5. Fatigue and Weakness: More Than Just a Bad Day
We all have those days when getting out of bed feels like a Herculean task. But consistent fatigue and weakness, especially when paired with other symptoms, could be signs of a tubulovillous adenoma. Think about it—your body is basically fighting a continuous battle with a foreign growth. This is draining, both physically and emotionally.
But let’s not be vague; let’s delve into the hows and whys. One reason you’re feeling fatigued could be related to the aforementioned weight loss and malabsorption. When your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs, it’s like trying to run a car on an empty tank. You’re bound to stall sooner or later.
Another angle to consider is the potential for internal bleeding from the adenoma. Even minor blood loss, over time, can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by reduced red blood cell count. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Fewer cells mean less oxygen, and less oxygen equals more fatigue.
There’s also a metabolic component to the fatigue. Your body’s normal metabolic pathways may be disrupted by the presence of the adenoma. The effort your body puts into combating the growth can lead to metabolic exhaustion, where your physiological systems are working overtime but getting nowhere fast. This can leave you feeling drained and lethargic. (5)
