Coping with exhaustion?

[born2swim]

How do you cope with the exhaustion (from meds, the lack of sleep, and the effects of IC itself on the body). This is one of the worst parts besides the strong urge to void constantly.

[dyno]

It can be tough at times and what I have to do is just take it easy. Yesterday I had a small flare and had to take one of my meds and in the middle of the afternoon I am really tired. So last night when I got home from work. I made supper, left the dishes and just took it easy the rest of the night.

I am normally active all evening, but in order not to run myself down, I told myself the dishes could wait and so could everything else. Pace yourself, and be nice to you!

[traceann]

I second what Jolene said - take it as easy as you can ;) It can be a vicious circle - you feel icky and feel exhausted, then you keep pushing yourself which makes you more exhausted, and by being more exhausted it makes you feel worse etc. LOL

It is so hard feeling yucky and then thanks to that feeling and being exhausted - I know there were days it felt like I literally crawled to work, lol. I had to work, so my taking easy it would happen at home, like Jolene. The laundry could wait, the dishes could wait, the dust could wait - I knew they'd all be patiently waiting for me when I felt a little bit better, lol.

The exhaustion is your body's way of telling you to slow down - some days I know it felt like mine was screaming that at me! ;) Again, I agree with Jolene - pace yourself and cut yourself some slack!!

Hugs,
Tracey

[tigger_gal]

I wish I had an answer for you. I have a very hyper toddler and an infant.. I just started lyrica and it is kicking my butt... I am going to go and post and ask if I am the only one..
thank god for coffee on my end, and it dose not do too much damage to my bladder..

[Claredale]

I give a third! I have learned (I am quick study) to let things go that aren't necessary and get rest anytime I can. I can also drink coffee every once in a while, but around 3:00 is when I am really effected and I won't drink coffee or have anything with caffeine that late in the day.

How is your iron level? I am chronically anemic, but forget to take my iron meds sometimes and find out that my iron level is very low which is a major factor in my energy level.

T83

[born2swim]

Hey guys! Thanks for the responses! I am just so exhausted all the time. Some days, if I can, I take 2 naps. I am in school (first year med school) and can't afford to be THIS tired. It could be many things (depression, IC's stress on the body, lack of good sleep, not feeling well overall, not enough water, etc). I know that being a student isn't physically demanding, but I am exhausted physically and mentally.

I think they checked my iron and I have a low # of RBC, but hematocrit and hemoglobin are within normal limits. I had my iron checked back in May and that was normal, but I've never been this tired either. My B12 is looking good (was deficient for a while). I don't get enough protein, I know that... so I found a protein supplement that has no artificial anything, and I'll add that to my milk. I so wish I could have coffee!!!!!!!

[Allies40]

I try and take a nap if I can. Even 30 minutes go a long way with me. I'm in a flare right now, so I'm not sleeping all that well. After work, taking care of the kids and mealtime, I try and nap, even though it's 7 PM! I go to bed when my children do, so when I have to get up in the middle of the night, at least I've slept some.

[born2swim]

I wish I could take naps every day! I am in med school and naps are treats... not the norm. I wish I could! I wish I could drink caffeine more than anything! haha! Only getting 5 hours of sleep, studying a lot, in the books, drugged up on all these IC meds... I am tired all the time. I can't exercise, which has always helped my energy level.

Oh well... I will hope and pray things improve!

[BBB]

Alyssa,
My wonderful pain managment doctor prescribes "Provigil" for opiod sedation for many of his patients. My understanding is the drug acts like a stimulant, however it doesn't contain any amphetamines (sp?).

You might want to ask your doctor about it. Of course the best choice is to lie down and rest, however I know in Med school that is impossible. I have a friend finsihing up med school with IC and cutting back on her schedule it not possible is she is to get her M.D.

Good luck and I am pulling for you. I am proud of what you are doing with this awful illness. What kind of medicine do you think you will practice?
Betsy

[bigred]

Understand the tiredness. It seems like all I want to do is sleep. I think that my problem comes from more than the IC. It seems like my family doesn't care how I feel anymore. Getting a nap is a good thing. I try to do it everyday but that doesn't seem to happen.