Expert: Caroline West - 3/13/2009

Question
I Started taking pain pills 11 yrs ago I got on a methidone program 2 yrs ago and was taking aprox 150 to 190mg a day until 97 days ago. I am enjoying life clean now. I am 33 and was depressed with lack of energy during use. Since I have been clean life is better than ever. I am taking vitamin b complex, fish oil and womens one a day I have also tried acai berry but I am tired all the time. I also force myself to excercise. Do you have any other ideas I might try. Thank you krisi

Answer
Hey Krisi,apologies hun for lateness in replying,I was away and forgot to notify AllExperts but I am back now and will try and help you.

Huge congrats on getting clean,97 days,no easy feat so be very proud of yourself. 150-190mg of Methadone is a HUGE amount to have been taking and well done for coming off it.

Keep taking the supplements,they will help-not be a cure but nonetheless they are good for you and will perform some of their functions for the good. Magnesium is another good one esp for women.

Something, regarding your lack of energy, makes me think that you may be Anaemic. This is an Iron deficiency in the blood and only blood tests will show if you are or not.It is very common amongst women and Iron levels drop even lower around menstruation so check if you feel more tired at that time.Don't go straight out and buy Iron tablets,get examined by a Dr as the dosage levels will need to be ascertained.You really do need to have an all over intensive set of blood tests done to see if there is anything else that is going on,do this first.

You really remind me of myself. I'm 33 also and have exactly the same issues when it comes to working out. I don't always feel like doing it and like you I have to force myself but once I've done it I feel so much better afterwards its just that initial kick-start thats the hardest. To help a little with exercise motivation is take a minute before working out and scan your body to see how you are feeling:are your shoulders tense,do you feel sluggish and basically like crap and then after your workout do the same body scan and see the difference in how you feel-I'm 100% sure you feel better so use that as a reminder to help push you the next time.

Now exercise gives you more overall energy but only if you do it with consistency-aim to do exercise 3-6 days a week and spread them out and don't do a 3 day stint and then leave it for a week,do every other day,2 days on 1 day off depending on how many sessions you wish to do.I personally recommend 5 days a week. You will find that you have a lightness in your step and regular exercise will lift your mood.

Hang on in there and please make it your top priority to visit your Dr and tell him/her how you feel and let them take it from there and insist on blood tests.

I wish you all the best and if you want to ask anything else then please feel free to write in again even to let me know what happened with the bloods as I hope it gives you the answers that you need.
Your doing well,keep going and hang in there. Best wishes, Caroline.