Tiredness, blood tests and AIP support

[Racheyt]

Does anyone else with endo have extreme fatigue? How have you managed it? Have you had GP support? Blood tests? Have you tried the AIP diet to reduce inflammation? Anything you think is worth knowing please let me know. I’m coming home from work absolutely exhausted and no motivation to move or exercise and I’m putting on weight and it’s really getting me down. I’m finding it difficult to get up on a morning. It’s turning to a vicious cycle 😢.

[EmB18]

I had a lot of fatigue with my endo, but it was mostly down to low iron levels. If you haven't already I'd definitely get some blood tests to check for things like iron, thyroid, B12 and folate. Get a copy of your test results so you can see where you fit in the ranges, as even if it comes back normal, if your results are at the low end you may still be tired.

Pacing yourself and resting when you can is really important. Managing stress can also help.

I also did an anti-inflammatory diet and found it made a really big difference to my endo symptoms, especially pain. It took time, and you have to experiment to find out if particular foods make things worse for you - wheat and sugar were triggers for me, but it was definitely worth doing. Good luck.

[Racheyt in reply to EmB18]

Thank you! I’m going to contact my GP now for a blood test. And I’m going to prepare and read up about AIP and do it!

[EndoCoeliac_Woman]

Hi!Yes I completely agree with EmB18.

I only add that exercise actually can reduce fatigue. I 100% agree that on those days you are like "no way I'm going to exercise" and if you go you might feel suoer tired when doing it. But after you will feel more energized. I tried both cardio and gym. For me running was a bit too much and made pain worse. The gym was better. But also brisk walking can help. Try with yoga and pilates first. Group classes help keep you motivated.

Sending a hug

[Racheyt in reply to EndoCoeliac_Woman]

Definitely agree and the endorphins from exercise absolutely help!! It’s just the getting up and getting out the door that’s the hard part. I’ve started dancing twice a week which I am really enjoying, I’m moving my body and it doesn’t feel like a workout at all. It’s got my heart rate up and I’m sweating but it’s so much fun.

[Thistlegirl49]

Hi,

I have Stage 4 Endo, also on bowel in multiple areas & within peritoneal cavity.

I find the anti inflammatory diet very restrictive, it would be better to have a list of what you can eat. So I don’t follow it! I’m not coeliac or lactose intolerant either, but bowel endo gives similar symptoms, so that diet is offered as a possible solution to the inflammation Endo causes.

I had to go p/t at work last year due to fatigue & yes in turn it makes hard to find energy to exercise. I’m not managing anything other than short dog walks & an occasional swim, but I’m on my feet all day at work and do 8-10,000 steps per day & work 3.5 days .

My weight has been up and down with all of the meds. Decapeptyl in 2024 for 5 months did not agree with me at all, terrible bone pain and the fatigue alone from that was brutal. Others on here didn’t find it as bad.

I had ‘add back’ Tibolone after Decapeptyl (and had to stop that for various reasons. Stopped all meds, had a break and tried Evorel Conti (lowest dose) HRT but caused ghastly bleeding and bowel endo flare ups, so I’m off everything atm.

I hope you can get some relief from the fatigue, resting more works for me & the weight issue will resolve once you’re stronger and able to do some form of excercise. When I have good days I find swimming helpful/relaxing.

Above all, go gently and be kind to yourself. Hope you feel better soon.

[Racheyt]

Turns out I have folic acid and vitamin D deficiency. Just told to take over the counter supplements.

[Racheyt]

Any recommendations for folic acid and vitamin D?