Fatigue Anyone?

Caffeine should make you less fatigued, not more, although you might feel a let-down when the caffeine wears off. Does the fatigue go along with when you started the Zoloft? If so (or within a few weeks of starting it), then do not be so quick to dismiss its effects. Even in small doses, it can make a difference. Some people are just more sensitive than others to various drugs.

Jan

the fatigue was before the zoloft. maybe i need more zoloft because mild depression is causing fatigue? Not sure.

Dehydration definitely can cause fatigue along with muscle aches and headaches (I had all of these.) Low iron can also cause fatigue. I know you said your results looked normal, but they call "low normal" normal because it's "within normal limits." For you, it can still mean fatigue. I guess it's the same for thyroid and B-12. Maybe try an iron supplement? I also just started drinking a full glass of water with half a lemon every morning and I swear I noticed I have more energy throughout the day. Maybe it's placebo but I'll take it!

As my GI says, once you have one autoimmune disease others can follow. You might want to google Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to see if you have any other symptoms. You might also want to check into having a sleep study done. There are other problems besides sleep apnea that cause sleep loss that can cause fatigue.

Maybe you need a different dose or a different antidepressant. Look at the side effects and see if that could be the problem and did it coincide with when you started taking it. Maybe you are more depressed than you thought. I know first hand that depression causes fatigue. IBD causes fatigue so there's 2 reasons for it right there.

I have fibromyalgia and in the beginning had a mild case which got worse and worse with time. Now I am disabled by it. You didn't mention any other symptoms of it so I don't think you have it but you might want to google it.

Do you have chronic problems with your j-pouch? I can see where that would wear you down too. Back to sleep and do you need more. I hate it when people preach to me about diets so that is all I'm going to say about them.

Can your doctor refer you to a specialist if she/he doesn't have any other ideas as to what could be the problem? I'd keep looking if I were you.

Yes, it is definitely possible that if you are on too low of a dose, the antidepressant is not working. Fatigue and lack of energy or interest are symptoms of depression. I would contact your doctor about adjusting the dose before looking for a new disease. Fatigue as a symptom is very common across the board for a variety of diagnoses.

Jan

Further to one autoimmune disease can follow another...another thought, for what it's worth, is hypo thyroid which can be very subtle but can cause major fatigue and depression. It is more common in women but just in the past year I know of three men diagnosed in middle age with a hypo thyroid.
Mine was first diagnosed at age 12 and when I'm not on the proper dose of replacement hormone I am ridiculously tired and definitely depressed. May be worth a blood test?

what level of bloodwork has your primary doctor checked. lots of times they don't check things like iron stores, etc.

Evening
Thyroid disease can be tricky.The Tsh fluctates all the time.Ask for your Lab values and their reference range.Any thing above 3 Please see an endocrinologist.You also want to be tested for Thyroid antibodies.Is thyroid disease in your family?Thyroid disease is no longer seen in women alone , Men and young children are being diagnosised all the time.Untold epidemic

have you been tested for Vit B 12 def?

As a Overt Hypothyroid myself I can tell I was not feeling well all winter.I called my ENDO MD when my tsh came back at 2.58 he upped my meds immediately .Today I am on the track n in the gym.
has anyone looked at your testerone levels as well.Hormones control our bodies.

have you been out doors? lack of light can cause major woes also

Feel better soon
Cassiecass

thank you everyone.....I will definitely get another blood test.

Just another thought
Have they tested your Vit D hormone level as well as all vitamins.Maybe you have malabsorption woes and dont even know it

GODD LUCK

Cassiecass

Here is another thought

what about the enzymes we lose when having a colectomy.Could your body be deleted of them, causing your fatigue.

Cassiecass

What enzymes are lost from colectomy? My understanding is that enzymes are formed in the mouth and pancreas (excreted into the upper small intestine). Or, are you thinking of the possible B-12 malabsorption (which occurs in the terminal ileum)? We can be prone to that.

Jan