Symptom 3: Fatigue and Weakness
There’s fatigue, and then there’s the kind of profound exhaustion experienced with Short Bowel Syndrome. It’s not just about feeling a bit drained after a long day; it’s a consistent, crushing weariness that can seem like a heavy blanket, weighing one down. This fatigue can be so overwhelming that even getting out of bed feels like an Olympic feat. Simple activities, like making a cup of coffee or taking a short walk, can feel like insurmountable tasks.
But it doesn’t stop with just physical exhaustion. The fatigue extends to mental faculties too. Cognitive functions, like concentration and memory, can decline. Everyday tasks that require mental effort, such as balancing a checkbook, can become challenging. This often leads to frustration, with affected individuals feeling trapped in their own bodies, yearning for the energy they once took for granted.
So, what’s the root of this pervasive fatigue? It ties back to the malabsorption prevalent in SBS. When the body can’t derive essential nutrients from food, it operates in a constant state of deficiency. It’s akin to trying to run a car without enough fuel. Over time, the body’s reserves deplete, leading to muscle weakness and exacerbating the fatigue. (3)
