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Apr 12, 2024

Post-Op Fatigue - Anyone Else Feeling Drained?

This topic is about someone who is experiencing persistent fatigue three months after undergoing ileostomy surgery for Crohn’s disease. They are feeling extremely tired, even with minimal physical activity, and are concerned about whether this level of fatigue is normal. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. Post-op fatigue:
- It can take 6 to 7 months, or even up to a year, to regain full stamina after surgery. Needing extra sleep and naps is quite normal.
- It's important to rest without feeling guilty, especially when balancing recovery with parenting young children.

2. Hydration and electrolytes:
- Drinking only water might not be enough to maintain electrolyte balance. Consider adding oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks like Gatorade, G2, Gatorade Zero, or Liquid IV packets. Ensure high-protein shakes can also help.
- Keep an eye on blood pressure, as low levels can lead to dizziness and fatigue.

3. Nutritional deficiencies:
- It's important to check for deficiencies in iron, B-12, vitamin D, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, carbohydrates, and overall calories through full blood panels.
- Some people find prescription vitamin D and sub-lingual vitamin B-12 helpful, but be cautious with supplements as they can accumulate to toxic levels.

4. Diet strategies:
- Try "grazing" on small, frequent meals. If whole fruits and vegetables are difficult to eat, consider soft fruits, vegetables, or juices.
- Track your intake to ensure you're getting enough calories and nutrients to support healing.

5. Medication-related fatigue:
- Regular biologic and iron infusions, as well as medications like Skyrizi, can contribute to tiredness. Discuss any side effects and timing with your healthcare team.

6. Exercise and activity:
- Light cardio or weight training, started slowly, can help boost energy and improve mood. Gentle daily movement can prevent de-conditioning.

7. Practical and mental health tips:
- Try to set aside at least one hour each day for personal rest. If possible, ask family or friends for help with childcare.
- Avoid comparing your energy levels to those of parents without chronic illness, as fatigue is a common issue for those with Crohn’s disease or an ostomy.

8. Products and resources:
- Skyrizi is a biologic medication used for Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.
- Nutritional drinks like Ensure and electrolyte mixes like Gatorade and Liquid IV can be beneficial.
- LabCorp offers direct-access lab testing for monitoring health.

9. Follow-up:
- It's important to keep the scheduled scope in June and request comprehensive lab tests. Coordinate any potential reversal surgery only after ensuring that inflammation, nutrition, and electrolyte levels are optimized.
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