Hi there,
I have been diagnosed with MC and find myself just exhausted- totally fatigued every day. Sleep does not refresh me. Getting up and around really takes it out of me and I get out of breath easily. I am only 41 and have missed work lately because I have simply been too wiped out to get myself into the office. I am in fine health other than the MC and this fatigue.
Have any of you experienced this? Please tell me it will get better.
I have just been given Asacol today and I try to stick to the Paleolithic Diet.
Thanks folks-
Ann
Fatigue, anyone else?
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Ann,
I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms have been so bad. Yes, extreme fatigue is a very common symptom with MC, and most of us experience it to varying degrees, while reacting, (though not everyone does). Before I was able to get my symptoms under control, fatigue was often my worst symptom, and for many months, I would wake up feeling as though I had been hit by a train. It felt sort of like having the flu, but never getting over it. Besides all the fatigue, aches and pain, and weakness, the brain fog was so bad that I couldn't think straight, on many days.
Yes, it will get better. After your treatment begins to take effect, all those symptoms will slowly begin to fade away, and one day you will wake up and realize that they are completely gone. The Asacol might help, though most people who use meds, seem to have much better luck with Entocort. A few members have been able to achieve remission with Asacol, and quite a few have used it as a maintenance med. The paleo diet will definitely help, provided that you stick with it long enough to allow your intestines to heal. You don't necessarily have to avoid every neolithic food item, just the ones that are problematic, such as dairy products, legumes, (especially soy), and all grains related to wheat. Most of us find that we can safely eat certain non-paleo foods, such as potatoes and rice, for example.
Good luck with your treatment, and please don't hesitate to ask questions, whenever they come to mind. Also, please keep us posted on your progress.
Tex
I'm sorry to hear that your symptoms have been so bad. Yes, extreme fatigue is a very common symptom with MC, and most of us experience it to varying degrees, while reacting, (though not everyone does). Before I was able to get my symptoms under control, fatigue was often my worst symptom, and for many months, I would wake up feeling as though I had been hit by a train. It felt sort of like having the flu, but never getting over it. Besides all the fatigue, aches and pain, and weakness, the brain fog was so bad that I couldn't think straight, on many days.
Yes, it will get better. After your treatment begins to take effect, all those symptoms will slowly begin to fade away, and one day you will wake up and realize that they are completely gone. The Asacol might help, though most people who use meds, seem to have much better luck with Entocort. A few members have been able to achieve remission with Asacol, and quite a few have used it as a maintenance med. The paleo diet will definitely help, provided that you stick with it long enough to allow your intestines to heal. You don't necessarily have to avoid every neolithic food item, just the ones that are problematic, such as dairy products, legumes, (especially soy), and all grains related to wheat. Most of us find that we can safely eat certain non-paleo foods, such as potatoes and rice, for example.
Good luck with your treatment, and please don't hesitate to ask questions, whenever they come to mind. Also, please keep us posted on your progress.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Ann and 
YESSS! The fatigue drove me crazy when I was first diagnosed. I remember falling into bed at 8:00 on a weeked night, sleeping 12 hours, and getting up feeling like I could go back to bed for another 12 hours. I felt exhausted all the time. It took a full 2 years for me to get my energy back, although it was improving month by month.
BTW, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can wipe you out, too, while you are having active diarrhea. Also, do you take a multivitamin? Probably a good idea until the gut starts absorbing properly again. (Be sure to take one that is intolerance-free - I like the ones from Freeda online).
Asacol did nothing for me after 12 weeks, so I toughed it out with diet (took almost 9 mo. to see a formed B.M.). I'm sure I would have gone into remission much sooner had I known about the paleo diet back then. I also would have taken Entocort if necessary, but it wasn't yet available. Good for you for jumping right to the paleo diet! Let us know if you have questions about it - there is a paleo section in the forums.
Keep us posted.......
Love,
Polly
YESSS! The fatigue drove me crazy when I was first diagnosed. I remember falling into bed at 8:00 on a weeked night, sleeping 12 hours, and getting up feeling like I could go back to bed for another 12 hours. I felt exhausted all the time. It took a full 2 years for me to get my energy back, although it was improving month by month.
BTW, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can wipe you out, too, while you are having active diarrhea. Also, do you take a multivitamin? Probably a good idea until the gut starts absorbing properly again. (Be sure to take one that is intolerance-free - I like the ones from Freeda online).
Asacol did nothing for me after 12 weeks, so I toughed it out with diet (took almost 9 mo. to see a formed B.M.). I'm sure I would have gone into remission much sooner had I known about the paleo diet back then. I also would have taken Entocort if necessary, but it wasn't yet available. Good for you for jumping right to the paleo diet! Let us know if you have questions about it - there is a paleo section in the forums.
Keep us posted.......
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Ann,
I forgot about the shortness of breath that you mentioned. That might be a symptom of MC, but it can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism. If you have any of the other symptoms, you might want to ask your doctor to test you for it. There are many possible sympotoms, including, but not limited to,
* Fatigue
* Weakness
* Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
* Coarse, dry hair
* Dry, rough pale skin
* Hair loss
* Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)
* Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
* Constipation
* Depression
* Irritability
* Memory loss
* Abnormal menstrual cycles
* Decreased libido
Of course, shortness of breath could be due to other issues, also, but shortness of breath was one of my symptoms, (this happened a few years after I was in remission), and even though my TSH was within the normal range, my Free T4 was below range, so I talked my doc into letting me try a thyroid hormone supplement. After two years, and a switch to armour, (instead of synthetic thyroid supplement), and two dosage increases, (that he said I didn't need, "but probably wouldn't hurt me"), I was finally able to persuade him to increase the dose to a level where my shortness of breath problem is pretty much resolved. Also, I often couldn't take a deep breath when I wanted to, but that problem is gone now, also.
Hypothyroidism is very prevalent among people with MC. According to our poll, the members here are 8 times as likely to have a diagnosed thyroid problem, as someone in the general population. That's an extremely high correlation. According to the poll results, 57% of the members here have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem, and another 18% suspect that they may have thyroid issues, but they have not been diagnosed.
Tex
I forgot about the shortness of breath that you mentioned. That might be a symptom of MC, but it can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism. If you have any of the other symptoms, you might want to ask your doctor to test you for it. There are many possible sympotoms, including, but not limited to,
* Fatigue
* Weakness
* Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
* Coarse, dry hair
* Dry, rough pale skin
* Hair loss
* Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)
* Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
* Constipation
* Depression
* Irritability
* Memory loss
* Abnormal menstrual cycles
* Decreased libido
Of course, shortness of breath could be due to other issues, also, but shortness of breath was one of my symptoms, (this happened a few years after I was in remission), and even though my TSH was within the normal range, my Free T4 was below range, so I talked my doc into letting me try a thyroid hormone supplement. After two years, and a switch to armour, (instead of synthetic thyroid supplement), and two dosage increases, (that he said I didn't need, "but probably wouldn't hurt me"), I was finally able to persuade him to increase the dose to a level where my shortness of breath problem is pretty much resolved. Also, I often couldn't take a deep breath when I wanted to, but that problem is gone now, also.
Hypothyroidism is very prevalent among people with MC. According to our poll, the members here are 8 times as likely to have a diagnosed thyroid problem, as someone in the general population. That's an extremely high correlation. According to the poll results, 57% of the members here have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem, and another 18% suspect that they may have thyroid issues, but they have not been diagnosed.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
GREETINGS ANN---
And to throw in my 2cents--I too was totally fatigued---- in the early stages of this disease---I had longer stages of being ATTACHED to the pot~~
As I worsened --run to the bowl---lie down and feel *whew*!!! I can rest----NOT so~~~~ up and running again---this was constant--lost megga weight--(which I thought was real hotsey totsey) --dehydrated frequently---and so the story went~~~
Asacol wasnt good for me--which kinda surprised my GI---cus it was touted as the best new drug ---and it was for many peoples----
What really worked for me was COLAZAL---which gave me better dayz-----and I was maintained on that for many years---
We are all so different--in reacting to being medicated--but at least U are trying another way to get your feet back on solid ground
Do keep us posted as to your progress---
Barbara
PS. to add--I no longer worry about looking for the bathrooms---cus now I struggle with Constipation due to back surgery!!!
but am finding ways to *MOVE* along!!!!
And to throw in my 2cents--I too was totally fatigued---- in the early stages of this disease---I had longer stages of being ATTACHED to the pot~~
As I worsened --run to the bowl---lie down and feel *whew*!!! I can rest----NOT so~~~~ up and running again---this was constant--lost megga weight--(which I thought was real hotsey totsey) --dehydrated frequently---and so the story went~~~
Asacol wasnt good for me--which kinda surprised my GI---cus it was touted as the best new drug ---and it was for many peoples----
What really worked for me was COLAZAL---which gave me better dayz-----and I was maintained on that for many years---
We are all so different--in reacting to being medicated--but at least U are trying another way to get your feet back on solid ground
Do keep us posted as to your progress---
Barbara
PS. to add--I no longer worry about looking for the bathrooms---cus now I struggle with Constipation due to back surgery!!!
but am finding ways to *MOVE* along!!!!the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Welcome Ann,
I am still fatigued. I go to be at 7:30 pm every night (I was going at 8:00 but about 3 months ago I just could not stay up), plus I am usually up all night in the bathroom. Asacol, Welchol and Lomitil did nothing for me (just made it worse).
I hope that the diet works for you as it did for Polly.
Love,
Rose
I am still fatigued. I go to be at 7:30 pm every night (I was going at 8:00 but about 3 months ago I just could not stay up), plus I am usually up all night in the bathroom. Asacol, Welchol and Lomitil did nothing for me (just made it worse).
I hope that the diet works for you as it did for Polly.
Love,
Rose
Welcome, Ann
Yes, fatigue is definitely a problem. The doctor I originally saw when I came down with this problem said that goes along with problems such as ours. That was before she even knew what I had. She just meant intestinal problems in general. Since then I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and now I don't know if fatigue is from MC or undertreated thyroid. I'm not at at all sure that the snythroid pill I take every day is doing the job it should.
I hope your extreme fatigue will ease soon and good luck with finding your path to "feeling good".
Shirley
Yes, fatigue is definitely a problem. The doctor I originally saw when I came down with this problem said that goes along with problems such as ours. That was before she even knew what I had. She just meant intestinal problems in general. Since then I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and now I don't know if fatigue is from MC or undertreated thyroid. I'm not at at all sure that the snythroid pill I take every day is doing the job it should.
I hope your extreme fatigue will ease soon and good luck with finding your path to "feeling good".
Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
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greengirl78
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:36 am
- Location: Massachusetts
Welcome to the board Ann. Yes, fatigue plays a large role in my diagnosis. I have been able to get the flares under control with Entocort in the past - which also helped ease the fatigue. Now, I am trying out the GF diet, along with Entocort to see if it helps to ease the symptoms.
I hope you are able to gain some energy back through the diet and Asacol. Keep us posted.
I hope you are able to gain some energy back through the diet and Asacol. Keep us posted.
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. - Thich Nhat Hahn
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shewhowalksonland
- Posts: 16
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AnemoneGirl
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:57 pm
Thank you all for your responses! You are so kind and full of wisdom. I am still tired and, as expected, not responding to Asacol. 
I don't know why my GI didn't just put me straight away on Entocort. She must have some antiquated drug protocol she must follow because she's part of an HMO. Grrr.
Anyway, I'm hanging in there and hoping for the best. Thanks again for all of your support.
~Ann
I don't know why my GI didn't just put me straight away on Entocort. She must have some antiquated drug protocol she must follow because she's part of an HMO. Grrr. Anyway, I'm hanging in there and hoping for the best. Thanks again for all of your support.
~Ann
me too!! im always fatigued,,,although i take iron supplements. I find with this mc i get tired quickly as well, even after a good sleep i wake up tired and im toiling to get out of bed some mornings...Sometimes i look like ive been battered with a mallet!! Can make me irritable sometimes especially when im working with emotionally needy clients..where i need all of my energy to deal with them..
Can make me irritable sometimes especially when im working with emotionally needy clients..where i need all of my energy to deal with them..Angy ;)
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tamijoy2000
- Adélie Penguin
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- Location: JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
- Contact:
Yes I get fatigue. I generally feel it most in the early to mid afternoon. I take a vitamin b12 (sublingual type, methyl) around noon every day and that has really eliminated it for the most part. You might try it and see if it helps, it has worked great for me. I found Superior brand to be the best, no ingredients that cause me problems, it also has folic acid and vitamin C. I found it here for a LOT less than my local health food store http://www.iherb.com/Country-Life-BioCh ... enges/4461
Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
- Abraham Lincoln
- Abraham Lincoln
