Fighting fatigue

[Dixiedoll23]

So, I've noticed with this recent flare I have to make myself get out of bed and start the day.I have been fighting major fatigue for over 4 weeks now.Usually if I take one of my pain pills, it helps ease my pain, perks me up a bit and I can start going.But my pain pills are only helping get rid of the pain (Not complaining).I've tried energy drinks, vitamin B, and just about everything else I can think of to try to get motivated.I have 5 boys, and sometimes feel as if I am just too tired to fight anymore.
Is it common to have so much fatigue/tiredness when going through a flare?Is there anything I can try that I haven't already?Or should I just try to take it easy and rest?I suppose my body is tired for a reason, isn't it fighting inflamation and everything else associated with a flare?
I was thinking of trying to make myself geet outside and go for a short walk although I guess I'm not sure how much I should push myself.Last time I pushed myself I ended up not being able to do anything for 3 days. I'm lucky my husband is home to help me and our boys right now.Lord knows I can't do this alone.
Any thoughts or advice about fatigue is appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[JMC]

Severe fatigue is common unfortunately. Dehydration can be a cause, so I would try drinking more fluid as a first step. Sports drinks such as Powerade or Lucozade are better than heavily caffeinated energy drinks. If you can, also go to bed early for a few nights to try to get a bit more rest. Also check whether there is anything specific in your diet which is causing you to feel more fatigued. I tend to avoid heavy carbohydrate loaded meals when I am suffering with the symptoms you describe as they tend to just make me very sleepy.

 

[highlandsrock]

Are you're B12 levels OK? I've found since I've been having B12 injections my energy level has improved markedly.

 

[Dixiedoll23]

Are you're B12 levels OK? I've found since I've been having B12 injections my energy level has improved markedly.

I got tested Thursday, but do not know the results yet.I should be able to get them tomorrow, I'm thinking.
Is there any specific vitamin/mineral blood tests I should be tested for?I wish there was a test that could test them all instead of having to test one by one.Or am I missing something?I know there is a CBC, but that doesn't tell you much about vitamins right?

I've heard Vitamin B deficiency is very common along with other deficiencies in CD.I wanted the doctor to just give me a vitamin B shot right then and there, but he said he had to test me first.I remember when my mom got her first injection she was bouncing off the walls all night.
I want to bounce off the walls too.lol

 

[Avw]

It is extremely annoying that there isn't just one vitamin/mineral panel to cover everything!

I know for sure that Vitamin D is not checked on the regular panel, and deficiency can cause fatigue and depression, just to mention a few! I also find taking Fish Oil/Omega 3-6-9 supplements can help with energy levels, along with taking a Super B Complex.

You might also want to ask for a thyroid function panel... can't hurt to ask!

I noticed you're on prednisone too... I am as well. I often feel fatigued and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I do not rest well when on Prednisone at all. I have to take Melatonin, Benadryl, and Xanax every night, sometimes I even have to take Tylenol PM or Nyquil along with all those, just to get a measly four hours of sleep!!

Hope you find some relief soon, I've only got one kiddo running around and just looking at her is enough to exhaust me sometimes! LOL..

But definitely look into extensive vit/min panels... It's amazing the difference proper nutrition can make!

 

[Ckt]

Having severe fatigue is no fun and a part of my experience in flares as well. I also am chronically anemic requiring an iron infusion every three or four months. I also have restless leg syndrome which is so annoying!but when my iron dips down,my legs and even arms feel like I can't stretc them enough and they jump right at the moment when I am about to fall asleep! So make sure they check your ferritin levels too! I was also just in the hospital and interestingly the new gi doctor I saw gave me Iv magnesium and zinc because I was very low. This can also cause many things like restless legs,depression,fatigue.so..ferritin, magnesium,zinc. These aren't normally checked on a garden variety metabolic panel.

 

[Lulubelle]

I am so sorry to read that others are experiencing the same debilitating fatigue I know all too well. For some reason, I noticed the fatigue even before the abdominal pain started this time. This particular flare is kicking my butt. Usually the fatigue is not so pronounced but despite B12 injections, vitamins, good nutrition, etc., I think the steroids and the lack of sleep are just no match for our bodies. Something has to give! I wish I had some advice to offer you. I wish I had some brilliant words of wisdom to make this better for you. I am afraid I don't have anything but the testimony that you are not alone and a reminder that this is not in your head! This morning I gave myself a push out the door and went to the gym and got in a short, slow walk. Instead of it helping physically, I am absolutely exhausted now, but, I do think mentally--just seeing my gym friends, and the idea that I did SOMETHING positive, no matter how hard it was, it was worth it! I think that was a good thing. The negative part was I got on the scales and saw a weight gain of 8 pounds in 2 weeks! Oh my! I sincerely hope you feel better soon. Things have to get better, don't they?

 

[Dixiedoll23]

I got my vitamin B results, and it was actually higher than normal.So, no vitamin B shots for me. I really wanted them too.
I guess my fatigue is just due to this flare, but I am slowly starting to feel better.If I had half the energy my boys do, I'd be ok. LOL
Hope everyone can have an energy-filled rest of the day.