remicade fatigue?

hey all -

This past month has been a doozy - I had a rectal skin tag that required emergency surgery (it was "unroofed" and the surgeons discovered a large rectal ucler - both of which made it difficult to walk for 2 weeks), then was bleeding so much that i was hospitalized for 5 days. For the first time, I didn't respond to IV prednisone, and was given Remicade, which worked immediate wonders - just had my second infusion today. My doctors have also started me on 6-MP in hopes that I'll only have one more infusion before ending the Remicade.

Here's my question: I am SO tired. Of course I'll take major fatigue over endless bleeding, but is this a symptom that any of you have experienced with remi? I lost a bunch of weight in the hospital, and have been moving slowly to be sure, but this feels a little like getting lobbed in the head with a frying pan. I'm not noticing other side effects, but I'd love to hear from members what you do to get back to feeling yourself on remicade, or in general, after being hospitalized.

You all are blessing! Thank you.

Jones

____
DXed 2003 - recent (2/08) CT scan showed disease had spread to transverse colon
20 MG Prednisone and tapering
50 MG 6-MP
2 Remicade infusions so far (at two weeks)
Metronidazole for 1 week more
Fish pills, multi, probiotic, vit. D
Docs have asked me to hold off on asacol (had been at 12/day - to no effect) and rowasa for the time being

Post Edited (jones_77) : 3/19/2008 6:49:07 PM (GMT-6)

Normally I'm tired the day of the infusion and maybe the following day, but then I'm fine. I think Carol's right that your body is repairing itself after surgery, and that uses a surprising amount of energy. It can take up to a couple of months to completely get your energy back after a minor surgery, and six to eight months for more major ones.

Judy and Carol - Thanks so much. I hadn't considered the B-12 option, and it's reassuring to know that recovery time can be very extended. Guess I'll be moving slow for a time!

- Jones