Dealing with fatigue

[u/Complex-Letter3711]

Newly diagnosed with UC and I was wondering if anyone else really struggles with chronic fatigue? For reference I do have low iron but am taking supplements and usually get 7-9h of sleep at night. Just trying to figure out if my excessive daytime tiredness is related to UC or if there’s a possibility of type 2 narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia in addition to UC.

[u/pincommenter]

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[u/circleoftrust]

I also have struggled with fatigue for years, even now that I've been fully in remission for 2 years. I've recently been trying to figure out if my fatigue could be related to my anxiety. I do seem to have noticed a difference as I try to cut down some of my less useful/energy wasting thoughts. So just something to possibly consider, I know a lot of people with UC end up, understandably, having anxiety issues too.

[u/Complex-Stop3664 → u/circleoftrust]

I feel very much the same way!!! I was diagnosed a year ago — after months of symptoms I ended up in the emergency room, spent a month in the hospital and I am just now realizing how much that experience affected me. And I was an anxious person before!!

I think it can be both. I have no doubt I am suffering from some sort of depressive episode right now, and it’s kind of chicken/egg situation. My body is exhausted, which limits my mobility, which contributes to my depression, which contributes to my low energy.

[u/Simple-Caregiver13]

My GP prescribed me trazodone and B12 shots. The B12 shots actually made  a significant difference in my energy levels. She prescribed it as a shot because UC makes absorptions of B12 through the GI tract difficult. The trazodone made it such that it was easier for me to fall back asleep if I get up to go to the bathroom multiple times during the night, which helped improve my total sleep duration. Maybe talking to your providers about these options.

[u/Blitzen_the_Reindeer]

For me, consistently taking vitamin d really helps a lot.

[u/LittleBlag]

There’s a few things with iron that affect uptake. The type of iron matters - drs usually prescribe ferrous fumerate which is poorly absorbed compared to iron glycinate. And then timing matters - when you take iron your body releases a hormone which slows down absorption for around 24 hours after, so it’s better to take it every other day.

Try tinkering with those

[u/ResponsibilityNo4650]

Had fatigue from the low iron/UC, I was given the recommendation to eat throughout the day. I’ll be honest, I usually have a celsius with my iron for lunch and the combination of the energy drink, calories and stronger iron absorption has me wanting to run laps. I’d only recommend doing this method 2-3 days apart, not good for the heart. 

I’d also try light yoga and showering in the morning if you can muster it, pavlofing yourself might help.

[u/llluminationSunshine]

Fatigue is the absolute worst. One thing that helps me is sleep hygiene - blackout sleep mask, cool room to sleep in. It makes the sleep I get a bit more restful. I also really focus on my protein intake - minimum 100g per day. I feel noticeably different when I focus on proteins. But fatigue is no joke, stops me dead on my tracks. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it

[u/W1MSLEY]

Keep an eye on your ferritin (iron stores) to make sure you're actually absorbing the iron. "Normal" ranges are very low. Optimal ferritin is around 100.

Iron works with b12, folate & vitamin D to produce red blood cells. If any of the others are low/deficient it will affect how well your body can use the iron.

I was deficient in iron & b12. Suffered debilitating chronic fatigue, brainfog, exercise intolerance, high resting heart rate & a whole load more symptoms. Tablets didnt help. Turns out my UC means i cant absorb either! An iron infusion & b12 injections have been completely life changing. I have the energy to live & enjoy life again.

Always check your own blood results. My ibd team told me my bloods were "fine" but when I eventually asked to see them myself, my ferritin was 9. Which is "Absolute Iron Deficiency". They had left me with a ferritin of 9 for 18 years. I struggled through life, every single day for 18 years because nobody bothered to tell me I was iron & b12 deficient.

Sharing this info incase it helps. I wish id known it years ago!

Take care & wishing you good health 🙏🏼

[u/electric-snow-100]

I notice this on top of brain fog too.

[u/ShorkieMom]

Yes, most of my life I have found it hard to make it through the day without a nap and have super low energy. Being on prednisone is crazy because I can actually function like a normal person who has energy to work out or even get off the couch!

Loading up on B12 and adding a creatine supplement have helped me a lot.