Hello Guys, This is my first posting but I am at the end of my tether with something so simple compared to how ill some of you are.
I was diagnosed with UC in 1997 and had surgery in 2005 with takedown in 2006. Thought all my probs were over but no, I have recently been diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis. The specialist has decided to start me on Humira, but before I can start on this I have to take Rifampicine (anti TB ) meds because my TB test came back positive( I have had the BCG which would give a positive reaction but have to take meds anyway)Otherwise I take celecoxib and ixprim (paracetamol tramadol mix)
I suppose with all this what I trying to ask is why am I so tired all the time lately. Its been about 6 months now but worsening lately; Thought it was stress at work but thats all calmed down now, so is it the illness or the meds????

Thanks for reading
Mel

Good Question! The meds certainly are a good guess, have they done any kind of bloodwork-up to see if you are deficient in anything? If you haven't had any bloodwork done in a while, you might want to check some things. Thyroid(TSH) I tend to run low on B12 and magnesium. So maybe a chemistry panel, CBC, Iron, Ferritin. It could be the meds, or the meds interfering with your absorbtion of nutients. Maybe you've already had the bloodwork. I'm just guessing, keep us posted, I hope you feel better soon.
LoriP

Hi Lori, Thanks for your reply, Ihave had a load of blood tests done last thursday, before I start on Humira so I am waiting for the results. I have seen my doctor today who advised to stop the ixprim and celecoxib and see how I get on with nothing but the antibiotics. If I do get pain I can always go back to the old faithfuls of paracetamol and Ibuprofen. This thing with strong painkillers is becoming a problem!!!
Mel

If you've got active inflammation that can apparently cause tiredness. Therefore, it may improve when you can start the Humira.

Did you notice any correlation between the tiredness and beginning any particular medication?

Another idea - what antibiotics are you on? I find flagyl often makes me feel very drowsy.

Also, if you've really been run ragged at work then sometimes tiredness can be exacerbated once things actually ease up and the body is trying to recuperate.

I have been back to my GP and subsequently stopped taking the tramadol and celebrex and feel much much better, despite having taken them for over six months, it has taken til now to cause such tiredness!! That will be something else I can't take then! Back to Ibuprofen and paracetamol and hopefully the Humira will be ok

Thanks for your responses xx