I can't seem to stay awake; Even when my kids are home!

[sassym]

Hi everyone!

To give a little background, I was diagnosed in 2010 and am currently taking, prednisone, Imuran, Humira, Pentasa, and Lasix in an effort to get my CD to finally go into remission. I think it's working too because I definitely feel better now than I have in a very long time.
My only complaint now is that I am so tired ALL THE TIME. I've dealt with fatigue during flares, but I was usually able to stay awake, even though I couldn't get myself to do much. No though, I feel like a terrible mother because, and I hate to even admit this, several times in the last week my four year old has woken me up because I fell asleep yet again while playing with him. I have fallen asleep sitting up!!
I've got no one to help with my kids today or I would have someone come over, so instead I've resorted to mass amounts of caffeine. I don't dare try to "nap" because my boys are ages 4years and 4 months. And the 4 year old has ADHD. I can't leave them alone for safety reasons.
Does anyone have any advice for beating this fatigue?

 

[theOcean]

Have you had any blood tests recently? Do you know what your iron or B12 levels are like? The only time I've had fatigue that bad was when my levels (hemoglobin too) were low...

 

[sassym]

My hemoglobin has been good. But I've never had my b12 tested. I'm not why either? It seems like everyone else has it done but my doctor has never even suggested it.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Are you keeping hydrated 8 cups a day and electrolytes like salt and sugar? Preferably from healthy sources like bananas, coconut water and sea salt.

I definitely recommend getting blood work for iron, b12, D, folate, zinc, and checking your thyroid levels. If none of these manifest anything than you should be seen by a specialist to rule out other complications like lyme, chronic fatigue syndrome and other possible causes.

 

[Shiny]

For me the inability to stay awake was vitamin d deficiency and anemia. I take daily supplements of vitamin d, iron, and vitamin c (to help the absorption of the iron). It has helped me greatly in that area. If I start getting to where I'm dropping off at inopportune times I increase the iron for a few weeks.

I know each of us are different, but wanted to share. I hope whatever is causing yours is a relatively easy fix like that too. The supplements may take a while to kick in but I prefer a remedy like that than more meds (just my preference)

I hope you find a solution soon. Best wishes

 

[David]

As others mentioned, it's time for more in-depth blood tests. My biggest suspect would be vitamin B12, but you've received excellent advice regarding other possibilities.

Please keep us updated as to how you're doing.