Really tired

Crohn's Disease Forum

Help Support Crohn's Disease Forum:

shazz

shazz

Joined
Nov 14, 2011
Messages
950
really tired

Been feeling progressively worse over the last few days. I have always suffered from exhaustion and tiredness but today I can barely keep my eyes open.

Have also noticed that its worse when I eat something. I had some mashed potato for lunch and nearly fell asleep during it. I have just had some crackers and I can feel my eyes getting really heavy and I feel dizzy as well.

Anyone else had this? I am sleeping nearly right through the night as well but just cant stop feeling tired.
 
I have had extreme tiredness in the past, the citalopram can do it on its own. Have you been on it long because it could be that. Failing that it sounds like your feeling worse than you were, flaring perhaps??That being the case a combination of that & Citalopram if your new to it can really knock you.
Hope you feel better real soon.
Rgds
Grant
 
Sharon ~ have you had your vitamin levels checked? While I agree with Grant that it could very well be the meds, vitamin deficiency can also cause extreme fatigue.

Share your symptoms with your doctor and ask for a blood test if you're worried over this. And in the meantime, get lots of sleep. :hug:
 
May want to check on anemia? As much as you may sleep through the night, a simple showering would set me back into bed for another nap. Simple blood test will tell.
 
Thanks guys.

Been on the citalopram for 3 weeks now. It was making me feels nauseous a lot but that has gone now.
Not had my bloods checked for a while so could be anemic and I know my vitamin levels are going to be awful cause I can't eat any fruit or veg at the moment and have not been able to for some time.
I am in a horrid flare at the moment as well so thats not helping.
Xxxxxxx
 
O hun. :hug: It sounds like it could really be all of the above.

I hope you're well soon. I'll be thinking about you. Rest up.
 
Thanks Jessi.
Am really run down and at the end of my stores of anything I think.
Going to have a lovely hot shower then climb into bed I think.
Xxxxxxx
 
Shazz, honey I know you're at the end of your tether :kiss:

Can you take some Ensure Plus to maybe help with the vitamin levels? I know you are back to Dr's very soon (weds?). I hope you will have that checked. And being in a flare is also going to affect your absorbtion as well.

Sleep as much as you can.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
Hi Misty,
Not got any Ensure Plus. Where do you get it? Does it have to be on prescription or over the counter?
 
You can order it on the internet, but normally it can be had much, much cheaper on prescription! Your local pharmacy will have it as well. Its packed with calories and vitamins and minerals. There is also 'boost' and things. I've had to go liquid only soooooo many times. Also, homemade chicken broth. Theres just something about chicken soup that really does help.
 
Ensure plus and boost plus I think might be pretty similar. I myself get fortify plus which is the same thing made by Fred Meyer/Kroger or your local store made brands. Plus, is sometimes a little less expensive. I usually find mine over with the vitamins in health and beauty aids at a department/grocery store. Hope this helps.
Lisa
 
Thanks hun.
Have got an appointment with my gp tomorrow so will ask him if he can do me a script.
Love chicken soup. Mmmmmmmmm
 
Your pharmacy or grocery store should carry the Ensure. Great thing is you can monitor your calorie intake and beef it up, if needed. I could not stand any flavor, except chocolate and then it had to be cold (like a shake) or I could not drink it. You may want to experiment with flavors and degrees of temp before you forsake it.
 
Hi Sharon!

I hope you got enough rest yesterday. Are you feeling any better?

Good luck with your appointment today.
 
Hi Jessi.
Still feel really tired. Slept a lot yesterday and have had 2 naps today but don't feel like I have slept at all. Got a really bad headache as well.
Not seeing my doc till late today. Will let you know how I get on.
 
Hi Shazz,

I've had the same problem recently, sleeping about 12 hours at night and then having a nap or two in the day for a couple of hours and yet I never seem to feel awake or 'refreshed' from a sleep either!

Hope it goes ok at the Docs xx
 
Thanks Rachel.
Am off to the gps in a bit so will let you know what he says.
Am also up to see my consultant tomorrow so no big deal if he cant do anything tonight.
Xxxxxxx
 
Hi Shazz, just seen this thread and I hate that you have been feeling so tired :hug: :hug: Hopefully the GP can at least perhaps do a prescription or some blood forms for you to take to the hospital tomorrow.
 
Very interesting conversation at the docs.
He had a letter from my consultant after my last scope, which was ok. It said that if I had a significant flare again I would be offered surgery and it would be my only realistic option for recovery.

He said to get the hospital to do bloods, cause it will be faster, and to get them to give me some ensure as well. He wasn't sure what to give me, as he has not had dealings with it, so I said I would ask my consultant tomorrow.

So at least I know what to expect tomorrow now.

Now to finish my list of questions for my consultant. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Xxxxxxx
 
Hopefully you've been keeping a diary of your symptoms? Getting your bloods done will answer alot of questions.

What should you ask your consultant...well, you should tell him everything as calmly as possible. You can ask for another scope or CT scan. And just tell him things are working and you're desperate for some help. If you are in a flare, he will be telling you what options are there for you.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
I suppose you have already noted about having all your vitamin levels checked with the rest of your bloods? I am a little confused though, are you not currently on a flare at the mo? Is the GI saying you have to get over this one and then have ANOTHER one before they look at surgery? Have't you just gone though all this? Maybe I have misunderstood something?
 
Thanks Misty.
I only had a flexi on Friday and really don't want to do that again! I am in the middle of the worst flare I have ever had so am sure he will be suggesting surgery.
My doc had a look at the pictures from my flexi and asked me how I was still walking around. I told him cause I have to, got things to do.
My best friend is coming with me for support tomorrow.
Xxxxxxx
 
Definetely get your vitamin levels checked too as 'bird' says. If you look like hamburger in there (i assure you, you aren't edible) you definetely need to get under control!!!

Please let us know what the 'good GI' says!
 
Thanks for clearing that up, I won't think your GI is a complete idiot. Well not yet anyway, lets see how tomorrow goes before final judgement is made :wink: I am pleased your friend will be with you tomorrow.
 
hiya shazz.

I just saw this thread and wanted to wish you well. I don't have answers for you, but can certainly empathize. I have been indescribably tired as a result of - as best I can pinpoint - flaring, depression, SSRIs, as well as deficiencies (B12, D, and iron). I can totally relate - sleeping and awaking to feel like you never slept, or just falling asleep from complete exhaustion, sometimes when you're not even lying down. I hope you can track things down quickly and get some rest.

Tell me, what are you most looking forward to doing when you're not in your flare anymore? You're not alone. You can overcome!
 
Hi sawdust,
I am looking forward to be able to leave the house for more than an hour. Also to not having to plan so much ahead, like find out toilet amenities and so on.
Mostly looking forward to not being in pain and to be able to eat something other than mashed potato and boiled rice.
Will update when I find out what my future holds.
Xxxxxxx
 
Hey there Shazz,

I also just saw this thread and want to wish you well; I know exactly what you feel like - Chronic fatigue is my lifelong companion.

I remember what it was like during my last flare up; The combination of meds, bleeding, not absorbing iron, vitamin deficient from lack of nutrition and a lack of fluid intake is a brutal combination. It's a wonder we stay awake at all sometimes!!

Definitely follow the advice of all the wise folks above me. And I would also like to put my vote in for Ensure or Boost - that stuff has helped my on countless occasions. If you don't find it appealing as a drink, try sticking it in the freezer for a bit - it turns into a very yummy frozen yogurt-like thing :)

Good luck!!

---> I.
 
Thanks silver,
I will try to see how i get on with the ensure/boost. I love frozen yogurt so would welcome that.
Hope they will let me have some. Even eating soup is painful now.
Strangely still not loosing that much weight though, not that I am complaining, just find it weird.
Mind you I don't have the energy to lift my hand most days!
 
Honey...I know we arent getting alot of sun right now, but get yourself by a window and get some fresh air and a bit of sun when you can too.

I want to wish you the very best of luck at the GI's, and I'm really glad you have someone going with you. When you are that sick and go alone, it's hard to concentrate. Yeah I know...I was fighting the good fight alone in the hospital myself. But I dont expect anyone else to be as stubborn and cantankerous as me. Otherwise Dr's would refuse to treat any of us!

Good luck my sweet...I am sure you will get some help. (and you will lose weight when your body figures out whats going on probably. My guess is it's holding on to any fat and fluid it can to survive...survival mode)
 
Thank you Misty.
I am so glad that I found this forum and you.
Would be lost without you making me laugh when all I want to do is cry.
Maybe one day I can return the kindness you have shown me.
Xxxxxxx
 
Hi Shazz!

I hope your GI appointment goes well today. i'll be looking forward to hear what he has to say. I really hope you start feeling better soon :)
 
Oh, Sharon. As always, you are in my prayers, love. :hug: Please be well soon.
 
Hi Manzyb, how are you doing now? Better I hope. Thankyou for your comment. Will update you later.

Jessi - Thankyou as well. I am feeling a bit emotional and very tired, didn't sleep well last night!

Will let you all know how it goes and what he has to say later.
I am going for a coffee, well camomile tea, with my friend before we go and we are going through my list of questions/symptoms to see if there is anything I forgot.
I have also done a request list as well. Full blood work, vitamin levels, crp and hb check, ensure/boost to give me some energy hopefully.

Wish me luck!!
Xxxxxxx
 
Shazz, I just wanted to mention I too take citalopram and take it at night because it does makes me a little sleepy. However it sounds like you have a lot more going on! Just wanted to mention it.

Hope you start feeling better soon!
 
Prescription for ENSURE - do medical plans cover the tab for ENSURE? I live on the stuff, where I live it's $11.99 for a sixpak. You should see me run around buying it up when I see it's on sale somewhere. I never even thought I might be able to get it with a prescription! Tell me more, please.
 
Most supplement drinks are available on the nhs but they are strictly controlled due to cost. Generally if a dietician says you need them then you get them on prescription.

Good luck at your appt Shazz, hope you are brave enough to ask all your questions!
 
Ok all just got back.

I asked all my questions and then some!
Ensure is available on prescription but i need to get it from my gp! Little bit frustrating but at least I know I can get it.
I have had my bloods done as well.
I was on a roll today!
I will be having surgery some time soon. I wwill get an appointment to see a surgeon within the next few weeks and it will go from there.
My lovely consultant told me if i feel I can't cope or carry on too long to phone the IBD help line and they will get me in asap.
It was the first thing he said to me when I walked in the door. Made me laugh. I told I am now at the point where I would gladly bite his hand off to get this damned colon out of me. He said that would be a yes then!
So simple and straight forward.
 
FINALLY!!!!!! So chuffed they are getting this sorted, obviously surgery isn't great but it is so clear that this is the next stage for you. I suppose you are contacting the GP today about the Ensure? Hopefully this will settle things down so when the op does come round you are in a better position to have a good recovery. What did the doc say about the tiredness?
 
YAY! not great news obviously but glad they are doing something!

Not sure why consultants seem to send you back to the GP for stuff, I had the same thing a couple of weeks ago to get a sick note for work! x
 
Awesome!! I'm glad you had a good appointment. Surgery does suck a TON, but it will give you some great relief!
 
Thanks guys.
About the tiredness he said it could be vitamin deficiency or it could be the anti depressants or he said it also could be because I am in flare number 9 in 12 months.
I think its a combination of all of the above.
My gp isn't in today so will get an emergency appointment in the morning and speak to someone up there. I prefer to speak to someone face to face, not a fan of dealing on the phone.
 
The tiredness is killer! It really is. I'm having a hard time myself right now!

I hope you get an appointment tomorrow and you get get your ensure and things you need. Another thing you could try, is getting a tasteless protein powder. We did this and dissolve it into my mashed potatoes or my soups, things like that. I think it might help some.

Huge hugs to you shazz! Here's to hopefully being on the road to recovery soon!! :hug:
 
Thanks Manzyb.

I really hope you start to feel bbetter soon.

Thanks for the tips on the protein powder. If I can't get any ensure I will try to get something else.

Sending you lots of squishy hugs hunny.

Xxxxxxx
 
Sharon ~ I'm the same as you. I always like to chat in person, rather than use the phone - or the computer, for that matter. I'm too social to truly enjoy facebook or texting like the rest of the world. I like to look in people's eyes and hold someone's hands, or give real hugs.

But this one will have to do for you: :hug:
 
Thank you Jessi.
That was the best cyber hug I have had since the ones AB sent me this morning.
I like to be able to look in someones eyes and see if they are paying attention to me or thinking of what they are cooking for tea!
Xxxx
 
AB - I think it could be why my gp asked me to ask my consultant for the ensure yesterday.
The games they play!
Anyway I will get some tomorrow even if I have to throw a tantrum. Getting good at those now
 
Hehehe, let 'em have it. You would hope they would realize that at the end of the day they should all be on the same side: lets get our patient better.
 
If they do give you the run around on the prescription, can you buy Ensure and boost, those types of products over the counter?? If so, if they take a few days to get this sorted out, maybe you could go and purchase a package of them until you get your prescription? Just a though! Here in the US we can just go to Wal-Mart or wherever and buy it whenever we need it. We can get a script for it too though and its a lot less costly.
 
I will get some sort of protein drink tomorrow. I am thinking it might take them a few days to get the request from my consultant. Will see what they say tomorrow.
Xxxxxxx
 
shazz said:
Ok all just got back.

I asked all my questions and then some!
Ensure is available on prescription but i need to get it from my gp! Little bit frustrating but at least I know I can get it.
I have had my bloods done as well.
I was on a roll today!
I will be having surgery some time soon. I wwill get an appointment to see a surgeon within the next few weeks and it will go from there.
My lovely consultant told me if i feel I can't cope or carry on too long to phone the IBD help line and they will get me in asap.
It was the first thing he said to me when I walked in the door. Made me laugh. I told I am now at the point where I would gladly bite his hand off to get this damned colon out of me. He said that would be a yes then!
So simple and straight forward.
Click to expand...

I'm behind...work all day. I'm glad he could see and tell you needed more help! As for the ensure...yeah cheeky lot! Ask them at the GP's then for a mix of flavours, that way you can figure out what you like best. There's all sorts to chose from, and juices as well.

Belly hugs!
 
shazz said:
I will get some sort of protein drink tomorrow. I am thinking it might take them a few days to get the request from my consultant. Will see what they say tomorrow.
Xxxxxxx
Click to expand...

Hello, If you want something until you get the ensure prescription, I've been having Complan (strawberry and choc are the best flavours!) , you can get it pretty much everywhere to :) x
 
Have got an appointment to see the duty nurse at 10. She is really nice and usually gives what I ask for. Fingers crossed. Xxxxx
 
Hi AB really well.
She has given me Ensure Plus Commence liquid assorted flavors pack.
I have to pick them up tomorrow cause the pharmacy didn't have any in stock.
Do you know how many will be in a pack?
 
Should be 6 in a pack. I always got a case of 24. I think they would want you to try it first and see if you like it.
 
Thanks Misty.
It was really funny cause she was asking me how many to give me, I was saying I don't know cause I have never had it before.
So we went for the variety pack, but it didn't say how many was in a pack so she asked me how many do I want.
I said how about 5, she says aw let's go for 10!
So tomorrow I will be getting hubby to take me to the pharmacy in the car to collect my 60 odd bottles of ensure!
 
Glad this is finally sorted, do you know what the flavours are yet or do you have to wait and see until tomorrow? How are you feeling otherwise?
 
The pharmasist said there are 5 different flavors in the pack so will see what I get tomorrow.

Had a mug of hot chocolate last night and about an hour later I had the most awful pain in my right side, followed by what I can only describe as a blocked sink trying to drain sound. This continued for most of the night.

Am still really tired and i ache all over. Got a headache that wont go away as well. Also feel cold most of the time, bit shiver as well.

I am not going to the loo as much as I was, get the feeling i need to go more than I do, if that makes sense?

I can honestly say I cannot wait to go see the surgeon and get the ball rolling on my surgery.
 
Last edited:
I certainly hope you have your blood results tomorrow. You sound very sick to me! If the results are very bad, no doubt you young lady will be looking at surgery very soon indeed.

I know you want it asap. To get relief, and to feel well again. I want this for you more than anything, but I wish it wasnt surgery. Wish I had a magic wand actually, cause I would sure use it on you!!!
:kiss:
 
Aw thanks Misty. Nobody has called me young lady for a long time!
If i had a magic wand I would make you better first then move you down here to live near me! Then I would make everyone else better, then me.

I am afraid to eat anything now. Am sipping water throughout the day but am not really hungry but feel like I should be eating.

Snuggled up on the sofa with my son, Alex(7) watching Harry Pottery 1.

Its great that he loves watching films a lot cause that's all i can do at the moment.

Might try some rice pudding, then again might not. Too chicken!
 
You poor puddin', the only thing I can think of is to snuggle up with a hot water bottle. I agree with Misty, I can't see it being a long wait for your surgery :hug:
 
Thanks AB.
I have got a wheat bag that goes in the micro. Its shaped like a monkey! So cute. My best friend bought it for me last year, would be lost without it sometimes.
Xxxxxxx
 
Aww :stinks:. But Harry Potter is cool! I read the whole series while recovering 3 times!

Can you handle a banana or something? Even a few bites of something easy to digest. And yes...chicken soup.

(and you must be young because my oldest grandson is 10!!)
 
I am 38 this year.
My eldest turns 13 in April!
Alex is 8 in May.
They have been so good while I have been ill.
You don't look old enough to have 10 year old grandson Misty.
I have got the whole series of harry pottery books on my tablet e-reader. Plus loads of others!
Xxxxxx
 
It's wonderful that you have them around to help you out. And keep you going! Long live Harry Potter!

(pssst, you notice I'm usually seen with the light BEHIND ME)
 
Shazz - my wheat bag is a lamb and his name is mintsauce (hehe).

:) Misty I must say based on your current pic I would only put you in your 30's.

I will be watching the last Harry Potter on Saturday night and I can't wait. I should think I am one of the few who hasn't yet watched it. I like to read the books more, in fact the first time I read them I cleared the first 4 books in four days (work days btw so only read on lunch and at home) and then the fifth on one saturday (hubby did not get any sense out of me that day) I then had to wait till monday to get the rest from my friend at work :(
 
I cried when i read the last book!
The film is fab, you will really enjoy it.

I, too, would put Misty in her 30,s. I thought she was the same age as me, if not younger.

Must be doing something right!
 
We should put Harry Potter on the Must Take to hospital list! The books are alot better than the movies (normal)

AB...light BEHIND you...remember that with photos. Makes us look gooood!
 
Defo with the books on the list.
Am quite getting into Terry Pratchett as well, but got to be in the right mood for him!

I will need the light off to make look as good as you do!
 
Oooh I love Terry Pratchett too! Recovering from surgery and a bad flare is a great time to read, and get lost in the moment. Good music and good books. Then you forget your pain and discomfort.

And you dont need the light off!!!! Put a picture up! Trust me, I've seen some folks living on this earth that would scare Jesus. In the DARK! :ytongue:
 
Love Terry Pratchett, especially the books about the Night Watch - Sam Vimes rocks! Not so keen on the witches and a couple of others have been really boring and not his best.
 
Trust me, I've seen some folks living on this earth that would scare Jesus. In the DARK! :ytongue:[/QUOTE]
:mademyday:


Laughed so loud I scared the cat!

I have tried to put a photo up but it didn't show. Will try again.
 
Have just read the thread.
Thanks for sending me the thread! Brill ideas.

Just tried to upload a photo(awful one) but it didn't work. I cropped it and everything. Will get hubby to try.
 
A human face emerges!!! Whooo hooo!! What you on about girl??? You look perfectly fine!!!

Wheres the AB face now???
 
Success!
This was taken just now by my hubby.

My skin is awful but you can see how crap I look!

Will post another one after I have been through surgery and look human again!
 
See! Its not just me!

Rachel thinks you look young as well!

Rachel needs a face as well!Xxxxx
 
shazz said:
Success!
This was taken just now by my hubby.

My skin is awful but you can see how crap I look!

Will post another one after I have been through surgery and look human again!
Click to expand...

You need to be helped to health is all. You need sleep and healing. I look forward to seeing you BLOOM. And I do skin care on the side if you need some help afterward.
 
Will take you up on that offer.

Thanks hun.

Looking forward to getting my ensure tomorrow.

That sounds so sad, that I am looking forward to getting liquid food!

Need to build my strength up though.
 
You'll get there! One day at a time. Sometimes when we're real sick its one minute and one hour at a time...but we get there. People tend to think sometimes, after surgery, I had a bad day today. But, you really need to look at all the things that got better that day. You arent 'post surgery' yet, but you will be soon. I think very soon, because I wouldnt be surprised if they admit you soon. So....pack that bag now. Seriously. You are too sick to be out and about. You need to be in hospital to be honest. Very soon.
:ghug:
 
I will ask hubby to help me with a proper pic, promise! Shazz, there is nowt wrong wiv your pic. I know what you mean about the Ensure, when I went on the Modulen I felt so hopeful that I would get relief from the pain.
 
Thankyou for being here and understanding what I mean and am going through.

Would be lost if not for you 2.

Xxxxxxx
 
Last night wasn't too bad. Only had to get up 3 times.

Picked up my ensure today. Got 10 bottles. 1 of each flavor. Will try one for tea.
 
What flavours are there? Let us know how it goes and whether it's icky. I have been told to up my pred dose by my IBD nurse this afternoon:( I have posted more about this on the gen discussion forum as it is a little long winded.
 
Aw crap AB!

Will go have a look now.

There are the following flavors;
Vanilla
Chocolate
Orange
Raspberry
Fruits of the forest
Strawberry
Coffee
Neutral/unflavoured
Banana
Peach

I tried the chocolate one cause it said you can heat them up! So I made hot chocolate.

It was ok, not as bad as i thought it would be. Felt a bit sick for a while after though and my tummy is making awful loud noises again!

Xxxxxxx
 
Theres even more flavours than that available. I just wanted to add Shazz, drink it slowly, it will help!

AB, sorry mate.
 
Thanks Misty. I did drink it over 20 minutes and resisted the urge to just down it!

Feel ok now, not sick now.
 

Similar threads

Catherine
Dont know what to think - imflammatory arthritis
Replies
10
Views
1K
Catherine
Catherine
grumpyoldwoman
New here
Replies
0
Views
191
grumpyoldwoman
grumpyoldwoman
N
Does this sound like Crohns?
Replies
1
Views
1K
my little penguin
my little penguin
R
(My Story) Looking for answers!
Replies
20
Views
3K
Aituk7
A
L
First proper flare since Crohns diagnosis
Replies
7
Views
2K
Trishke
T

Latest posts

Back
Top