Community Forum

Hi everybody. I am new to this site as well as Crohns. Yea me! In addition to everything else, here is another major dilemma I have. I am a career firefighter ans am concerned with the fatigue I feel sometimes as well as the other effects of the disease while I am at work. I am worried about not eating right or fluid intake due to busy times as well as the expenditure put forth on fires and rescues that I am sure will take what energy I have.

Is exercise in moderation okay or take it easy the best approach? Cardio, namely treadmill or bike? And what about Ensure? I have heard people rave about this but, no offense, it seems like an old mans drink. But then again, I feel and act like I am in my 70's some days. Thanks for the help and suggestions. If there are any other public safety peeps here, I would love to hear how you deal with it. Best of luck and Health.

 Reply posted for tek254.

Hi Tek, I hear ya! I am also fairly new to this fun fantastic-ness and I am career military. I struggle with the fatigue pretty often. I have found that a regular workout routine does help. Some days I can't go as long or as hard as I wanted to, but I still work out. Sticking to the routine has actually helped me maintain some of my energy level while still surviving the day. Sometimes I have to trade my run in for the ellipitical or the bike, but some form of activity keeps me going. I hope that helps. I'm still working on the diet side of things.

Good Luck!

 Reply posted for tek254.

Hello I am still very young and I understand your feelings of old age. The last thing I wanted was to have to drink something for energy but its been 3 yrs since I stated this journey & honestly Ensure & Elations are the best thing ever. They really did the trick. But beware that Ensure is a milk product and can increase bowel movements.

 Reply posted for tek254.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Really nice to have people to talk to that understand and dont think the diasease is only going to the bathroom alot. Any thoughts on the protein drinks from like, say, GNC? I have been sticking to the low fibre diet as well as decreasing my coffee intake and attempting to decrease the smoking. The diet is going well so far.Looking at about 1500 calories a day. Any more and pain begins. If i find out anything else in the way of exercise I will let you. Guy at work on a truck is a trainer for the Ymca and is looking at developing a plan for me. Stay healthy everyone. Oh, and to the dads, Happy Fathers Day. May it be a good, fun, pain free one.

 Reply posted for katya.

Also, B12/Vitamin D/iron levels are important to check a couple of times a year. B12 does not have to be shots.  Sublingual dots melt under your tongue and go straight to bloodstream. Any of these are common in disorders that have malabsorption issues, and in low levels can cause fatigue, pain, sleeplessness, restless leg.......

You may have to ask your doctor to check these levels, It's not often at the top of their minds when they are used to working on acute issues; and need to switch gears to finding a long term healthy balance.

 Reply posted for tek254.

Excercise that you can tolerate... take it easy and make sure to journal what you can so that you can identify any reaction to pushing too far.  You may not realize it at the time; but later.  and some people do really well with bike and treadmill and weights.  I prefer yoga and pilates; however yoga sends my brother right into a flare.  Everyone is different.

Ensure is not an old man's drink.  It is a drink for those that need liquid meal replacement, or extra easy calories.  I was 28 and using ensure, as well as other options to maintain a no fiber diet for 18 months to provide gut rest. their are many brands; and things you can put together yourself.  Read labels, maybe see a nutritionist with experience dealing with IBD.   If you don't like people to see the package- mix it with ice or cold water <hydration is very important.  we need extra!> and keep it in a water bottle!
Your best bet is to keep a detailed record of what you eat/drink, meds, activities, symptoms, I also use it to plan & prepare for medical appts and track procedures and short/long term schedules and goals for a very active disease.
Good luck, and remember to do things for you that help you feel emotionally and physically well.  And give yourself permission!

 Reply posted for tek254.

Hello!

Wow - you really need to stay healthy and clear-headed with a job like yours. The most important thing that you can do is to change your diet! I am new to all this, too, so I can't give lots of information. But definitely research the GAPS diet, the Paleo diet, and the SC Diet. You can google any of them. I am starting the SCDiet, but all of them will help you a ton, I hear. Just pick the one that you see fitting and stick to it.

Of course exercise is important, too, but take it slow and easy. Don't hurt yourself by pushing too hard. I've done that because I'm stubborn.

Good luck and welcome to the community!