Diverticulitisis an intestinal disease, and fatigue is a major symptom for many people.
It can be hard to treat, as diverticulitis fatigue comes from many possible causes.
The fatigue of diverticulitis often lingers long after the condition is successfully treated.
Maskot/ Getty Images
Maskot/ Getty Images
Why Am I So Tired With Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis causes fatigue in multiple ways.
Dehydration
Diverticulitis can cause fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, leading to excessive water loss anddehydration.
Some people with this condition avoid eating because it leads to unpleasant digestive symptoms.
This can also cause or contribute to dehydration.
Drink lots of fluids and get enoughelectrolytesto prevent dehydration during a diverticulitis attack.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
If you notice symptoms of dehydration, drink water and/or electrolyte-replacement drinks.
If symptoms become severe, get urgent medical help.
You may needintravenous (IV) fluids.
If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider.
Postsurgical Healing
Fatigue is common during recovery if you gotta havesurgery for diverticulitis.
How Long Does Fatigue Last After Diverticulitis?
Little to no research has been done to look at lingering fatigue after diverticulitis treatment.
Anecdotal evidence suggests it could take four to six weeks for the fatigue to disappear.
If your fatigue lasts longer than that or is severe, bring it up with a healthcare provider.
make a run at get extra sleep and rest.
Reduce your stress, if possible.
Eat a healthy diet that doesnt make your symptoms flare.
And follow a healthcare providers suggested treatment regimen.
When possible, delegate tasks to family members or friends.
Need Help Coping?
If you need help coping emotionally with the impact of your illness, let your healthcare provider know.
You may benefit from seeing amental health professionalor taking antidepressants.
Summary
Diverticulitis is an intestinal disease that can cause fatigue in some people.
The fatigue may be because of infection, inflammation, or sleep disruption due to pain.
How long fatigue may last after your diverticulitis has been successfully treated is unknown.
If its severe or persistent, talk to a healthcare provider.
Self-care during and after a diverticulitis attack can help your body recover.
Speak up about any emotional problems you may experience.
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School.When should you worry about fatigue?
2015;3:e1146.
2018;154(5):1249-1259. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2018.07.019
NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia.
Diverticulitis, AAA, multiple sclerosis, iron deficiency anemia, testicular torsion.Am Fam Physician.
2023;107(1):22.
NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diverticular disease.
NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Second Nutrition Report.
