Crohn's disease and fatigue

Posted by Keith Moon @jcarndt, Dec 13, 2022

I've had Crohn's disease for many years. My energy level is usually pretty low, but several times a month I get hit with major fatigue that lasts for 3-4 days, and leaves me unable to do just about anything. Have any of you experienced this, and what do you do to get through it ?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 13, 2022

Hi Keith Moon @jcarndt, Thanks for starting this discussion. I'm sure you are not alone. While we wait for others with Chron's to share their experience with fatigue and what helps them get through it, I thought I would share this information that I found in case you have not seen it.

"Fatigue, an overwhelming sense of tiredness and lack of energy, is an all-too-common symptom of Crohn's disease. Fatigue can have a major impact on people ..."
-- Crohn's disease symptom: Is fatigue common?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/expert-answers/crohns-disease/faq-20058389
-- Managing Fatigue with IBD: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/pain-and-fatigue/managing-fatigue

Have you discussed the fatigue with your doctor or care team to see if they might have some suggestions to help?

Keith Moon | @jcarndt | Dec 13, 2022

In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Keith Moon @jcarndt, Thanks for starting this discussion. I'm sure you are not alone. While..." + (show)

Hi John, thanks for the reply. Yes, I have discussed the fatigue with my doctors many times and the short answer is " you just have to live with it".
thanks.

lovelydaisy47 | @lovelydaisy47 | Jan 19, 2023

In reply to @jcarndt "Hi John, thanks for the reply. Yes, I have discussed the fatigue with my doctors many..." + (show)

wow what a stupid answer. why didn't he give answers for how to help, the fatigue. I would of walked out. I do know "Crohns" can be really bad or ok for now, kind of life. And Stress does not help it. Not with me anyway. does anyone take Imodium? and how many a day does anyone take. I am finding out as I get olde, seems like more, I have to take. I have had I Crohns since I was 17. and now am 64. I do know you have to take good care your body and what you eat, that agrees with you. And lay low when you don't feel good...

Juliet Tschida | @juliettschida | Jan 20, 2023

In reply to @jcarndt "Hi John, thanks for the reply. Yes, I have discussed the fatigue with my doctors many..." + (show)

Hi Keith, I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2017 and see a GI specialist at Mayo Clinic. Are you seeing a GI specialist. If not, I would encourage you to find one that will look at you as a whole person and be on your side with a bit more compassion.
So many things can cause fatigue and I feel it is best to try and figure out the root cause. Also, are you getting enough quality sleep? This past summer I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Multifactorial Chronic Fatigue and sleep apnea. I feel much better now that I use a CPAP.
Have you had bloodwork done to see if you are possibly anemic? I have been anemic a couple of times and found it hard to function. Hang in there, you are not alone.

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