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Oct 31, 2018

Severe Fatigue After Ostomy Surgery - Seeking Advice on Symptoms

This topic is about someone who has been experiencing severe fatigue, dizziness, and black-outs after undergoing ileostomy surgery. They are looking for possible causes and advice on what steps to take next. Here are some insights and suggestions that might be helpful:

- Comprehensive Testing:
1. Get a full blood panel every three months until your condition stabilizes. This should include tests for CBC, iron, ferritin, B-12, folate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, glucose, and kidney and liver function.
2. Monitor your blood pressure during times when you experience symptoms, as both low and high blood pressure can cause similar issues.
3. Consider repeated blood-sugar checks or screening for diabetes.

- Common Deficiencies After Ileostomy or Chemotherapy:
1. Iron and ferritin levels can be low; some people have needed iron infusions or blood transfusions.
2. Magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels should be checked, as low potassium can lead to symptoms like a racing heart, leg heaviness, and extreme fatigue.
3. Red and white blood cell depletion can persist for months, so keep an eye on these counts.

- Possible Treatments That Have Helped Others:
1. IV Lactated Ringers and iron infusions.
2. Centrum Specialist Energy multivitamin, which dissolves well and has helped raise iron levels for some.
3. Energy Vitamin Water and chewable magnesium supplements.
4. Extra dietary salt; some people find it helpful to wet a fingertip and dip it in coarse salt when needed.

- Hydration and Electrolytes:
1. People with an ileostomy can dehydrate quickly, so keep drinking fluids even if you feel you've had enough.
2. Don't rely solely on sports drinks; balance your fluid intake with added salt as advised by your surgeon.

- Evaluate Other Medical Issues:
1. Rule out sleep apnea, which can cause similar exhaustion and a racing heart.
2. Consider that your body may still be healing from surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and over-exercising can worsen fatigue.

- Exercise and Pacing:
1. Some people have found improvement by pausing strenuous workouts and gradually rebuilding their activity levels, listening to their body each day.
2. Recovery timelines can vary widely, and it may take months to years to regain full strength.

- Finding a Physician:
1. Contact local hospitals, explain your ileostomy and chronic needs, and ask for recommendations for surgeons or gastroenterologists with ostomy experience.
2. Review doctor profiles and hospital referral services, and insist on complete blood work before accepting new medication.

- Emotional and Practical Support:
1. Meditation, counseling, and support groups can help manage frustration and depression during a prolonged recovery.
2. Travel and normal activities are possible again, but introduce changes slowly and with medical approval.
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