Fatigue and vegan diet?

Question

hi in 2003 I had pancreatitis and from 2003-2005 I had 7 hospitalizations for pancreatitis. in 2004 my adrenals shut down and they put me on steroid replacement. In June 2006 - at the time of my wife's death I had my last attack of pancreatitis and by May 2007 my adrenals started working and by October 2007 I was off the steroids, and by December 2007 I was off the narcotic pain meds because I had been dealing with severe pain all this time. By March 2008 I had my first adrenal test that tested normal. In October I weighed 306 pounds being on the steroids. and now I weigh 255 pounds. But I'm still dealing with fatigue. I have been working with my doctor and they have kept increasing my vitamin d, etc. but I'm not sure what else to tell them and what I should look for or what information I should keep to give them.

I follow a vegan diet - and I would say it's about 60% raw? I exercise quite a bit.

Answer 1

Usually that's a lack of protein .....try adding tofu and legumes to your diet

Answer 2

My guess would be you're not getting enough iron and vitamin c.

Answer 3

I switched  to Vegan and I feel incredibly energetic.  I have always taken vitamin supplements so the only change is the lack of animal products in my diet.  You can get B-12 vitamins from Silk soymilk.

Vitamin B-12 and the other B vitamins were given to my husband when he was dealing with fatigue.  I am surprised your physician did not think of giving you a vitamin B complex injection to help you with your fatigue.  As we get older our ability to process, assimilate, B vitamins lessens.  It is because the enzymes in our digestive system change when we get older.  Ask your doctor about getting a vitamin B complex shot.  You should ask him to assign a Registered Dietitian (she will have an R.D. degree), to work with you and your doctor to tailor a diet that is right for you.  Interview the R.D. and be sure to get one that does not have objections to a Vegan diet, and find out how many other patients she has that are also on a Vegan diet.  Experience in Vegan diets is a plus.  You can also get a good Vegan cookbook to keep your diet varied and to keep you emotionally satisfied with your diet too.  I enjoy my Vegan recipes in the Candle Cafe Cookbook.  Many Vegan books are available on-line and in major bookstores.  I find them much easier to prepare than meat-based recipes were.  

God Bless you.  Be well.