This topic is about an 18-year-old who had an emergency subtotal colectomy due to toxic megacolon from ulcerative colitis. Now, 12 weeks after the surgery, they are experiencing significant fatigue and are wondering if this is a normal part of healing or if something else might be causing it.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Recovery from major abdominal surgery and anesthesia can take up to a year. At three months post-surgery, it's still early in the healing process. Feeling very tired at times is common, so it's important to listen to your body and rest when needed.

2. Everyone heals at their own pace, so it's best to compare your progress only to your own previous state. Activities that used to be easy might still feel challenging as your body continues to heal.

3. It might be a good idea to have blood tests done to check for anemia, as low hemoglobin or ferritin levels could be contributing to your fatigue.

4. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining good nutrition are crucial. Dehydration or not getting enough calories can make you feel more tired, so keep an eye on your urine color and make sure you're drinking enough fluids.

5. Even though the colon has been removed, ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition, and its effects can still be felt. Inflammation in the rectal stump might also be affecting your energy levels.

6. Walking is a great low-impact exercise, but it can be more tiring than expected during recovery. It's important to balance activity with plenty of rest.

7. Allow yourself to take naps during the day and sleep longer at night as part of your recovery. Over time, your energy levels should gradually return to normal.