Tiredness

i always have that problem. Like today, i cleaned up the house a bit, and in an hour or so, i will go pick up my kid from school, and by the time i get home i will be wiped out. Personaly i think my problem is the lack of food i can eat. I don't eat much as it makes me feel sick all the time. I am on remicade now, and hoping that it starts to kick in soon.

Darren, have you ever had your testosterone levels checked? Everyone thinks that they only way you know that it is low is when you are in certain adult situations and that is not true. Crohn's disease can make you deficient in many vitamins like dfdavef mentioned but can really make guys deficient in tetosterone. When I was having similar energy level problems, my labs came back that I was really deficient in testosterone and vitamin d. I started taking monthly injections and taking vitamin d and it really has made a huge difference.

Fatigue is very common in Crohns, as many of the previous posters have said. There are a variety of reasons and it depends on where you are in your recovery/remission process. There are plenty of other issues: poor nutrition, malabsorbtion, blood loss (miniscule but can lead to anemia), etc.

My first recommendation is to ask your doctor for a full blood panel to look for all of the above possibilities, such as iron deficiency, low B12, thyroid issues, even Celiac disease is a possibility. Anything can cause problems with your energy level, even depression or just having to go to the bathroom 7 to 20 times a day!

It is definitely worth talking to your doctor about...

My second piece of advice is -- be kind to yourself, rest as much as possible and try to get as much sleep as you can. In my case, a 20 minute power nap in the afternoon does wonders. I used to take lunch at my desk, close the door, lay my head on the desk and take 20 minutes then. The desk was uncomfortable enough that I never overslept (but you could always set an alarm - lol!)

Best wishes,
Sudsmom

My GI doc says just having inflammation itself in your body causes fatigue. It's something that's tough to deal with. Like others have said get a CBC done, and make sure you're not anemic.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your comments. I have my blood tested every 6 months due to taking pentasa but not sure if thie looks at iron levels etc. I take a multi vit and zinc each day but exclude iron as I was told this can make things worse.

I have been suffering more this past year with my Chrons but they only confirmed in November, I had been told it was ulcerative colities for 10 years! My endoscopy confirmed Chrons and I am meeting my specialist in a few weeks to discuss it in greater detail.

I only work in an office but as a HR manager so it can be stressful as I can be dealing with lots of emotive subjects but have done it for years. Also I have been on pentasa for 11 years but my dosage has nevern changed so I have a feeling it is not having the same effect anymore. I have upped the dosage myself but its not having a major effect on controlling things correctly. So want to see what my Doc suggested.

Never had my testostorane tested so may mention this.

Thanks for all the advice, hopefully things will improve as I am fidning I am eating junk food as quick fixes for engery but then I am putting on weigth so its a vicious circle. I work for a sports Company and so have free access to gym etc but I just dont have the energy to go. This is in complete contrast to around 4 years ago when I went 3 times a week and did yoga.

Fingers crossed it improves. Hope everyone is well.