Understanding Fatigue in IBD: Insights from Wladzia Czuber-Dochan

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At Crohn's and Colitis Ireland's recent webinar on fatigue and IBD, Wladzia Czuber-Dochan, an expert in the field, shared valuable insights on how to assess and manage fatigue in individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Fatigue is a common yet often under-recognised symptom for many who live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Wladzia’s presentation aimed to shed light on this complex issue, offering guidance on both understanding and managing fatigue as part of a holistic approach to IBD care.

Key Takeaways from Wladzia's Presentation:

The Complexity of Fatigue: Wladzia began by discussing the nature of fatigue in IBD, explaining that it goes beyond just feeling tired. For many individuals, fatigue is profound and persistent, affecting both physical and mental well-being. It’s often described as overwhelming exhaustion that isn’t necessarily relieved by rest, making daily activities challenging.

The Invisible Symptom: One of the main challenges with fatigue is that, unlike other symptoms of IBD such as pain or digestive issues, it is invisible. Many people with IBD may look fine on the outside, which can lead others to misunderstand the level of fatigue they’re experiencing. This disconnect often leaves people with IBD feeling isolated and unsupported.

Assessing Fatigue: Wladzia emphasised that assessing fatigue in IBD patients can be difficult, as it isn’t a symptom that can be measured as easily as others. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to gauging fatigue, and its severity can fluctuate from person to person and day to day. She recommended that both patients and healthcare professionals regularly assess fatigue levels using tools like fatigue scales to better understand its impact on daily life.

Managing Fatigue: The good news is that there are ways to manage fatigue in IBD. Wladzia discussed several strategies:

Rest and Sleep: While rest doesn’t always completely alleviate fatigue, ensuring that you get enough quality sleep is crucial for managing energy levels.

Exercise: Surprisingly, regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce fatigue over time by improving overall physical health and mental well-being.

Nutrition: Proper nutrition is key. Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin D, can contribute to fatigue. A balanced diet and sometimes supplementation can help combat this.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can worsen fatigue, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through mindfulness, meditation, or counseling, can be beneficial.

Personalised Treatment Plans: Since fatigue affects everyone differently, Wladzia stressed the importance of working with healthcare providers to develop a personalised plan for managing fatigue. This plan should consider all aspects of a person’s health, including medications, lifestyle, and emotional well-being.

The Importance of Acknowledgment: Lastly, Wladzia highlighted the significance of recognising fatigue as a legitimate and challenging symptom. It’s essential that both patients and healthcare providers acknowledge fatigue, validate the experiences of those living with IBD, and work together to find solutions to improve quality of life.

Why Understanding Fatigue Matters

Fatigue is a common yet often overlooked symptom of IBD. By understanding its impact and implementing effective strategies for management, individuals living with IBD can gain better control over their health and well-being. As Wladzia pointed out, fatigue should not be dismissed or minimised, and it’s crucial that both patients and healthcare professionals take it seriously.

At Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland, we are committed to providing ongoing support for those living with IBD, and this webinar was a step forward in raising awareness of fatigue as a key concern. If you or someone you know is struggling with fatigue, remember that you’re not alone—and there are steps you can take to manage it.

Stay tuned for more educational content, and make sure to check out our upcoming webinars for further insights into managing life with IBD.

CCI's Fatigue Assessment Scale

What is the Fatigue Rating Scale?

The Fatigue Rating Scale is a simple yet effective tool that allows individuals living with IBD to rate their fatigue levels. By regularly completing the scale, patients can gain a clearer picture of how fatigue impacts their daily functioning. This information is crucial in working with healthcare providers to develop personalised management plans that address fatigue and its underlying causes.

The scale is based on a series of questions that help to measure the intensity and frequency of fatigue. It can track how fatigue affects activities such as work, social interactions, physical activity, and overall quality of life. The Fatigue Rating Scale is an essential part of understanding fatigue as a symptom and plays a key role in improving care for individuals living with IBD.

Why Use the Fatigue Rating Scale?

Access the Fatigue Scale