Crap immune system

Does anyone else have a really rubbish immune system since having a stoma? I seem to be poorly with something every other week.

I do not have that problem, and I think you need to bug your GP about getting a full set of blood work. I think something else may be going on.

They did, I came back anemic, with low cortisol and low vitamin C and D.

ashtonilleo,

It might also depend on if you're taking any medication or infusions like Remicade, as it can lower the immune system for someone like myself who has Crohn's disease. Not having a large intestine can also affect your body's ability to fight off the average bug.

I take gummy supplements such as vitamins C and D, as well as iron pills to counter anemia. As for low cortisol, your doctor probably has or will prescribe prednisone or dexamethasone. But yes, low cortisol can also make you feel like shit.

- Bain

Low vitamin D can cause your immune system to become weak, as well as low C. I have the same problem. Getting enough sun is the best way to raise levels, but it can be impossible this time of year. The best time is in the spring and summer, when the sky is completely clear, and between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That's when the UVB rays are most intense, which are responsible for allowing the body to produce vitamin D. During the winter, you can take a supplement. D2 is not a good one. It is better to take D3, and you may have to take higher amounts at first in order to bring your levels up.

Vitamin C in the form of pure ascorbic acid is harsh and can sometimes cause diarrhea, but there's one that is buffered that is much gentler called "Ester-C." It should be available at a health food store. Taking 250-500 mg daily should help.

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Gotta take vitamin K2 when taking D3.

All good info! I also invested in one of the lights that simulates the effects of sunlight, and I use it from November to April. Interestingly, my cats are drawn to it.

I was born with an immunodeficiency, so it's hard for me to tell. All of the things you mentioned will certainly affect your immune system and cause fatigue. Tips others have mentioned are good advice. Hope you get to feeling better and stronger soon!

Hi

Surgery can cause a stress response in the body, which can affect the immune system. Also, being unwell and possibly on immunosuppressants, all together, it's an awful lot for our bodies to deal with and recover from. It's good that you have some results from blood tests. Is your GP prescribing a course of iron supplements or vitamin D supplements? I think it takes a long time to fully recover (months), and lots of rest and good nutrition really help. Feel better soon.

Yes! Thank you for pointing that out; I forgot to mention it.

Smart cats! I think it's a sign that it's working. Animals seem to know. What brand of light did you purchase? I've been thinking about investing in one, but I wasn't sure which one to get.

This happened to me until I realized I was dehydrated. I bought mineral salts and started getting IV hydration whenever I started feeling really tired or run down. I also had to change the way I was eating so that my food wasn't going through me too fast because I wasn't absorbing nutrients. To do that, I take a small amount of Metamucil in a small amount of water before I eat meals. It slows transit, allowing my body to absorb more nutrition from my food and supplements. I hope this helps! I have not had any colds or flus since I figured this out. Big hugs!

My gastro doctor advised me to take vitamin D and several other vitamins as I wasn't getting enough absorbed. I also avoid sunlight because I get migraines, and I'm naturally a night owl. I live in the subarctic, so the night is very long in the winter. Being a redhead, it's easy for me to burn in the summer in a few minutes, so if I go out in the daytime, I wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, which keeps me from getting vitamin D, too.