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

battery
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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Myeloma UK AL amyloidosis Essential Guide. Accessed May 30, 2022.
Merlini G, Palladini G. Light chain amyloidosis: the heart of the problem. Haematologica. 2013;98(10):1492.
NHS. Amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
McCausland KL, White MK, Guthrie SD, et al. Light chain (AL) amyloidosis: the journey to diagnosis. The Patient-Patient-Centered Outcomes Research. 2018;11(2):207-16.
Stanford Health Care. AL (Primary) Amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
John Hopkins Medicine. What is amyloidosis?. Accessed May 26, 2022.
Amyloidosis Foundation. AA Amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
Amyloidosis Foundation. Hereditary Amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
Amyloidosis Foundation. Wild-type Amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
Mayo Clinic. Amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
Myeloma UK. AL amyloidosis. Accessed May 26, 2022.
Merlini G, Dispenzieri A, Sanchorawala V, et al. Systematic immunglobulin light chain amyloidosis. Nature Review Disease Primers. 2018;4(1):38.
Bahlis NJ, Lazarus HM. Multiple myeloma-associated AL amyloidosis. Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2006;38;7-15.