Fatigue and Upset Stomach

[nikanden]

After taking meds for nearly 2.5 years, fatigue after eating and an upset stomach when I drink isn’t anything new. My doctor and I have narrowed some causes and remedies to some of the issues, but I still seem to be struggling. I was hoping someone on here might be able to advise on some things you do that help. I am currently taking Atripla – don’t smoke – don’t drink excessively – don’t eat red meat (beef). I tend to feel tired after “comfort food” meals. I do know my body needs more energy to break these foods down, but I can’t live on salads. I naturally too skinny to begin with. When I get an upset stomach from drinking it varies when it comes on. I tend to stick with beer, wine, 7 & 7 and Margs. In a single weekend evening I may have 2 glasses of wine, switch later in the evening to a margarita, 7 & 7 or beer, but almost always finish the evening with beer. I honestly don’t drink enough water – my fault and something I need to do more of. The only remedy thus far has been Prilosec for the stomach issues. Any suggestions?

[BT65]

Nikanden, this is in no way meant to diagnose, but have you ever been checked for diabetes?  The reason I'm asking is because I'm diabetic, and I know with that disease that whenever one (who has diabetes) eats stuff like those "comfort foods" one gets tired due to increased sugar and the pancreas not being able to produce enough insulin to handle it.  Just a suggestion; again, not meant to diagnose.  Other than that, I don't have any suggestions.  Maybe up your water intake.

[J.R.E.]

Hi there,

Welcome

Maybe you should try giving up all drinking for a little while and see if things may improve for you.
If you are dealing with acid reflux ( which is why I m assuming the doctor prescribed Prilosec),Alcohol can aggravate the situation.

I would also check with a nutritionist. Perhaps your doctor can refer you to one.


Good luck----Ray

[Esquire]

A couple thoughts based on what works for me - how about smaller meals eaten more frequently? This will help keep your blood sugar more steady all day long and perhaps give you a more constant stream of energy.  On the liquor side - well, if liquor (with or without meds) gives your stomach acid fits, perhaps your stomach is telling you something - cut down, switch to something less caustic (perhaps white wine would be better than the citric-acid rich margarita, but perhaps not), or cut out the liquor entirely.

[madbrain]

After taking meds for nearly 2.5 years, fatigue after eating and an upset stomach when I drink isn’t anything new. My doctor and I have narrowed some causes and remedies to some of the issues, but I still seem to be struggling. I was hoping someone on here might be able to advise on some things you do that help. I am currently taking Atripla – don’t smoke – don’t drink excessively – don’t eat red meat (beef). I tend to feel tired after “comfort food” meals. I do know my body needs more energy to break these foods down, but I can’t live on salads. I naturally too skinny to begin with. When I get an upset stomach from drinking it varies when it comes on. I tend to stick with beer, wine, 7 & 7 and Margs. In a single weekend evening I may have 2 glasses of wine, switch later in the evening to a margarita, 7 & 7 or beer, but almost always finish the evening with beer. I honestly don’t drink enough water – my fault and something I need to do more of. The only remedy thus far has been Prilosec for the stomach issues. Any suggestions?

Atripla does have a warning about alcohol - the reported side effect is dizziness / trouble sleeping (see http://www.atripla.com). It might be worth a try to cut your alcohol consumption down or altogether if you can.

For the digestive issues, it would be best to see your doc and/or nutritionist. Prilosec is OK if it's acid reflux, but it only goes so far. I have been taking 40 mg per day by prescription (20 mg morning and evening) for about 5 years.

I personally am not into salads either. I do eat lots of red meat and poultry. Beef, lamb, duck, you name it. And no more cooked than medium rare. I'm French after all . My diet is very lacking in fiber. So I take a fiber supplement., Fiber choice, 2g twice a day

My diet is somewhat lacking in vitamins too, I don't nearly eat enough fruits and vegetables. But I think my long list of supplements more than makes up for that.

Also see if you have enough beneficial bacteria in your diet, like yogurt. It might be worth adding. Ask the nutritionist. I love yogurt but don't eat it every day. But I do take a probiotics every day and that helps.

[BinaT]

You need to drink as much water as you can otherwise you may have problems with your liver. Also I was told to take calcium with Atripla. Please drink water...

[Roie]

I add 1/3 teaspoon of ground Indian cinnamon to my coffee, i drink about 4 cups of the coffee and cinnamon everyday and it helps me a lot with diarreah.