Constant tired or no energy due to Prednisone?

My legs and arms actually feel weaker as well since starting 20mg pred 4 weeks ago. I'm not sure if I'm weak because of the pred, the 6MP, the fact that I have a ferratin level of 4 or that I've lost 5 pounds this month (down to 5'9", 130 lbs). Or maybe a combination of all.

I am also confused Artc...

I think a lot of it is the nature of the disease unfortantaly... Although I'm on pred. too and don't have a lot of energy on it.
Some days are better than others.

One thing that I have felt that has helped me IMMENSELY is exercising. I know with our illness it can be crazy hard (worrying about accidents, etc etc) but I force myself to work out and always end up feeling SO MUCH BETTER within a few days. When I sweat I think of it as "killing my Crohn's" as I'm getting rid of Crohn's toxins.

I've been on and off of prednisone so much the past two years, but can say that Remicade and 6-MP has made me more fatigued then prednisone ever did. I feel with prednisone I get my life back, as I *usually go into remission. When I'm fatigued I force myself to do a light workout and always end up feeling better. I know it's hard, but def worth it. Even if it's only going for a walk with your pup or something.

shylou said...
I also am on 40mg pred. and am so tired and I ache all over. but I dont know if Im so tired cause I have had bad insomnia.Or if its just a general side effect from the meds. I get plenty of exercise single Mom of 4 children 3yrs, 4yrs, 7yrs,8yrs. Summer break Im always on my feet also work a full time factory job. Looking for any ideas to keep myself going.

Shylou, YOU have a busy lifestyle, and with this disease, normally you get tired, and 4 kids and all so young! And, a full time job.  How do you do it???? What you need is a couple of weeks all to yourself, no job and have the kids with your parents or camp. You need to relax.  I dont think a fully healthy person could not feel tired.  Prednisone usually gives you energy, keeps you away, you are opposite.  I just started pred today too.  I feel so achy, already.  I mowed 3 acre property (riding lawn mower) pulled weeds and exercised, yeah I am feeling it.  I am glad my daughter is 20 and has a summer job, gives me a total break.  Take care of yourself, you are overdoing it.  Hugs!

Hmm, so it's the nature of the disease or pred or 6mp?
My personal experience is just before this disease. I had ton of energy and never tired like now.
So confusing as what Jen77 said from 40 to 20 mg the tired stuff is back. I thought it would improve your energy level by 50%.
Pred seem to improve sjkly energy level.

Anybody who is in currently in remission also had this constant tired and low energy level?

Iilturbo - I will take your advise and excerise and see it improve my energy and reduce the tiredness.

Artc, over the last two years I would say I was in a remission. Meaning no symptoms of pain and D for the most part. But most of the time I had the tiredness, and I would seem to need naps every day. First I would think it was because I'm anemic, but blood tests always said no. All my other blood work would be fine as well. So my doctor said it's probably just the Crohn's, even though it was the only symptom I was having. Guess that is better then having that plus the pain, D, and weird inflammation of other areas that I just had with last flare. But it stinks. I don't feel like myself when I'm so tired all the time. It's like I have to push myself to get through the day. So I'm with chubbaluv, sure wish I could keep the energy, but not the rest of the side effects of this medication.

Tomorrow I go down to 15 mg. Kinda scary, because I know the lower you get, the higher the chances of the flare returning. Fingers crossed I go back in to another 2 year remission (or longer works too! hehe). I'm really scared of if I don't though, what that will mean for me next. I have never been on anything else, like the 6mp meds. Going up the ladder scares me for sure!

Yes I've was in remission for a long time but I would still be tired and have no energy at times.
I work full time so I would just push myself through the days, but on the weekends when my
son takes him nap, I take a nap!!

Artc said...
Jen, happy to hear you are in remission. That would be my goal too.
Wow...2 years remission and still had the tiredness. But you still on prednisone during this time.
I guess is due to prednisone.

Wish you all the best for tomorrow.

Anybody not taking any 6mp or Prednisone while in remission still feel the side effect of tired or no energy?

Oh no Artc, I've only been on prednisone since early May, that's when I flared up again. Before that I was in a remission for 2 years, after a sever GI bleed. With only taking Asacol, but was still always tired. Then I flared bad in May, and they put me on pred. That's when my energy came back, but I'm down to 15 mg now, so there goes that!

Thank you for all your feedback.
Look like we have to live for this disease and with prednisone to control it. As there is no known cure for Crohn disease as of now.
Even when you are in remission for years. The feeling of tiredness will be there even low dose of prednisone. Correct me if I am wrong.

So far anybody is drug free and in remission without the tiredness?

Such a horrible disease that rob everybody of life energy.

Crohn's 4 ever - I used to drink coffee or tea. But now stop for fear of flaring up. Heard coffee no good for us.