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Energy deficient and WEAK

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/21/2012 6:31 AM (GMT 0)
I am so weak and tired lately, faint and lightheaded a lot too. I was wondering if anyone has any good ideas on how to help that? I have constant diarrhea so I'm trying to drink lots of water for that, but I'm sure I don't absorb many nutrients either, maybe a powder or liquid form of something?? I know I'm low on blood but the doc won't give me a blood transfusion and I don't have health care either so I can't really go see anyone about it. But I need energy and motivation to live and its really stressful as well, which is NOT helping. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. thanks
Posted 7/21/2012 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
If your iron is low, it should not be messed around with. It can cause so many complications. So if you have low iron, you should try to get your flare under control in addition to iron supplements and/or foods high in iron. When I became anemic I would take Ferrous Sulfate but than I switched to Slow FE.
Posted 7/21/2012 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Sherry...it is very important to raise your iron level.
I use Ferro-Sequels, another timed-release product, but actually cut the tabs in half because I have experienced problems with iron supplements.

In addition to being gluten free, you might consider lactose as a possible problem. I think diet is key to improvement.

You list probiotics under "treatments tried". To me, a good probiotic is essential.

I suggest you look at side effects at this website:
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/hydrocodone-side-effects.html

IMO, this drug is totally inappropriate for use by UC sufferers.
Posted 7/21/2012 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Looks like you are not taking any maintenance meds (i.e. Colazal or Lialda). Never been in remission since 2005? When was the last time you saw a GI? Do your flares ever seem to get better or do you have D constantly?
Posted 7/21/2012 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I definitely agree with everyone that your iron levels are a factor in your symptoms. When I'm anemic I feel like I could pass out at any moment. Not fun.

In terms of replacing lost electrolytes/vitamins/minerals due to the diarrhea, I swear by a product called Ultima Replenisher. It comes in powder form and you just mix it with water. It's pretty inexpensive for the amount you get, and it doesn't have any nasty corn syrups or sugars in it that can mess up your gut even more. When I'm in a flare and can't eat much, I drink this stuff throughout the day.

http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/
Posted 7/21/2012 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
You need to see a doctor right away! Many gi's and hospitals have programs for people without insurance. They offer either a sliding scale or waive all fees depending on your income. This is not advertised. You have to ask for it through the billing department. They will not hassle you. At the very least you could go to a hospital urgent care for blood tests. There are many things that could cause your symptoms. Some are very easy to fix. I hope you feel better soon!
Posted 7/21/2012 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Subzero. If you know your iron is low and you've lost a lot of blood and you're lethargic, you need to go to the Emergency Room NOW. The hell with the insurance, you can sort it out later.

OTOH, if you don't think it's an emergency, a really great source of daily iron is nori...the stuff they wrap sushi rolls with. You can usually buy it in your international/asian section of your grocery. Lots of other good nutrients in that, too and it's easy to digest.
Posted 7/22/2012 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
if your iron levels are truly low you'll more than likely need iron infusions. Mine was extremely low and the iron pills did nothing for me to raise the levels after 4 months. I was so weak and tired when I was anemic I could barely stay awake
Posted 7/22/2012 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the helpful info... I almost passed out twice last night so an ER visit in most likely in store for me in the next few days. @subzeromambo is there anyway I could ask you a few questions over email? just curios about your surgeries and had a couple questions. my email is [email protected] thanks.

Thanks everyone, wish me luck, my er visits are usually not all that well, I get treated bad as soon as I say that I take pain medication. but hoping for a blood transfusion!
Posted 7/23/2012 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
I'm actually going through the process of iron infusions at the moment. about 3 months ago I did a 6 week run of iron infusions (1x per week) because my ferratin was only 6. They checked me a month later and I only went up to 10. I'm now 4 weeks into my second round of infusions. I have no idea why my iron keeps dropping so low as I very rarely see any blood at all.
Posted 7/23/2012 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
I used to get the iron infusions when I had healthcare but the ER won't do them so I can't anymore. My GI told me once that even when you can't see any blood, you're still losing it. I don't know how true that is but it makes sense because I feel the same way, like I'm not losing any blood sometimes but am really weak. Any thoughts on liquid iron supplements?
Posted 7/23/2012 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking some liquid iron but my GI wasn't too fond of it. I still took them and when I came back for the next blood work, he said, he's never seen anything like that. My hemoglobin went from 7 to 11. All I did was taking the supplement 2 hours before or after every meal with lots of vitamin C (supplement or juice). It really helped.
Posted 7/23/2012 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
My hemoglobin has never been an issue when my iron is low. When they checked and my ferratin was only at 10 my hemoglobin was 15.7 which is the highest it's been in years.
Posted 7/24/2012 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Ryverwise, Is there any chance you are having a reaction to the Azathioprine? I was exhausted when taking it. My GI upped the dosage and I had an allergic reaction. Did your exhaustion start about a week after you began taking it?
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