Hi there, first time poster on any forum regarding this but would very much welcome some advice. I have had Crohn's for around 10 years now and around 8 years ago had 2 foot of the Terminal ileum removed, this was followed by various other surgeries to correct the surgical Hernia's that had occurred. After a particularly aggressive first form my disease was brought under control fairly swiftly and minus the odd grumble I have not had any major issues in over 6-7 years. The one thing that has stuck with me though is the constant feeling of drowsiness. I have repeatedly been blood tested for Anemia and my B12 count but I always seem to be borderline or normal, I have lost interest in informing my specialists that I am tired all the time as I have never been listened to. Does anyone on here think it would be wise to start taking B12 and Folic acid supplements or would these even work with the lack of a Terminal ileum.
Tired All the Time
- Thread starter Will-o
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DJW
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Hi and welcome.
I had my TI removed years ago. I've been on B12 injections ever since.
Have you had other blood work to check inflammation markers and stuff like that?
Are you on any meds?
Fatigue is very common in Crohn's, especially if there is inflammation present.
Sending you my support.
I had my TI removed years ago. I've been on B12 injections ever since.
Have you had other blood work to check inflammation markers and stuff like that?
Are you on any meds?
Fatigue is very common in Crohn's, especially if there is inflammation present.
Sending you my support.
Not just B12, but an entire B complex supplement. Also a lot of people are low in vitamin D as well. You can fix this just by being out side more.
Hi there,
Thanks for coming back to me on this, I am no longer on any medication and have had very little to no inflammation for a long time, also I have blood work done every 6 months to a year and this also comes back fine apart from border line anemia that jumps back up. I don't believe the Vitamin D is an issue as I am fairly active outside.
I think I need to speak with my GP regarding Vitamin B12 injections.
Thanks for coming back to me on this, I am no longer on any medication and have had very little to no inflammation for a long time, also I have blood work done every 6 months to a year and this also comes back fine apart from border line anemia that jumps back up. I don't believe the Vitamin D is an issue as I am fairly active outside.
I think I need to speak with my GP regarding Vitamin B12 injections.
The Terminal Ileum is where 99% of B12 is absorbed, so those of us that don't have one should absolutely be getting B12 injections for life. It shouldn't be something you need to be tested for.
Supplements may work up to a point if the dose is high enough, and you can get under the tongue lozenges and patches, but the effectiveness is debatable. You could always try those and see if it makes you feel better. Injections will always be the best way though.
Supplements may work up to a point if the dose is high enough, and you can get under the tongue lozenges and patches, but the effectiveness is debatable. You could always try those and see if it makes you feel better. Injections will always be the best way though.
I told my doctor yesterday about my tiredness. I had some lab work done:
Biochemical Investigation of Anemias
Vitamin B12 235 (normal range is 198 - 615 pmol/L
Ferritin 26 (normal range is 10 - 291 ug/L
General Chemistry Albumin 38 (normal range is 35-50 g/L
I had stopped taking all my vitamins because of the expense, so they've dropped. He also said northern people should be on vitamin D. So I have to scrunch my budget and start buying it all again.
Addendum: You could also be deficient in zinc, people with IBD often are.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zinc/evidence/hrb-20060638
Biochemical Investigation of Anemias
Vitamin B12 235 (normal range is 198 - 615 pmol/L
Ferritin 26 (normal range is 10 - 291 ug/L
General Chemistry Albumin 38 (normal range is 35-50 g/L
I had stopped taking all my vitamins because of the expense, so they've dropped. He also said northern people should be on vitamin D. So I have to scrunch my budget and start buying it all again.
Addendum: You could also be deficient in zinc, people with IBD often are.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zinc/evidence/hrb-20060638
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Have you ever had your zinc levels tested? My doctor put me on it because I was low.
Anatomy of Absorption
You are at increased risk for zinc deficiency if you have extensive inflammation located in the jejunum or have had it surgically removed, have chronic diarrhea, are losing fluids through fistula, or are taking prednisone.[5] Another study found high levels of zinc deficiency in patients with distal small bowel (terminal ileum) resection and muscle zinc levels didn't always correlate with serum levels.[7]
Anatomy of Absorption
You are at increased risk for zinc deficiency if you have extensive inflammation located in the jejunum or have had it surgically removed, have chronic diarrhea, are losing fluids through fistula, or are taking prednisone.[5] Another study found high levels of zinc deficiency in patients with distal small bowel (terminal ileum) resection and muscle zinc levels didn't always correlate with serum levels.[7]
GI said yesterday that I'm now anemic because of low iron. Well that explains it to me. Thought mine was just a B12 problem
i struggle with this BIG TIME.
especially since we had kids…my god, so tired - all the time.
I have resorted to eating caffeine tablets mid morning and later afternoon, just to get by. If i drink coffee it messes with me, but the caffeine tablets not so much. I wish there was a 'proton energy pill' (like rodger ramjet) that we could take, but there doesnt appear to be, unless you want to get an illegal drug habit.
sorry, no good news here.
i have mentioned to specialists, they all say 'exercise is the best thing' for fatigue…so i try to get outside, walk, golf, do some gardening - and while it helps, while i am doing it, as soon as i am done i need a nap!
good luck everyone
especially since we had kids…my god, so tired - all the time.
I have resorted to eating caffeine tablets mid morning and later afternoon, just to get by. If i drink coffee it messes with me, but the caffeine tablets not so much. I wish there was a 'proton energy pill' (like rodger ramjet) that we could take, but there doesnt appear to be, unless you want to get an illegal drug habit.
sorry, no good news here.
i have mentioned to specialists, they all say 'exercise is the best thing' for fatigue…so i try to get outside, walk, golf, do some gardening - and while it helps, while i am doing it, as soon as i am done i need a nap!
good luck everyone
