Managing fatigue

Managing fatigue

Extreme fatigue is a common aspect of living with IBD. Although it may not be apparent to others, it can have an enormous impact on all aspects of your daily life, including work, education, socialising and relationships.

The following points might be useful if you are prone to periods of fatigue:

warning

Identify your warning signs: Learn how to recognise oncoming fatigue and be sure to take the time to rest

holidays

Take holidays! Many people living with IBD say that even a short relaxing break can restore energy levels and make them feel more positive – both emotionally and physically

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Reserve energy: Save your spare time for things you enjoy and plan your agenda according to your needs
exercise

Find exercise that works for you: Exercise is important for your overall wellbeing and may help you manage your IBD. If you feel well enough, you could explore gentle exercise such as yoga or light swimming, before attempting more rigorous activities

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Eat healthily: Like exercise, eating well is an important part of managing your IBD. You can make things much easier by planning meals in advance, cooking multiple portions and freezing meals so that good food is always on hand

sleep
Get enough sleep: It is important that you get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis. Not getting adequate rest will make you feel run down and may cause flare-ups, or make them worse
fatigue

References

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Cancer.Net. Amyloidosis: Symptoms and Signs. Accessed May 26, 2022.
Mayo Clinic. Amyloidosis overview: symptoms and causes. Accessed May 26, 2022.
National Organization for Rare Disorders. Amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
D'Errico S, Mazzanti A, Baldari B, Maiese A, Frati P, Fineschi V. Sudden death in lambda light chain AL cardiac amyloidosis: a review of literature and update for clinicians and pathologists. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2020 Jul 1;13(7):1474-1482. PMID: 32782665; PMCID: PMC7414507.
Mayo Clinic. Amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment. Accessed August 20, 2020.
Lousada I, Comenzo RL, Landau H, et al. Light chain amyloidosis: patient experience survey from the Amyloidosis Research Consortium. Advances in Therapy. 2015;32(10):920-928.
Merlini G, Dispenzieri A, Sanchorawala V, et al. Systematic immunglobulin light chain amyloidosis. Nature Review Disease Primers. 2018;4(1):38.
Hasib Sidiqi M, Gertz MA. Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment algorithm 2021. Blood cancer journal. 2021;11(5):1-9.