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Six weeks post op stage 1 of 2 step procedure-extreme exhaustion

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Posted 2/28/2015 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just about six weeks post op of stage 1. I'm now dealing with extreme exhaustion and I get winded from doing the simplest of tasks. For example, I tagged along for our weekly grocery shopping and I'm completely wiped out now. I don't have any other symptoms but the tiredness almost feels like it's a nutrition or hydration deficiency but I'm staying really hydrated with liquids and I think I'm eating enough? My output is really liquid in the morning but I try to combat that with Immodium. Could I be nutrient deficient or is this still my body recovering from surgery? I'm halfway to my 2nd step and hope this feeling improves especially post reversal. Thoughts?

Post Edited (Serialflusher) : 2/28/2015 6:19:43 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/28/2015 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
It could be a number of things from iron deficiency to just plain old effects and healing from surgery. I felt wiped out for two months after my first step. During that time my iron levels were extremely low so I would start with that by asking your doctor. Also, are you keeping hydrated? Dehydration can make you feel exhausted too. For the record it's been almost five years since my surgeries and I'm still dealing with iron deficiency anemia. I don't absorb iron so I go for iron infusions every three or four months.
Posted 3/1/2015 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
I remember the exhaustion after my first surgery (sub-total colectomy with end ileostomy). I had to crawl up the stairs at home on my hands and knees, didn't have the strength to go up them stood up, I think if I'd tried I would have passed out and fallen down them!
Posted 3/1/2015 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
I was exhausted the entire time I had the loop. I couldn't tolerate Gatorade or any of the hydration drinks...just drank tons of water. Finally found an electrolyte replacement pill used by long-distance runners and that helped me tons and I think I finally felt "normal" the week before takedown! Prior to that I would go for a walk or try to do Zumba and be out of breath in a very short period of time which had never happened to me pre-surgery (even with the UC). I believe I was borderline de-hydrated the whole time I had the loop. One week after takedown I could walk 1/2 a mile with no problem at all. 4 weeks post-takedown I went back to Zumba and did the entire hour routine without needing to sit or being out of breath. Hope this helps!

Vicki
Posted 3/2/2015 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Loops are tough. Be patient with yourself, it does take time to recover from this surgery.

When was the last time that you were on Pred? I had severe withdrawal problems after my first surgery. I was severely exhausted from it.
Posted 3/2/2015 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses. I'm going to go back on iron supplements since during my time with UC those levels were always on the lower side. I did just recently end my slow taper of prednisone a few days ago so that could be playing a role as well? For the last two weeks I was taking 2.5mg every other day and my surgeon said after that I could stop it all together. I felt good today so maybe things will get better from here.
Posted 3/2/2015 11:19 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yes, the prednisone taper will wipe you out too. I still remember that feeling!
Posted 3/2/2015 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
The Predisone will do it to you, I felt horrible for about a month after my taper. Exhaustion is to be expected from this surgery and the withdrawal. 6-12 months from now you'll forget about your current exhaustion and will be living your life again but for now you need to listen to your body and be patient.
Posted 3/9/2015 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Serial flusher - it's going to take a while...you had a major, and I mean major, organ removed, and your body needs to heal from that while at the same time learn how to absorb nutrients with small intestine....take it easy for a while longer, and make sure you get right amount of fluids/salt/etc. Try drinking one or two ensure a day if you can tolerate it...
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