Everybody experiences colitis and IBD differently.  But when you are unable to eat consistent, nutritious meals, or even when you are in remission but find your activity level reduced, people with IBD suffer fatigue.  One study in 2004 published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that as many as 41% of people with IBD in remission still suffered from fatigues.  Some researchers believe psychological factors, as well as medical and nutritional factors contribute.  (See, for example a study presented at the Digestive Disease Week conference in 2003). 

Patients with IBD should always discuss symptoms like fatigue with their physicians to make sure a medical cause associated with IBD, or some other condition, isn't making the fatigue worse.  As many IBD expert patients suggest, a key to fighting the illness and living well is to try and establish a daily discipline, a diet that will not increase the likelihood of flare-ups, exercise, and as much as possible, a positive outlook.  Patients should be on the lookout that they might be feeling depressed or beaten down by the daily fight with IBD.  It is a life-long battle, and everyone, every now and then gets down about it.

Nancy Sampson

12/ 2/11 7:07pm

This is so accurate.  I am new at ulcerative colitis.  But after long bouts with it you are left depressed, exhausted, and nutritionally depleted.  How common is weight loss?  I am in a daily struggle not to just evaporate.  So discouraging!