Possibly a revelation

[LBTC]

For those who haven't followed my posts about my recent health issues, here's the brief synopsis:
diagnosed with Crohn's after 5 months of nausea and fatigue. Drugs and diet helping to a limited extent. In the last month I've had more fatigue days then energetic, and very little exercise.

The good news: Yesterday was a good day! I walked to work (YAY!!), and felt quite good all day.

Got a ride home with DH at the end of the day and took the dogs for a walk - at a pretty good speed, but not seriously intense.

Was dizzy after we returned, which passed, then I did a few chores and had to crash on the couch for 1/2 hour or more. Was groggy the rest of the night.

What I'm wondering is: if I feel the same energy level tonight, should I try to do something more intense with that same amount of exercise time? I mean, if a dog walk will wipe me out I shouldn't feel bad if something more intense does, right?

I will ponder this today. Any thoughts?

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Bikingmomof3]

Great news T! My advice, for whatever it is worth, is take it slow. It sounds as though your energy is building back up. YAY! As frustrating as it must be, I would try and take baby steps, if it was me. Keep us posted.

[Tuckervill]

I have to ditto that. I've had several surgeries and have had similar experiences upping my activity. One over-intense work out can wipe you out for a week. I think since you were dizzy afterwards, you might want to take it easier, not harder, next time.

Slow and steady wins the race.

I'm really happy you are feeling better.

Karen

[LBTC]

Thanks TV and BMo3....

Okay, so it took a few days for this to sink in, but I realize now just how badly my brain is working sometimes! This is kind of scaring me and I'll be chatting with my doc about it on Monday.

I shifted to doing a very light weight workout - 8 pound weights, one set of 30 reps of each exercise. Some rest in between (never used to rest). Upper body one day, lower body the next. Using the exercise ball against the wall for extra support while doing squats. *sigh* I did this three nights in a row. Last night I changed it up and did some kicks on the heavy bag, trying to keep my heartrate low and aiming to have good form, very little power, but good, full range movement.

We'll see how today goes.

Looking back, I think I've had 4 good days in the last month. This week I actually had 2 days that were pretty good to good! Wow!

I saw the specialist yesterday. I am now on the mild steroid entocort. This scares me, too. The scope did not find any Crohn's in the areas it can reach, but the previous test indicated that the Crohn's is beyond the reach of the scope, so he has not changed his diagnosis. In 4-6 weeks we'll talk again and see if the new drug helped much.

I asked him if the new drug will increase my energy, but he said he has no idea why I feel fatigue so he can't say if it will help. I hope the blood tests my GP did show us something!!!

I am trying to not be frustrated, but get very worried about the riding season. I still hope to do two small races this year, but I keep wondering how possible this is when a walk around the block wipes me out.

And, yes, I'm just about ready to abandon the naturopathic diet. I've already given in to the 1/2 glass of wine in the evening some nights - which might correspond with the days when I feel better. I might allow myself a new "forbidden" food next week to see how that goes.

Thanks for the support!!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[uk elephant]

From my own experience and from reading a lot about Crohn's, fatigue is just a standard side effect. As is achy joints and numerous other issues. Doctors can't pinpoint what is causing it or exactly why it happens, but it does. I go through fases and when my intestines are showing active inflammation is also when my joints are most achy and I'm most fatigued. When the inflammation calms down, the rest of me seems to recover too. And it has taken me many years to come to terms with the fatigue. As there is no physical reason for it, I always feel guilty like I'm being lazy when I can't seem to get up and moving for a day or two. Sometimes it is just lazyness, but most times when I feel so exhausted I can't move after just a short walk around the block it is the crohn's telling me to slow down and get some rest. It does eventually pass and the energy slowly comes back. Then when it does, go out and enjoy it!

[Bikingmomof3]

T,
Is it possible the foods you are currently eating are not providing your body enough nutrients? Is your doctor willing to send you to a nutritionalist, at least for a consulation? Your fatigue concerns me. I know you want to stay fit and exercise is very good for the body and mind. What about slower exercises, more calming forms for now, such as yoga and pilates? Just some random thoughts. I am keeping you in my prayers.

[LBTC]

Thanks, UK. I always feel guilty, too, and apologize to DH often! Once in awhile it's really obvious, though, like one night last week I was sitting on the couch, cruising the net, and don't know when I fell asleep! I just kind of passed out. That was early evening that night and I hadn't done any exercise. This week has been better than that, so far, thankfully!

BMo3, I am worried about nutrients, too. My GP ordered a lot of blood tests to see if we can find if anything is missing...and he's supposed to get me a referral to a dietitian, but that hasn't happened yet. I'll ask about it again on Monday. And I do very gentle yoga every morning for about a half hour, so I've got that covered. Good lord, I'd be insane by now without the yoga!!

It's weird. It's almost like my body reacts incorrectly to the endorphins produced from exercise, or like it's not producing endorphins. I miss that high!!! Apparently this new drug has an effect on pitituary and adrenal glands....but I don't know yet if it increases or decreases....and I'm hoping it increases so I have some adrenalin happening....actually, I really have no idea what to hope for, except to generally feel better.

Thanks again for the ideas and support

H&B
~T~