Feeling weak and run down

Hey there. I’m just quickly scanning through the topics here—and since I don’t actually have a "solid" diagnosis yet—and because I’ve been feeling a bit off lately, I decided to start this thread. I’d appreciate any advice you guys might have. I’ll try to be as detailed as possible about what's going on.

So, it all started around the second week of this month (April)—I just started feeling unwell, specifically weak.
In what sense, though? Weak or unwell? It’s a little hard to pin down, really—but roughly speaking, it’s like I’m just exhausted or drained (not to an extreme degree, mind you). I’m not getting dizzy, I’m not passing out, nothing hurts, and I can still get my work done at the office (even if I have slowed my pace down a bit). This started happening in the mornings (and I make sure to eat breakfast every day).
When I feel this way, I’ll take a little break at work—just sit down for a bit—and then eat something else, like a sandwich, some pastry, or maybe grab a yogurt drink, some juice, or water. It’s not like I feel better immediately after eating, but I grab something just to try and replenish my energy, I guess. And, well, that "off" feeling lasts for a while; it doesn't just vanish instantly. That sensation of weakness or feeling poorly also shows up when I get home, sometimes right before bed—even though I’m sleeping pretty well, more or less.

I went to see my doctor and explained everything. She checked my blood pressure (it was 130/90) and told me I should keep monitoring it daily at home.
We also did some blood and urine tests—most of the results were fine, except they found I'm low on Vitamin D, so she prescribed some Vitamin D supplements—and since you synthesize that from sunlight through your skin, she suggested I spend more time outdoors. My doctor mentioned it might be a thyroid issue, so she gave me a referral for a scan, but I'll be waiting two or three months for that.

As for the blood pressure (which I've been tracking for three weeks now), it fluctuates. Usually, it sits around 130/90, but it can spike up to 145/94—
and it can also dip to 122/80, which I think is considered "normal." Heart rate: somewhere between 72 and 85 bpm.
The doctor prescribed Prylar 5 mg to help lower my blood pressure, noting that it would take about
a week of taking it to really kick in. According to the instructions, the medication works by "reducing substances that can raise blood pressure and dilating/relaxing the blood vessels to make it easier for the heart to pump blood." Just one capsule a day in the morning.
For now, I can say the symptoms I described are the same as they were before starting the meds—so, I guess I just have to wait and see. Yesterday, for instance, I had 130/84 in the morning and 142/87 in the evening when I was feeling pretty lousy.
This morning it was 133/82.

Regarding my diet, I haven't used salt or pepper on my food in a long time. I've been eating less meat for a while now, though I wouldn't call myself a vegetarian—if I like what I'm eating (ground beef, chicken, etc.), I'll eat it. I don't like pork. Sometimes I'll have fish or calamari—and I enjoy meatless meals too, like oatmeal or lentil soup.
I don't smoke, and I don't drink (not even coffee, except for a sort of "white coffee" in the morning).
I'm 37, weighing 91 kg, and standing 175 cm tall based on my last checkup at the clinic.

Right now, I’d describe how I'm feeling as... mediocre. Not terrible, but certainly not great.

I've actually gone to the ER twice. I explained the symptoms, they checked my blood pressure and heart, and once they even gave me an IV for a bit. They concluded it wasn't anything too serious and sent me back to my primary physician (who is the one I eventually saw).
I should mention that I haven't experienced anything like this before, and I'm not the type to run to the doctor for every little thing, but this is definitely worrying me.

Also, I'm not having any delusions or hallucinations; I can drive just fine (just short trips between work and home).
Furthermore, I've concluded that none of this seems related to my job—because whether it's a "light" workday (like early in the week) or an intense one (over the weekend), I still feel bad once or twice a day (in the morning, during the day, or when I get home).

My friends and coworkers joke that it's probably just a lack of sex, but it's not like I'm constantly in a bad mood or anything. Maybe it's the blood pressure, maybe the thyroid... Does anyone have any other advice, ideas, or suggestions...?
Thanx!

Could be anemia, or perhaps some cardiac issues? Have you had an EKG or an echocardiogram yet?

Looks like you're hitting the early stages of insulin resistance—basically prediabetes.

Start hitting some extra multivitamins and minerals. Watch your meal timing like a hawk. Cut back on the carbs—I mean both the pure sugar and the heavy starches—and swap them out for leafy greens, healthy fats, and just moderate amounts of protein.
Force yourself to walk every single day, but don't just stroll; vary your pace. You need at least thirty minutes, though forty-five is the sweet spot.

To track those baseline levels (which you’ll definitely need later to see if this is actually working), go get an OGTT and an HbA1c test done. Check this out for prep:

Check thyroid hormones first, then look into H. pylori.
I felt exactly the same way for over a year—just zero energy, like I had no blood in my veins. Every single test came back perfect until gastritis developed; that was the only real indicator of pain besides the exhaustion.

Could it be CMV?

analoggull16 said:Could be anemia, or perhaps some cardiac issues? Have you had an EKG or an echocardiogram yet?

Back at the ER again today—just for the hell of it, I guess. They ran an EKG and everything came back fine, which is... well, fine. No big deal, I suppose.
The doctor said everything was fine and nothing to worry about—not exactly serious, according to her—but I still felt pretty lousy regardless.
I was honestly kind of baffled by how crappy I could feel when most of my labs were coming back totally fine—aside from my blood pressure being a little high, I guess.
I don't have any chest pains or anything—it's not like I'm having trouble climbing stairs or going for a bike ride, either.

steelwalker26 said:Looks like you're hitting the early stages of insulin resistance—basically prediabetes.

Start hitting some extra multivitamins and minerals. Watch your meal timing like a hawk. Cut back on the carbs—I mean both the pure sugar and the heavy starches—and swap them out for leafy greens, healthy fats, and just moderate amounts of protein.
Force yourself to walk every single day, but don't just stroll; vary your pace. You need at least thirty minutes, though forty-five is the sweet spot.

To track those baseline levels (which you’ll definitely need later to see if this is actually working), go get an OGTT and an HbA1c test done. Check this out for prep:

Thanx for the advice—I guess I'll just give my local clinic a call and see if they actually offer those tests before I bother making an appointment.
Maybe it’s a diet thing—I mean, whenever I actually manage to eat something, I feel hungry again almost immediately. It’s a bit weird, I guess.
So, I've started eating more small snacks between my main meals—just little things here and there, I guess.

Douglas Grant26 said:Check thyroid hormones first, then look into H. pylori.
I felt exactly the same way for over a year—just zero energy, like I had no blood in my veins. Every single test came back perfect until gastritis developed; that was the only real indicator of pain besides the exhaustion.

It’s not like I’m feeling anything super dramatic, but yeah—I am definitely feeling some weakness. It’s just weird because, looking back at this past week, I was able to get through my work tasks without any issues at all.
Just getting through my tasks at work—keeping things at a slightly slower pace today, I guess—and maybe grabbing a few snacks in between.

Thanx for all the advice, everyone—I'll let you know once I have some actual news (probably in a day or two, since my doctor is working the afternoon shift this Tuesday, so...)
I guess I'll probably end up heading back there again sometime soon.

Alright, so here’s what came back from the blood and urine tests done on April 11th.
I’ll just list the numbers that are slightly off—nothing too crazy, I guess, but still worth noting:
- Basophil granulocytes 1.3 (supposedly should be between 0-1)
- Total cholesterol 5.7 (ideally closer to 5)
- HDL cholesterol 1.3 (ideal is 1)
- Calculated LDL cholesterol - 3.8 (should be under 3.0 ideally)
- Free triiodothyronine ft3 5.3 (range is usually 2.9 to 4.9)
- Vitamin D - 26 (target is 75 - 250, I suppose)

Based on your weight, lab results, and symptoms, it’s pretty clear you're dealing with insulin issues. Simply adding more small snacks to your main meals isn't going to fix that problem.

steelwalker26 said:Based on your weight, lab results, and symptoms, it’s pretty clear you're dealing with insulin issues. Simply adding more small snacks to your main meals isn't going to fix that problem.

Well, I guess that was just the one thing I actually tried changing in my situation.
Nobody has brought up insulin yet—though, in my chats with doctors, I did mention feeling weak sometimes, or getting hit by this sudden, intense hunger right after I eat. That’s kind of why I finally decided to post about it here... I feel like I've been spinning my wheels for two weeks now without a clear diagnosis, while my health just fluctuates. I appreciate the input, though. 🙂

So, basically: stay active (gym, walking) and get more testing done.

And this part is crucial:
supplement with extra multivitamins and minerals. Watch your meal timing. Cut back on carbs—specifically sugar and starches—and swap them out for leafy greens, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of protein.

Regarding that meal rhythm—if you start digging into the research on insulin resistance, you'll see the consensus is to stop snacking constantly. It means sticking to three steady meals composed of low-glycemic foods, and absolutely nothing in between.

steelwalker26 said:And this part is crucial:
supplement with extra multivitamins and minerals. Watch your meal timing. Cut back on carbs—specifically sugar and starches—and swap them out for leafy greens, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of protein.

Regarding that meal rhythm—if you start digging into the research on insulin resistance, you'll see the consensus is to stop snacking constantly. It means sticking to three steady meals composed of low-glycemic foods, and absolutely nothing in between.

Where are you even getting that from? Because over at Mayo Clinic they told me the exact opposite... honestly, eating smaller, more frequent meals is the only thing keeping my blood sugar steady (since it drops because my insulin is spiked too high). I really think he should go talk to an actual specialist. People online post whatever random theories they have about treating IR and diabetes, and half of it isn't even sustainable...

@Jose Edwards16 what was your fasting FEC like?

Based on extensive research and my own firsthand experience.

And yeah, I suggested running some preliminary tests for insulin resistance, among other things, specifically so his doctor would finally realize there's an option she hasn't even bothered to mention yet.

steelwalker26 said:Based on extensive research and my own firsthand experience.

And yeah, I suggested running some preliminary tests for insulin resistance, among other things, specifically so his doctor would finally realize there's an option she hasn't even bothered to mention yet.

So you aren't actually a pro or anything, you're just reading random articles online? 🤔

Jabto I wouldn't do what you're doing if I were you, but hey, whatever. You're out here dropping info that totally contradicts what a regular endocrinologist would tell you.

I'm really hoping this whole thread doesn't spiral back into those LCHF/snake diet/fasting nonsense rabbit holes again... 😲

@Jacob Sullivan91, have you ever actually figured out why your insulin levels are staying stubbornly high?

What specific tests are used to determine insulin resistance?

You can't just look at an OGTT or HbA1c in a vacuum. You have to weigh them against the rest of the symptoms and clinical findings.

Jacob Sullivan91 said:Where are you even getting that from? Because over at Mayo Clinic they told me the exact opposite... honestly, eating smaller, more frequent meals is the only thing keeping my blood sugar steady (since it drops because my insulin is spiked too high). I really think he should go talk to an actual specialist. People online post whatever random theories they have about treating IR and diabetes, and half of it isn't even sustainable...

@Jose Edwards16 what was your fasting FEC like?

Exactly. Those symptoms aren't even related to diabetes or insulin; it's just sending him down the wrong path. What was stated correctly is that meals should have a lower GI to prevent those massive sugar spikes and insulin surges. Generally, you're looking at five smaller, low-GI meals rather than just three big ones.

Since he doesn't have high blood pressure, didn't mention excessive thirst or frequent urination as main symptoms, and hasn't lost significant weight, he likely doesn't have a diabetes issue. But if he really wants to rule it out, he should test his blood sugar while fasting and after eating. If it were an insulin or sugar issue, he'd definitely see problems right after a meal...

steelwalker26 said:@Jacob Sullivan91, have you ever actually figured out why your insulin levels are staying stubbornly high?

I'm just sitting here waiting on some genetic testing results... because honestly, it’s not like I’m overweight or anything. My cholesterol has never even come close to the upper limit, let alone gone over it, and my blood pressure has been totally fine my entire life.

My mom deals with the exact same thing, so there's a pretty good chance this is just running in the family... genetics, right?

Reading what the OP wrote, it really takes me back to how I felt about ten years ago. Back then, I was struggling with hypothyroidism and anxiety 🤷

He mentioned he’d take a look at the thyroid, then asked if there was anything else on the checklist.

Jose Edwards16 said:Hey there. I’m just quickly scanning through the topics here—and since I don’t actually have a "solid" diagnosis yet—and because I’ve been feeling a bit off lately, I decided to start this thread. I’d appreciate any advice you guys might have. I’ll try to be as detailed as possible about what's going on.

So, it all started around the second week of this month (April)—I just started feeling unwell, specifically weak.
In what sense, though? Weak or unwell? It’s a little hard to pin down, really—but roughly speaking, it’s like I’m just exhausted or drained (not to an extreme degree, mind you). I’m not getting dizzy, I’m not passing out, nothing hurts, and I can still get my work done at the office (even if I have slowed my pace down a bit). This started happening in the mornings (and I make sure to eat breakfast every day).
When I feel this way, I’ll take a little break at work—just sit down for a bit—and then eat something else, like a sandwich, some pastry, or maybe grab a yogurt drink, some juice, or water. It’s not like I feel better immediately after eating, but I grab something just to try and replenish my energy, I guess. And, well, that "off" feeling lasts for a while; it doesn't just vanish instantly. That sensation of weakness or feeling poorly also shows up when I get home, sometimes right before bed—even though I’m sleeping pretty well, more or less.

I went to see my doctor and explained everything. She checked my blood pressure (it was 130/90) and told me I should keep monitoring it daily at home.
We also did some blood and urine tests—most of the results were fine, except they found I'm low on Vitamin D, so she prescribed some Vitamin D supplements—and since you synthesize that from sunlight through your skin, she suggested I spend more time outdoors. My doctor mentioned it might be a thyroid issue, so she gave me a referral for a scan, but I'll be waiting two or three months for that.

As for the blood pressure (which I've been tracking for three weeks now), it fluctuates. Usually, it sits around 130/90, but it can spike up to 145/94—
and it can also dip to 122/80, which I think is considered "normal." Heart rate: somewhere between 72 and 85 bpm.
The doctor prescribed Prylar 5 mg to help lower my blood pressure, noting that it would take about
a week of taking it to really kick in. According to the instructions, the medication works by "reducing substances that can raise blood pressure and dilating/relaxing the blood vessels to make it easier for the heart to pump blood." Just one capsule a day in the morning.
For now, I can say the symptoms I described are the same as they were before starting the meds—so, I guess I just have to wait and see. Yesterday, for instance, I had 130/84 in the morning and 142/87 in the evening when I was feeling pretty lousy.
This morning it was 133/82.

Regarding my diet, I haven't used salt or pepper on my food in a long time. I've been eating less meat for a while now, though I wouldn't call myself a vegetarian—if I like what I'm eating (ground beef, chicken, etc.), I'll eat it. I don't like pork. Sometimes I'll have fish or calamari—and I enjoy meatless meals too, like oatmeal or lentil soup.
I don't smoke, and I don't drink (not even coffee, except for a sort of "white coffee" in the morning).
I'm 37, weighing 91 kg, and standing 175 cm tall based on my last checkup at the clinic.

Right now, I’d describe how I'm feeling as... mediocre. Not terrible, but certainly not great.

I've actually gone to the ER twice. I explained the symptoms, they checked my blood pressure and heart, and once they even gave me an IV for a bit. They concluded it wasn't anything too serious and sent me back to my primary physician (who is the one I eventually saw).
I should mention that I haven't experienced anything like this before, and I'm not the type to run to the doctor for every little thing, but this is definitely worrying me.

Also, I'm not having any delusions or hallucinations; I can drive just fine (just short trips between work and home).
Furthermore, I've concluded that none of this seems related to my job—because whether it's a "light" workday (like early in the week) or an intense one (over the weekend), I still feel bad once or twice a day (in the morning, during the day, or when I get home).

My friends and coworkers joke that it's probably just a lack of sex, but it's not like I'm constantly in a bad mood or anything. Maybe it's the blood pressure, maybe the thyroid... Does anyone have any other advice, ideas, or suggestions...?
Thanx!

Before. Diabetes doesn't just hit you like a freight train out of nowhere. There’s always that gray area first—a window where the symptoms aren't all hitting at once. Look, not everyone dealing with insulin resistance is destined to end up with full-blown diabetes, but you can't afford to be complacent. If you're already scrambling to find a fix, you better pay close attention to those early warning signs. Don't ignore the buildup.

Jacob Sullivan91 said:I'm just sitting here waiting on some genetic testing results... because honestly, it’s not like I’m overweight or anything. My cholesterol has never even come close to the upper limit, let alone gone over it, and my blood pressure has been totally fine my entire life.

My mom deals with the exact same thing, so there's a pretty good chance this is just running in the family... genetics, right?

Reading what the OP wrote, it really takes me back to how I felt about ten years ago. Back then, I was struggling with hypothyroidism and anxiety 🤷

I suspect we're looking at simultaneous symptoms rather than actual underlying causes.
Feeling weak after eating is also a symptom. Obesity doesn't just happen overnight—you don't wake up twenty pounds heavier out of nowhere. It starts with excess weight. Your metabolism is reacting to something that simply isn't working for you. Since Jose Edwards16 isn't facing major issues yet, why not try adjusting his diet and see if it helps? I wasn't suggesting anything drastic.

steelwalker26 said:He mentioned he’d take a look at the thyroid, then asked if there was anything else on the checklist.

Before. Diabetes doesn't just hit you like a freight train out of nowhere. There’s always that gray area first—a window where the symptoms aren't all hitting at once. Look, not everyone dealing with insulin resistance is destined to end up with full-blown diabetes, but you can't afford to be complacent. If you're already scrambling to find a fix, you better pay close attention to those early warning signs. Don't ignore the buildup.

I suspect we're looking at simultaneous symptoms rather than actual underlying causes.
Feeling weak after eating is also a symptom. Obesity doesn't just happen overnight—you don't wake up twenty pounds heavier out of nowhere. It starts with excess weight. Your metabolism is reacting to something that simply isn't working for you. Since Jose Edwards16 isn't facing major issues yet, why not try adjusting his diet and see if it helps? I wasn't suggesting anything drastic.

I'm not saying you suggested something extreme, just that it wasn't exactly right. I'd pass out without snacking in between meals 🤷

IR is super easy to diagnose, so he's better off just going for an OGTT to see if he needs medication.