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What Causes Extreme Fatigue, Leg Pain And Dizziness In Elderly?
Question: I am 88. Experiencing extreme fatigue, leg pain(quads),dizzyiness, otherwise have experienced good health through lifetime, walking 3-5 miles per day, not overweight, vegetarian.
Brief Answer:
I'll mention some potential causes. Investigation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
since you've been using thyroid hormones, the first thing that comes into mind is this. Hypothyroidism may cause these symptoms, so a TSH measurement is essential.
Other potential causes include:
- insomnia: for any reason. Not sleeping enough is a good reason to feel tired, particularly at the age of 88!
- obstructive sleep apnea: snoring is a hint for this condition, as is high blood pressure and sleepiness all day long.
- anemia: a low hematocrit impairs the body's ability to cope with physical activities.
- electrolyte imbalance: particularly the sodium disorders.
- drugs: if you're using any, besides synthroid.
- diabetes mellitus: a high blood sugar may result in dehydration, electrolylte disorders and eventually fatigue.
- infections: checking your temperature may provide clues.
- various less common disorders like hematologic, neurologic conditions etc
Since the list can become very long, investigation is needed. The very basic first things to check include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and a basic blood work-up (including complete blood count, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, liver function tests, ESR, etc).
I hope you find my answer helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
I'll mention some potential causes. Investigation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
since you've been using thyroid hormones, the first thing that comes into mind is this. Hypothyroidism may cause these symptoms, so a TSH measurement is essential.
Other potential causes include:
- insomnia: for any reason. Not sleeping enough is a good reason to feel tired, particularly at the age of 88!
- obstructive sleep apnea: snoring is a hint for this condition, as is high blood pressure and sleepiness all day long.
- anemia: a low hematocrit impairs the body's ability to cope with physical activities.
- electrolyte imbalance: particularly the sodium disorders.
- drugs: if you're using any, besides synthroid.
- diabetes mellitus: a high blood sugar may result in dehydration, electrolylte disorders and eventually fatigue.
- infections: checking your temperature may provide clues.
- various less common disorders like hematologic, neurologic conditions etc
Since the list can become very long, investigation is needed. The very basic first things to check include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and a basic blood work-up (including complete blood count, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, liver function tests, ESR, etc).
I hope you find my answer helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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