6-8 weeks. I could absolutely go for a nap at lunch time every day. I went to the doctor last week for my annual and had a full panel done. Everything came back normal except for my testosterone level. I've been on a prescription testosterone for right around 3 years now; my levels 3 years ago weren't even on the charts (normal is 8-48, mine was a 6). Last year it was 56, this year it's 336. I had to switch to a different formulation last year due to insurance and obviously my body is reacting a bit differently to this formulation. I was reading back through the side effects and it says to contact your doctor if you have extreme exhaustion. Huh. Problem solved, right?
Nope.
I went back because the doctor wanted to see me in person today to discuss "next steps". The conversation was 5% about the medication and 95% about my lifestyle. He asks me what I do on a daily basis and I spell it out for him. He then launches in to this LONG deal about how I need to cut back on running/working out and find other stuff to cut back on in my life and find time to just "be". He then tells me that he's not a long distance runner and doesn't understand the training aspect of it for races after I tell him I have a couple half marathons coming up (September, October and January).
Here's my current schedule:
M: easy 3m run (typically walking up a couple big hills, especially during the summer) T: 2-3m run, 45 min yoga class W: 20 minute swim (followed by teaching a lesson) Th: 4-5m run, 10-15min swim (before I teach, already at the pool) F: 45 min yoga class Sa or Su: 6-8m run (the other day is a rest day)
I added the Tuesday morning yoga class in about 2.5 months ago, started the Friday morning yoga class about 3.5 months ago. I'm up for the day anywhere between 4:20 and 5:05, in bed usually by 9:30 each night and asleep within seconds (don't hate me!).
Here's my problem. I don't WANT to cut back on anything. I enjoy my running-it's my only time to be alone with no one contacting me. I also run with a group usually one day a week, so I get some social time too. I've enjoyed adding swimming back into my schedule, I desperately needed a bit of cross-training and it works out well since I teach early on Wednesday mornings. I've grown to love yoga and it has helped my tight muscles a lot.
Eventually I'll be giving up the Wednesday morning lesson, which will get me a bit more sleep. The lady I'm teaching is almost to where she wants to be. I really don't want to give up my other lessons (T/Th evenings, 30min-1hr), I enjoy it too much. All of the kids I work with now are special needs and are so much fun-and it's super rewarding. Otherwise, yeah, we have a 3.5 year old and crap needs to get done around the house.
My blood pressure is up (still in the normal range, but I typically have low BP, so it's up for me) and I can feel that my heart beat is a bit faster, too. He didn't pay much attention to this and the fact that I mentioned some anxiety (I didn't go into what it was about, but it surrounds DH's struggle with alcohol and his recovery). We had a very rough month in June but it has been getting better.
WWYD? Just reduce the dose of the med (as discussed with the doctor) and keep on with everything else? Cut a workout somewhere? If so, which one? To me, it doesn't look like I'm super crazy, but maybe I need a reality check.
Sorry this is so long, cookies for everyone!
ETA: He did ask what happens if I don't run. I told him that it's best for everyone I come into contact with for the day that I get my workouts in. I'm usually good with 1-2 days of not working out a week, but beyond that it's not pretty.
I am not a doctor, but could you try cutting back for a couple of weeks and see how it makes you feel? I have a tendency to go from a "healthy" approach to my active lifestyle, to almost "obsessive" and it is something that I struggle with on and off.
That being said, just like you, I want to do all of the things, but my body tells me otherwise.
I hear you about "needing" the workout. But physically, you need the rest. Your body is trying to tell you something by wanting to sleep so much. I'd drop or move something so you have one day of complete rest and back off the meds.
Honestly, I would do 2 things ( assuming you are eating a sufficient quantity of quality calories every day):
1) give yourself 1 full day of rest every week. I do think days of complete rest are very important
2) get a second opinion
This. One day completely off does wonders. I don't think you're working out to an extreme or anything but having one day of rest may help. I've noticed I can even up what I'm doing throughout the week and if I have that day off it works fine.
Are you really in bed around 930 each night? As a working mom, it's pretty much impossible for me to get in bed that early.
I get up before 5AM a few mornings a week and it really makes me tired especially in the afternoon. I enjoy getting it done in the morning, but I know my limits and 6.5 hours of sleep does not cut it for me.
Personally, I find everything suffers if I don't get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. I would find a new doctor, maybe ask someone in your running community if they have someone they like that is supportive of their fitness goals. I would also make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours a sleep a night. If you can't make all of your commitments and get 7-8 hours of sleep, then I would cut back a few things. You have plenty going on fitness wise and cutting out something so you can get more sleep is worth doing, IMHO.
taratru and ktzmoh-I do have one complete day off each week, either Saturday or Sunday. Are you saying add another? And eating-I need to track again. I think I'm eating enough, but it ebbs and flows.
@vtcupcake I've been on this med for about 9 months. What I'm wondering is if the levels finally built up to a point of where my body is all WTF or if it's a bigger issue, like needing more rest.
sitnspin I could. I have a half on September 19, but I've already (mostly) let go of the idea of a PR and am embracing just having fun and enjoying running a race in a different state.
Are you really in bed around 930 each night? As a working mom, it's pretty much impossible for me to get in bed that early.
I get up before 5AM a few mornings a week and it really makes me tired especially in the afternoon. I enjoy getting it done in the morning, but I know my limits and 6.5 hours of sleep does not cut it for me.
Personally, I find everything suffers if I don't get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. I would find a new doctor, maybe ask someone in your running community if they have someone they like that is supportive of their fitness goals. I would also make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours a sleep a night. If you can't make all of your commitments and get 7-8 hours of sleep, then I would cut back a few things. You have plenty going on fitness wise and cutting out something so you can get more sleep is worth doing, IMHO.
I am. It's easy now since Scandal isn't on til 10 on Thursdays I'm really lucky since I don't do a majority of the cleaning around the house-DH does. I'm home at 4:30 on the nights I don't teach and now that DS is a little older, he helps me prep dinner, do yard work, etc. DS goes to bed at 8 and my ass is on the couch at 8:01. The 2 nights/week I do teach DS and I eat leftovers, so there's no prep/cleanup. It's also easy since DH isn't home during the week at night so we aren't up talking, etc.
Is this your PCP or a specialist? I can give you a recommendation of a PCP if you'd like one. We really enjoy ours & he's an athlete as well.
Secondly, i do think you need a second opinion and probably a weekend away from everything.
He's my GYN. Please send me the PCP-it was really tough this morning to have a conversation with someone who doesn't have the first clue about working out.
The weekend away is coming in August. No opportunities for a long run, yoga or swimming, so I'll be forced to take some time off!
I just really think when you are that tired, you gotta listen to your body. There are times in life where we just can't do it all. *hugs*
This is what I would do, fwiw: 1. Reduce my meds if that's a possibility. 2. Take the second day off. 3. Find the money to hire a house cleaner. 4. Talk to a counselor about all these stressors and how to manage them. 5. Find a new doctor, preferably one who actually exercises.
Post by farfalla2011 on Jul 28, 2015 10:09:03 GMT -5
I know nothing about distance running, but I do understand about anxiety and stress due to other areas of life. Your workout schedule doesn't seem too extreme, but it might be a lot with other stresses you've been working through.
For me, I've really upped my exercising in the last few weeks to hopefully release some of that stress and anxiety. I am still working on adjusting my food appropriately so I'm not constantly starving, but I do have more mental clarity which has been great, however I still find myself very tired. But, I still attribute that to needing to dump some of the stress I have going on.
Since you are on medication, I would get another medical opinion. It sounds like the dr. totally disregarded the issues that could be associated with a medication change. Plus, your doctor should advocate for a healthy lifestyle rather than tell you to stop it. I agree a rest day or two is beneficial, but your schedule allows for a rest day on the weekend.
I would also take a good hard look at how much you're eating and make sure that it's enough.
I also think your doctor was kind of ignorant/an ass about it though.
I tried really, really hard this morning to actually just sit and listen instead of shut him out, but it was really hard. Not being able to relate at all on the working out was really tough. I did shut down when he said that DH comes first, DS comes second, and everything else comes after. I didn't bring up the fact that he'd been preaching about how I need to take care of myself, so shouldn't I be #1 or #2??
I think meeting with a second doctor, specifically an endocrinologist could be VERY beneficial. Either they will come up with another solution, or they might take the same hard line as your current doctor and from there you can come up with a plan that will work for your lifestyle.
I would also take a good hard look at how much you're eating and make sure that it's enough.
I also think your doctor was kind of ignorant/an ass about it though.
I tried really, really hard this morning to actually just sit and listen instead of shut him out, but it was really hard. Not being able to relate at all on the working out was really tough. I did shut down when he said that DH comes first, DS comes second, and everything else comes after. I didn't bring up the fact that he'd been preaching about how I need to take care of myself, so shouldn't I be #1 or #2??
Uhhhh. NO. Fuck that noise. Find a new doc, pronto.
I would also take a good hard look at how much you're eating and make sure that it's enough.
I also think your doctor was kind of ignorant/an ass about it though.
I tried really, really hard this morning to actually just sit and listen instead of shut him out, but it was really hard. Not being able to relate at all on the working out was really tough. I did shut down when he said that DH comes first, DS comes second, and everything else comes after. I didn't bring up the fact that he'd been preaching about how I need to take care of myself, so shouldn't I be #1 or #2??
Eeesh. How you run your family is just...not his business IMO.
Knowing this, my first two sentences still apply, but after that - get a second opinion.
I just really think when you are that tired, you gotta listen to your body. There are times in life where we just can't do it all. *hugs*
This is what I would do, fwiw: 1. Reduce my meds if that's a possibility. Definitely doing that. 2. Take the second day off. Which day would you suggest? 3. Find the money to hire a house cleaner. Done, just need to schedule. 4. Talk to a counselor about all these stressors and how to manage them. I agree, especially with the whole DH aspect. I just need to actually make the call 5. Find a new doctor, preferably one who actually exercises. Will do, thanks to lb2006!
Post by CallingAllAngels on Jul 28, 2015 10:12:08 GMT -5
I also think you should get a 2nd opinion. I would try to see if you can find a doctor that is more supportive of an active lifestyle. Maybe see if you can get a recommendation through your running group. My PCP's specialty is sports medicine (though I don't ever see him for anything related to that), but it's nice to know that he understand the desire to be more active.
I don't think your workout schedule is overwhelming. But looking at it along with all of your other obligations (working FT, teaching swim, being a mom, your husband's struggles), it is a lot. It may be the easiest thing to cut back on, which is why your doctor zeroed in on it. If it is that important to you, maybe see if there is any other way to lighten your load? You guys have been through a lot, and I wouldn't want to cut back on my workouts at a time like this either. This may not come out right, but I imagine you have spent a lot of time focusing on your husband and your son and keeping everything together. I can understand not wanting to give up the one thing that you do for yourself (I may be projecting a bit here).
Anyway, hugs. Trying to juggle it all is hard, and I hope you find a balance that is healthy for you.
I think meeting with a second doctor, specifically an endocrinologist could be VERY beneficial. Either they will come up with another solution, or they might take the same hard line as your current doctor and from there you can come up with a plan that will work for your lifestyle.
Would you wait a couple months and have the bloodwork redone and then go or go now?
Can you move Friday yoga to Monday post-run? Otherwise, I'd dump Monday's run - or you could move the miles to other days (increase those runs by a mile), or just make it a walk.
I tried really, really hard this morning to actually just sit and listen instead of shut him out, but it was really hard. Not being able to relate at all on the working out was really tough. I did shut down when he said that DH comes first, DS comes second, and everything else comes after. I didn't bring up the fact that he'd been preaching about how I need to take care of myself, so shouldn't I be #1 or #2??
F that noise. I hope you are able to see lb2006's doctor!
I also think you should get a 2nd opinion. I would try to see if you can find a doctor that is more supportive of an active lifestyle. Maybe see if you can get a recommendation through your running group. My PCP's specialty is sports medicine (though I don't ever see him for anything related to that), but it's nice to know that he understand the desire to be more active.
I don't think your workout schedule is overwhelming. But looking at it along with all of your other obligations (working FT, teaching swim, being a mom, your husband's struggles), it is a lot. It may be the easiest thing to cut back on, which is why your doctor zeroed in on it. If it is that important to you, maybe see if there is any other way to lighten your load? You guys have been through a lot, and I wouldn't want to cut back on my workouts at a time like this either. This may not come out right, but I imagine you have spent a lot of time focusing on your husband and your son and keeping everything together. I can understand not wanting to give up the one thing that you do for yourself (I may be projecting a bit here).
Anyway, hugs. Trying to juggle it all is hard, and I hope you find a balance that is healthy for you.
No, you're totally spot on with where my mind is. I tell people that I run/work out not because I love it, but because I need that time alone. No one can talk to me, no one can touch me, no one needs me. And yes, there has been a lot of time focusing on them.
Can you move Friday yoga to Monday post-run? Otherwise, I'd dump Monday's run - or you could move the miles to other days (increase those runs by a mile), or just make it a walk.
The only classes that work with my work schedule and aren't too advanced for me are Tuesday AM, Thursday at lunch or Friday AM.
A walk sounds awfully appealing in the summer weather of the South!
I would seek a second opinion. All of my doctors are high level (way higher than I am) athletes and I feel they understand my marathoning more even if they are cyclists. I think some people really just don't understand longer distance runners, or intense cyclists, or whatever.
It can't hurt to try two days off a week, but a second opinion would be at the top of my list.
Post by CallingAllAngels on Jul 28, 2015 10:40:56 GMT -5
Please don't let him make you feel guilty about this. This is really striking a cord with me (especially running being your time when no one needs you), and I'm getting pissed off. If there is proof that decreasing your activity can help level out your testosterone levels, then he should address that. All this other BS...no. It's so irresponsible from a mental health perspective. "Let's take the one outlet this woman has at a stressful period of her life and make her feel like shit about it." You cannot take care of your husband and your son if you aren't mentally healthy. You are just as important as they are.
Team second opinion here. New doctor, or of staying with the current doctor, I'd continue on with exercise as normal (only because that does not seem like anywhere close to a crazy amount) and request follow up blood work after reducing the dosage of the meds.
Has your exercise changed drastically in the last two years? This isn't a new routine for you, is it? I just don't understand how your levels can go from almost non-existent, to 7 times what they should be in two years, and his main focus is your (not crazy) exercise.
I'm not saying that there is nothing to be adjusted with your exercise or that it might not be contributing to your exhaustion, only that I would not have been happy with that doctors visit, and I would want a second opinion before reacting.
I would also take a good hard look at how much you're eating and make sure that it's enough.
I also think your doctor was kind of ignorant/an ass about it though.
I tried really, really hard this morning to actually just sit and listen instead of shut him out, but it was really hard. Not being able to relate at all on the working out was really tough. I did shut down when he said that DH comes first, DS comes second, and everything else comes after. I didn't bring up the fact that he'd been preaching about how I need to take care of myself, so shouldn't I be #1 or #2??
waitwut??? Oh hell no. This is your GYN? Find a new doctor ASAP. Like today. When your GYN starts preaching to you about how to organize your priorities, ASSuming that you are somehow neglecting your family just because you workout, then it's time to GTFO.
And I didn't see the day off, sorry brain fart. I think your schedule looks not too intense if you have that day off and you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night (which you would be if you are sleeping from 9:30-4:30.