How to combat fatigue

[Shannon]

I know this could belong in the Treatment section, but I also think it's a general symptom that comes with Crohn's, so...

PLEASE tell me that this fatigue will get better. I am on 6MP and there is definitely a noticeable difference between fatigue and medication fatigue... and I am not liking the constant lack of energy!

I just need to know if...
A) you long-term 6MP'ers adjusted to this side effect eventually, and how long?
B) anyone who has fatigue in general has any tips for curbing it - I can hardly function!

Thanks so much.

 

[Squadinho]

When I was suffering from real bad fatigue before I got diagnosed, my doctor told me to keep active to help fight fatigue...

Yeah, nice one doc...

My fatigue seemed to go away when I started Pred and came back again when I came off it. Currently going through that cycle again...

Not sure what 6mp is so can't comment on that.

 

[Walt]

tired of tired...

my doctor told me to keep active to help fight fatigue...
Yeah, nice one doc...

Hi Shannon,
I'm sorry to say that fatigue is a common theme all too prevalent with CD.
A while back, someone posted a nice explanation of how the body spends energy making inflammation,
and then spends energy combatting inflammation, in a vicious circle.
The body at war with itself.
Compounded by possible nutrition and absorption difficulties. It can be an energy crisis! eek

Some attempt to describe this fatigue to non-IBD'ers as having the wiped-out exhaustion of the flu, but pretty much all the time.

I'd love to offer you hope on this, but I'm not sure where to find it...
I have come to refer to my own fatigue as 'zero energy' days.

Sometimes when I go downstairs to get a load of socks out of the dryer,
I have to sit down a while, before heading back upstairs with the basket.
I've stopped telling others of such daily struggles, because they don't believe it, they don't 'get' it, or they don't much seem to care.
Not much someone else can do to help our internal issues anyhow...

Not exactly the encouragement you were seeking, but regardless of drugs,
please know that we know all about it.

As for the quote, typical ridiculous response revealing someone does not 'get it'.
Fatigue makes it difficult to get in motion and be active.
Proclaiming activity fights fatigue, is sorta like saying eating fights having no appetite.
If I could do that, I wouldn't have the problem anymore.
moving fights difficulty moving - yeah, very helpful and insightful!
Such an inspired revelation!

With or without all these drugs, fatigue is the hallmark of inflammatory disease.
Many drugs only make it worse. (glares at Methotrexate menacingly)
I find that even on my better days, lack of energy is still lurking.

Many books and resources say IBD'ers must rest and not push ourselves too hard when we are fatigued.
Gotta love issues where you can read opposite opinions all day long.

I hate missing things on days where I 'just can't go'.(except on the toilet!)
Low activity and low productivity add to the mental and emotional issues.
It is just another challenge that we must face ongoing.

Sorry to be a downer, but that's how I see it.
My best fatigue solution is napping.
Fight the good fight,
Walt

ps So, a good solution to being broke is having money?!?
(this posting demonstrates why 4am typing is not a great idea)
blah

 

[Dexky]

EJ has been on 6mp since Jan. We haven't noticed any excess fatigue though I don't think he has the energy of most of his peers. I haven't attributed that to the 6mp though, just crohns in general.

 

[mario]

Hi. Rubbish isn't it?
Not sure how your meds are affecting you but i found, when I was at my worst, a vitamin B12 injection was a great boost, and it lasts 3 months. I always knew when i was due another because I began to go downhill again. Worth a try! Hope you feel better soon.

 

[Rebecca85]

Definately ask your doc to check b12, folate and iron stores. I have been suffering since diagnosis, and just found out I am anaemic due to low iron stores. For some reason it wasn't picked up on my weekly blood tests.

 

[bushydougie]

Great post Walt! You've summed up a lotof what I feel about my fatigue and the great frustration with getting others to understand (with the all to familiar response that they are tired too *sigh*)
I wish I had some advice about gettin over fatigue but I have found that nothing except rest helps. I have managed to get back to work but can only manage 4 days a week and 2 days in a row. It's rubbish but is something I am going to haveto get used to I expect...

 

[Astra]

Great Walt, thanks

I feel your pain Shannon! I'm back at work full time now after 6 months off, and it's killing me, by 1.30pm I feel like I've got big NASA moon boots on! My legs won't carry me!
I can't stay off, sick pay has run out, and I just hit the deck when I get home!
But I have no other symptoms, so I shouldn't complain really!
All I can advise is rest, rest and some more rest!
xxxx

 

[woops!]

What can I say. I try to eat to get some energy. Eating = long time on potty.
Long time on potty = no energy. And the cycle continues. Trying to tell someone who does not suffer with this that you just are 'pooped out' (ha ha) dosen't seem to work. I would say try eating small frequent meals to see if that helps. Sometimes it works for me, and sometimes it leads to small frequent bathroon trips. Wish I had a better anwser for you. Sorry

 

[Shannon]

Thanks so much guys, lots of helpful info.
I am anemic so that may be a contributer.
And I'm getting tested for b12 levels this week! Hooray!
I have recently returned to school, Astra, and I too am fried at 1:30!
Does it ever seem to you guys that you gain nothing from sleeping and eating?
I could wake up after a solid ten hours and do it all over again... same with a big meal!
I have been eating smaller, more frequent portions but I still feel crippled at times.
Glad to know I'm not alone!

 

[Rebecca85]

Here's some hope for you... Yesterday was a good day! Came home from work and even though it was chucking it down with rain I actually wanted to walk the dog. And cook. And I didn't even fall asleep on the sofa after dinner!

 

[effdee]

That screams anemia to me. When was your last blood test? How much iron are you taking? Talk to your doctor about taking more to speed up the recovery process (I was taking 1300mg/day when I was most anemic, and taking more really helped). Vitamin C helps absorb iron, so maybe have a glass of orange juice when you take it, too.

 

[countrycoffeehouse]

OMG effdee.. drinking orange juice would KILL me.. ouch just thinking about it. ( I get the need for it though with the Iron). The main portion of my small intestine that absorbs Iron is damaged and does not absorb much so I get Iron Iv's to combat the anemia.. they help. But I am exhausted most days..

 

[Jessica]

I've stopped telling others of such daily struggles, because they don't believe it, they don't 'get' it, or they don't much seem to care.

Right there with ya! I know that they care, deep down. Just not right at that moment? I know that sounds horrible, but it's just how it feels sometimes.

I'm tired, fatigued, whatever you wanna call it. No signs of anemia though. And I have blood levels checked a few times a year. I know I need to get back to my regular exercising. Just kind of hard when you're in a slump and tired all the time. I work 40+ hours a week. When I get home I have about 3 hours before I'm ready for bed.

Yes, I will lay around and be tired. So, blah!