Managing housework can be quite challenging, especially when you're dealing with low energy, Crohn’s-related fatigue, and an ostomy. A stay-at-home mom with two young kids is feeling overwhelmed after her surgery and is looking for ways to keep her home in order despite feeling exhausted. Here are some practical tips and insights that might help:

1. Rule out medical causes of fatigue:
- Consult your doctor for a full blood workup, checking levels of iron, ferritin, electrolytes, vitamin B12, all B-vitamins, vitamin D, and other minerals.
- Crohn’s and ileostomy can affect B12 absorption, so many people find monthly B12 injections helpful.
- Consider iron supplements, eat high-protein foods like meat, eggs, and dairy, and stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can worsen fatigue.

2. Adjust expectations and protect your mental health:
- Allow yourself not to be perfect; prioritize your children and essential tasks.
- Remember, family members often don’t notice clutter as much as you do.
- Be aware of possible low mood or seasonal affective disorder after surgery and discuss these with your doctor.

3. Break work into small, manageable tasks:
- Focus on cleaning one or two rooms a day or spend just 5–10 minutes on a task before resting.
- Prioritize high-traffic areas like the play area, bathroom, and kitchen, and let other rooms wait.
- Concentrate on critical chores like vacuuming, dishes, and toilets, and let minor clutter go when energy is low.

4. Create daily or weekly mini-routines:
- Do a little cleaning every day instead of a big clean-up once a week.
- Schedule rest periods and ensure you get enough sleep; keep track of your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

5. Share and delegate:
- If possible, hire a cleaner or look into government-funded home-help services.
- Ask your spouse, friends, or family for support, and involve your children by making tidying up a game with small rewards.

6. Use energy-saving equipment:
- Consider using a robot vacuum/mop that can clean the whole house or specific rooms automatically.
- A combination vacuum/floor-washer can handle two jobs at once, though it may be heavier to push.
- Use a tumble-dryer instead of outdoor lines to avoid straining yourself.

7. Mind-set and self-care reminders:
- Remember, your life is different, not ruined; healing from surgery can take time.
- Celebrate small achievements like taking a shower or feeding the kids, and avoid comparing yourself to your pre-surgery self or others.
- Keep a written list of issues and questions for each doctor visit to ensure nothing is overlooked.