HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Tired all of the time

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/20/2009 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone!
I have suffered from UC for the past 22 years and it has taken a toll on my body...I am always tired and my doctor says that being tired goes along with having a chronic illness but it is really affecting my life...I am tired ALL the time. Does anyone have any advice on supplements or vitamins that might help???
Posted 10/20/2009 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Try moderate exercise. I think the best thing to do is to get a good exercise bike and that way you don't have to leave the house and can use it whenever you feel like working out. Also, many people with U.C. have joint issues and the exercise bike is fairly easy on the joints. It may seem difficult in the beginning, but with time, it will give you more energy. Also, try to get on a set routine where you sleep and wake up at the same times,,,including weekends. This may help as well. Just a couple of ideas...hopefully you feel better fast.
Posted 10/20/2009 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Mags!

Just wanted to say hi and welcome to the forum...good luck getting the information you need here. This place is very informative and helpful!
Posted 10/20/2009 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Do you get your iron and red blood cell levels checked regularly? It's easy to become anemic, even if you are only losing tiny (non-visible) amounts of blood.
Posted 10/20/2009 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
How does your blood check out? Not sure of your age or country, but in the U.S. many IBDers report that Forvia vitamin helps them. If you're over 50, you could try Centrum Silver. Being tired a lot of the time is a pretty common problem reported here on the forum-- part of the UC territory. Hang in there! / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 10/20/2009 4:35 AM (GMT 0)

  Well first of all you need to make sure you do a little bit of exercising say just cardio to start that will calm your nervous system down. you need to check if your blood is low that contributes alot of energy loss. water intake amounts. I recommend you take a protein shake say 20 grams every other day to protect your self. as for multiple vitamins I suggest megaman ultra by gnc 2x a day a seperate dose of calcium and vitamin d since you are probaly taking prescriptions it takes from your body if you dont replenish you will visit the hospital sooner. for iron I eat alot of spinach and sometimes I take slo fe iron easier on the stomach but only when I have to. you know your body. Here is what I do when I get a flare up. I get dehydrated and I lose alot of blood which makws me very sluggish with no energy my potsassium intake is hit hard. Dont laugh this works. I take the gerber baby food banna as it has 300 600mg per meal it works this is how I escape from the fever hope this helps.

Posted 10/20/2009 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
I do agree that loss of energy is one of the effects of UC; I have never gotten my energy level back to what it was pre-UC (of course I'm ten years older now, that could have a little something to do with it too!)

You've had good suggestions here: checking for anemia is important. Also be sure you're getting adequate protein in your diet. Some people with IBD tend to avoid meat and dairy, which cuts out two excellent protein sources.

I do find that regular exercise helps with both my energy level and joint pain. I work out three or four times a week at a wellness center operated by our local hospital. They have equipment that allows low-impact or even non-weight bearing workouts. Those great endorphins released during my hour workout make me feel wonderful for a while, and better overall.

Are you depressed? Depression is extremely common in those of us with chronic illness, and lack of energy is one of its major symptoms. If this is contributing, an antidepressant or herbal remedy may help along with some short-term counseling.

Also, the best advice I ever got was from my dear husband. I have terrible difficulty falling asleep, and rarely stay in bed more than five to six hours because of joint pain. He told me "Sleep whenever you can. If you feel sleepy at 10 AM or at 6 PM, go ahead and sleep." He's right, because even if I stay awake all day, I may only sleep 2-3 hours at night. So now if I feel sleepy I lie down or recline in my recliner chair and sleep for a half hour, an hour, whatever is needed.
Posted 10/20/2009 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the helpful information guys! I am on Imuran so my blood gets checked regularly and there never seems to be an issue with my iron levels so I was wondering if it was something else. I probably should exercise more and I think I will try the protein shake. Thanks for all the helpful advice : )
Posted 10/20/2009 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
It could also be the Imuran. Loss of energy can be a side effect.
Posted 10/20/2009 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
I agree, a little exercise perks me up.

I tried the B-12 shots at the suggestion of the Naturopathic doc, and I think they helped. But at $30 a pop, I decided I might try a vitamin instead. But I can't remember to take it. Oh well.

It seems these days everyone is feeling kind of worn out. Physically and mentally, worrying about this crazy world.

Posted 10/20/2009 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Best thing I can offer is try to get some exercise. I am going to try and get back on the treadmill soon. My problem is, my wife is a nurse, and she keeps yelling at me to take it easy. My heartrate is back down under 100 after my major flare of Sept. I feel good enough to start hitting it slowly, but I promised her I would wait 1 more month.
Posted 10/20/2009 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am always tired too. Sorry. I don't have much advice on beating the fatigue. I am not on imuran.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply