Community Forum

I've been in a mild flare-up for the past 3 weeks. I'm on asacol and I think I'm getting better - I have good days and bad days. The one thing that stays consistent is the overwhelming fatigue. I feel so weak and exhausted, even though I'm getting a lot of rest.   I'm currently taking 6 asacol tablets a day, a multi vitamin, B12 supplement, Omega 3 supplement, and just started the Juice Plus tablets.

 Reply posted for Karen17535.

I use a protein shake in the morning in order to start my day. And I too use take a b12 supplement, but since a person with Crohn’s has a problem with absorption of b12, I use a sublingual b12. It is placed under the tongue and goes directly into the blood stream. I also use a product called perfect food ( bought at the health food store), it contains all the enzymes and good bacteria that the intestine needs for good health.

 Reply posted for Karen17535.

Hi!  I just thought I'd share with you something I've found VERY helpful for me in regards to both feeling better and having more energy/less fatigue.  I was diagnosed about 1 1/2 yrs. ago with Crohn's, have had 1 surgery and have been on prednisone, entocort, humira, imuran and have felt awful the entire time!  We just stopped the imuran about a month ago (although I'm still on the entocort) because I was feeling so bad and continually getting sores on my skin.  I also started eating a high protein, low carb diet - and between that and stopping the imuran, I have felt so good!  All the body, joint pain has subsided and I have so much energy!  I've been reading & following "The Protein Power" book, as well as "The Protein Power Lifeplan" - which discusses how eating this way helps with most auto immune diseases, including Crohn's.  You might want to read it.  It's been very enlightening for me! 

 Reply posted for masterchef.

Dealing with the fatigue is difficult. Hydration is impportant, however, I would not recommend fruit juices, especially if you are in a flare. Fruit juices are high in fructose and they will have you in the bathroom more often. Be careful of caffiene, since it is dehydrating, and avoid beverages with large amounts of sugar.

 Reply posted for masterchef.

Masterchef - thanks for your info. I didn't realize being dehydrated would cause fatigue.  I've been limiting my water to cut down on diarreah, plus I drink way too much diet pepsi. I'll cut back on the pepsi and increase the water.

Thanks again for your help - you may have solved my problem!

 Reply posted for Karen17535.

Hi,

yes i know what you mean about the fatigue.  in a way, your energy levels may not be fully restored to what they were pre-illness.  but from the way you describe it, you're certainly suffering from a rut that can definitely improve if you focus on diet and lifestyle habits.

Good that you are taking supplements, but a 'natural' process to healing has really worked for me. For instance, timing of meals.  If i eat big dinners or meals later in the day or night, i find i'm lethargic the next day.  commonly, good foods that provide energy and are easily digestible are the best for me.  i stay away from starches and heavy carbohydrates. so like lean protein is really good.  Salmon, chicken breast (grilled, not fried.)  Yogurt in the morning is essential to keep my body stable.

also, more importantly, i think you may be losing fluids.  Dehydration is a MAJOR cause for low energy. you may not be so dehydrated that you need to go to the hospital, but enough  that you have headaches and feel drained.  whatever you are drinking now, drink double. drink an extra glass of water every hour. i even recommend incorporating more juices, like orange juice or apple juice, and even gatorade.  It's getting hotter outside and you're losing more fluids than you expect by being in a flare up.

i really think diet and lifestyle will help you restore most of your energy.  Rehydrating yourself is fundamental and should be the first step.  then start making changes to your diet that'll work for you.  if you used to drink coffee, start drinking green tea. good substitute, easy on the gut, and will stimulate your mind and body.

-mc

www.cookingwithcrohns.com

cookingwithcrohns@gmail.com