UC and Fatigue...

As some of you may have read in previous posts, I was diagnosed with UC in late July. I have been on the 5-ASA meds (oral and rectal) now for about 3 weeks and so far so good. Everything appears to be normal so far (knock on wood) - no bleeding for the past 5 days, only going 2x a day (which is normal for me), no urgency, etc.

The only 2 symptoms I have left that are noticeable to me is alot of rumbling in my stomach or colon (usually always after the nightly enema) which I think is a side effect of the drug and still being pretty tired and worn out. I am also struggling with back pain (not always in the same area for the last couple days), but am not sure if this is related to the UC. Of the "3" symptoms left, my biggest concern is with the fatigue. I was iron deficient, but my hemoglobin levels were 13 (low end was 13.2) in late July. I couldn't really tolerate the iron pills, so I have been getting iron via IV weekly. I have done 2 out of 8 thus far (doctor said I will need 8 total to get me back to normal). I was curious, do folks think that the tiredness is due to the low iron levels or is it just a symptom of the UC itself?

My doctor told me that inflamation in the body causes fatigue symptoms. Your immune system is constantly in high gear too with UC. I am sure that a low iron count from blood loss also contributes...it seems to be a combination of the disease and the symptoms that causes fatigue to me. I second Lonie about looking into a B-12 shot! Seems to really help. Also, make sure you are listening to your body and resting when needed. Stress also makes you feel more tired so finding some good stress management and relaxation techniques has helped me as well (not easy working full-time and also having a precious and active 3 year old - but it can be done). The disease has forced me to learn to take better care of myself and to not feel guilty for needing "me time".

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses. I actually have been taking B-12 before I was even diagnosed with UC and of course have continued it afterwards. My blood work showed I was normal on everything except for the Iron. Your responses have triggered me to ask another question, if it is the inflammation causing the fatigue, will that last forever? Is it something I will just have to deal with?

I am sure part of it is the disease, part of it is the iron, and probably the other part me being mentally out of it from being scared and coping with the fact that I have this disease.

Fatigue is definitely the name of my game too. Espresso is my friend! (But not too much or the colon gets angrier.) I have had back pain in the past too but I don't think it is UC related either. Just normal wear and tear. :)

For protein I like "Naked" brand juice, the ones that say PROTEIN on them. There is 30 g of whey/soy protein per bottle. But don't drink it all at once, it is a lot of calories and can upset your digestion. I keep it in the fridge and sip on it for a couple of days. (Banana chocolate is my favorite flavor)

My B-12 levels are way higher than normal I just found out (from my last blood test), it must be from the B-12 pill plus some B-12 being in my vitamin! ;) The doctor said I can stop taking the pill if I want, but there is no harm in the excess since my body just will get rid of the excess when I go to the bathroom (#1). I just got home from my Iron IV and do feel a little better. I am 3/8th's the way there, so hopefully as the weeks progress I get stronger.

I can't tolerate the PO iron...I get stomach pain, crazy amounts of gas, etc. Doctor recommended Iron IV because he offers it in his office which I have been doing. Since the iron goes straight into your blood (and not through you stomach), it has given me no side effects. Only draw back is if you get a reaction to it (when given through IV), but so far so good and it's rare to be allergic to iron via IV.

I don't understand the logic behind staying away from vitamins or protein. My GI doctor actually told me to take vitamins.