posted Aug-06-2005 12:05 PM              

Last year, I started having bleeding and diarrhea after very short runs (i.e. 2 miles). This happened fairly frequently, but not every run. I couldn't ever put my finger on why/what was different that would cause it to happen some runs and not others.

I saw a doc about it and had a colonoscopy (at age 48, she thought I ought to get one) and everything was fine. She thought it was probably 'runners bleeding' or gut ischemia and advised me to take a break from the running to see if the bleeding stoped. (I did have an internal hemorrhoid.) So, I started doing a more walk/run program, or using an eliptical machine and not running very much at all. I even went for a few months where I didn't run at all. The bleeding stopped.

But for a couple of months, I've started ramping up the running more.......now doing the 20 miles or so. And the bleeding/diarrhea is terrible. Sometimes I can't even get to 1/2 mile before I have to go to the bathroom IMMEDIATELY and there's always blood. This morning I did 5 miles and had to go at mile 1.5 and 4.0 and then again at the end of mile 5. Lots of blood and diarrhea. I feel washed out after these eposides, I think due to the diarrhea and loss of fluids. I admit....I need to keep better hydrated. I don't drink enogh fluids.

I am very discouraged and guess I'll have to go back to the doc about this. My husband is a long distance runner and never has these problems and is concerned. Since the original colonoscopy was normal, I feel like nothing can be seriously wrong, but then again.............

Wondering if the internal hemorrhoid could be the cause of all this bleeding. The blood is very bright red and sometimes just drips in the toilet. (sorry....too much info?).

Does anyone else have internal hemorrhoids and have the bleeding problem?

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posted Aug-06-2005 06:17 PM              

With just a few modifications, your post could have been written by me. I'm 48, too, and have been running for more than 25 years. I averaged about 25 mi/wk for a lot of that time, but over the last 8 - 10 years, as my kids have grown and I've had a little more time, I've run a number of marathons and in the course of training, have run up to 45 miles per week. That's where you and I are a little different. Here's where we're the same.

Ever since I started running, I've been plagued by the runner's trots. Short runs, long runs, when I'm hydrated, when I'm not... it's been a constant issue but somehow I've just dealt with it. (I've used every port-a-potty in the area, not to mention restaurants, businesses,wooded paths, etc.). I was never worried about my pooping problem, as I call it, until about two weeks ago when I started having bloody diarrhea on runs.

Like you, this is occuring after I've put in only a few miles! It's frustrating to need the potty right away and unnerving to see the blood in the toilet. Although there's no colon cancer in my family, there is every other kind, so I freaked out and saw a gastrointerologist about this right away. He seems to think it's runner's ischemia or, since my internist examined me last year and said I have one internal and several external hemorrhoids, it could be the same diarrhea problem I've always had now complicated by bleeding hemorrhoids. Because of my age and to be on the safe side, he's scheduled a colonoscopy for the end of the month.

I'm stressing like crazy here. The doctor said I could run, and if I'm going to run the NYC marathon as planned in early Nov, I certainly need to, but when I went out for my 15 miler today, I had to change course and find a bathroom after only 8 minutes! Then I made two more stops in the next hour, all involving bleeding. It's very depleting to go through this, as I know you all know.

I don't know what to do. I'm scared to death the colonoscopy will uncover a serious problem, but the doctor doesn't seem concerned at all. He says hemorrhoids can be irritated by running and the bleeding may just be a complication of that. He does say that the diarrhea itself is due to runner's ischemia but that as uncomfortable and frustrating as this problem is, there's no real cause for concern there. I know that if I don't run, I don't have any colon problems. No diarrhea, no bleeding. This makes me think -- hope?-- the whole thing is running related but until the colonoscopy, I'm going to be worried sick. And the question remains, to run or not to run... to drop out of the NYC marathon or not...

Any advice anyone?

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posted Aug-06-2005 06:41 PM               

Sounds like the internal 'roids might truly be a cause:

a couple years ago I had the bright red blood [not while running] and discovered that it was caused by an external 'roid flare-up. Didn't have anything done for it, and haven't had it since.

best of luck in discovering how to help yourself

runnrgurl,
How on earth do you manage to log up to 45 mpw with this issue? How often do you need to stop during a run [not counting the bloody situations]
I've relegated myself to running in the dark or on the TM in the summer and to the TM or wearing Depends in the winter.

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posted Aug-06-2005 07:04 PM              

Runnergurl, I don't know how you log that many miles with this problem! I'm not up to doing that much yet.....although I'd love to. It ain't gonna happen with this problem though, I can tell you!

So far, I don't run outside because of this. I can not be more than a few steps from the toilet when the urge to go hits, if you know what I mean. So, I am chained to the TM. I just put on my MP3 headphones and pretend I'm outside. I'd even consider ducking in the bushes outside if it weren't for the fact that often I'm on the toilet for 3-5 minutes before the diarrhea is over. Can't have my bare butt out in the open that long.

Try not to worry about the colonoscopy. Chances are nothing is wrong. The procedure is nothing. The worse part is drinking that gallon of crap they give you.

Good luck. I'll be interested to know how it goes.

JenSD

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posted Aug-06-2005 07:41 PM              

wherestheportojohn -- I've managed to run that many miles because I truly have figured out many routes in my area that make it possible to stop at a second's notice. (I live in Boulder, CO, runner's mecca, where there are miles and miles of tree-lined bike paths and many country roads with private places for emergencies.) That's not to say that many of my runs aren't ruined by this -- I tend to add 1/2 hour to every training run, just to be safe, when I tell my husband and kids what time I'll be home. And some days are better than others. It's rare that I don't have to stop at all, but it has happened. I live for those runs.

Based on what you're saying, I'm thinking that maybe your colon issues are even worse than mine, despite my bleeding. I'm sorry if that's true. We all need to support one another! This is truly a big problem, and it seems to occur only -- or at least, mostly -- in women, if this board is any indication. Have you found that to be true?

JenSD -- Thanks for the positive words about the colonoscopy. If mine comes back clean like yours did, and if I still have that internal hemorrhoid, I think we can both safely say that's the problem. If I understand correctly, most docs only recommend a colonoscopy every 5 years. So it seems safe to say that if nothing was found during your first procedure, there's no need to have another one. And if the bleeding stopped when your running did, it appears that either the ischemia or the trauma to the colon or the hemorrhoid is the cause. Try not to worry.

By the way, has anyone used immodium? Or paragoric liquid? A friend of mine had similar problems with a clean colonoscopy and her doc gave her paragoric something or other. Does anyone know what that's all about?

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posted Aug-07-2005 05:53 AM               

I really feel for all of you, since I have the same problem, but I am well aware of the cause of mine, since I have had ulcerative colitis for over 20 years. I know how washed out you can get from having an accident and running with it.

I do have 1 word of advice to any of you that haven't made it to the potty in time. I wear bike capris to run in. That way, if I have an accident, the poop is not running down my legs and it is contained in the seat of the pants. I know this is a gross thought, but if any of you have had to deal with trying to get home with poop running down your legs, then you know how embarrasing it can be if anyone sees you. I have had to end up going home over 1 mile from home with my legs so covered that it looked like I had rolled in mud. Also, if you do get the capris, make sure they are black, so that you can't see through them. Getting out of them and cleaning them is another issue when you've made a mess, but I'm not going to even get into that!!

Another word of advice, you might want to carry a cell phone with you so you can call home and get help. I don't do this, because I can't be bothered with carrying anything else in my water belt, but it would certainly be a big help if you are really in trouble.

Off to try and do my 10.

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My Profile

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posted Aug-07-2005 11:04 AM               

I use the immodium with moderate success/doesn't STOP problems, but definitely slows down frequency.

I too wear the black compression shorts for the EXACT reason that shelley mentioned....in addition, I dislike the "flubbery" feeling my thighs/butt have when I run in running shorts. LOL LOL

today is a rest day for me/or perhaps some UB weights this afternoon

shelley, good luck on that 10...wow, you have really jacked up your weekly mileage! I've forgotten, are you training for something?

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On Wisconsin

TurtleXing

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posted Aug-07-2005 11:09 AM               

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posted Aug-07-2005 12:35 PM              

Also, has anyone else noticed:

The problem is worse premenstrually?
Running downhill triggers emergencies?
Slowing down the running pace can stave off accidents?
Or, if that isn't enough, walking for a few minutes can be enough to regain control and enable continued running?

This is all true for me. I don't understand it.

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posted Aug-07-2005 05:37 PM               

runnrgrl,
I have no clue as to my problems either.
No matter how slowly I run, I still have problems....but working HARD on an uphill or trying to press the pace makes things worse for me.
And when I have to 'go', no amount of internal contractions-glute squeazes-NOTHING will stop an episode.

I'm glad today was a rest day-->it is HHH again today. OY!

edited to say: I'm menopausal, so have no TOM issues....but when I *was* mentrating, I did get cramping, spasmy-feeling and loosey-goosey even when not running.

[This message has been edited by wherestheportojohn (edited Aug-07-2005).]

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posted Aug-08-2005 05:43 AM               

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posted Aug-08-2005 10:23 AM              

It's odd that walking would trigger an episode for you. Although when I'm on the brink of an emergency drinking water can definitely make things worse for me, too, slowing down to a walk almost always allows me to regain control. That's why I think the jarring mechanics of running have to factor into this whole problem. The runner's ischemia explanation baffles me because during other hard workouts -- cycling, swimming, etc. -- I never have the urgent need for a bathroom. And from what i've been reading here, many other people are able to workout in other ways without experiencing colon problems. Shouldn't blood be diverted from the colon when we're exerting ourselves in sports other than running too if ischemia is the issue? It must be more complicated than that.

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posted Aug-08-2005 01:03 PM               

did a nice 5 miler at 4am [yes, two massive pitstops, oh joy]

look what I found while doing the never-ending search for our 'cure':

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1997/11nov/putukian.htm

happy trails

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posted Aug-09-2005 05:42 AM               

Runnergurl- I actually said it the wrong way. If I take a walk break, then start running again, that's when I sometimes have a problem. Not sure why.

Good runs to all!

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posted Aug-09-2005 12:49 PM            

I have gone back to my PCP complaining about having to wear the Depends when I run. (This works better, I think, than the compression shorts.) She agreed this was not normal.

So, we are running another round of stool tests (my last ones were 4 years ago) to see if she can find a bacterial/parasite cause. I had an infection in my foot recently that required a 20 day course of K-Flex and at about day 12 I notice that my stomach problems were gone. Unfortunately, my problems come and go with my cycle (and at random) so it is hard to tell what is going on. But, for about two weeks I could run like a normal person, and it felt great

If she doesn't find anything she said that we might try a course of Flagyl. I will report back.

Suzette
Boston, MA

ps: They are thinking now that IBS might be cause by a bacteria, so you never know. They finally determined that h. pylori was causing ulcers.

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posted Aug-10-2005 05:45 AM               

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posted Aug-11-2005 07:01 AM               

I have no clue what is going on and what caused it, but it PIZZED ME OFF big time.
I was slow, sluggish, tired at 4:15am.
Did a flat route in 99% humidity and the body just shut down on me [or opend up, as the case may be. ICK!]
The only trigger for the multiple-multiple colon issues could have been that I had a HammerGel [gu] and water 10 min before heading out....thinking I would need the energy since I was so tired and wanted to go longer [but I never made it past 6 miles]
Well, the gel must not have been what my body wanted; I had ~zero~ energy and the gut went nutsy.

oh well
better runs will be out there someday
cheers

[This message has been edited by wherestheportojohn (edited Aug-11-2005).]

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posted Aug-13-2005 06:08 AM              

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posted Aug-13-2005 06:39 AM               

boy, my run on thrs was brutal:
in addition to the colon thing, I was simply WIPED for the rest of the day [felt like I'd done 20 instead of 6] sore legs, rubbery limbs.
Yesterday it felt like I'd been hit by a truck, so I did nothing but yoga cuz my body was achy, weak, etc.

Is this your long run for the weekly mary build-up?
Hope you can get thru it okay....

I'm still feeling lethargic and achy [no, I don't feel like I've got a virus] I woke up too late this morning to get out for my run-in-privacy-in-the-dark, so I'll be relegated to the TM. I'm going to try some speedier intervals to help get my mind off the TM!!
HA!

12 days till my roto-rooter appt!! OY!

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On Wisconsin

TurtleXing

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posted Aug-15-2005 07:49 PM               

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posted Aug-15-2005 09:35 PM               

My GI doc said that MANY post-galbladder surgery patients MUST take immodium forever.....go ahead and try taking 1-2 each day.....or check with your doc first if you are uncertain.

I have not had any immodium in the past three days, since it hadn't been doing much to slow things down the last two run outings; so today, when I did an 8 miler at 4am, I had 5 pitstops AGAIN....just like last week.
Good grief, talk about being full of it. LOL
Other than the colon stuff, it was a great easy-going run.

Tomorrow is X-training day
(and I never have issues when doing plyometrics/kickboxingstep aerobics/weight training/ or biking....thank goodness!!)

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posted Aug-17-2005 07:11 AM               

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posted Aug-17-2005 11:39 AM              

I, too, avoid running with others because I have to make frequent stops for BMs. This morning, I made 4, pit-stops on a 7-mile run. I definitely think it is partially psychological (always a worse problems on uphills, and when I'm not the best shape). I also think it is food-related (particularly bad the morning after: beer, red meat, pork).

I have no advice to give, with the exception of running later in the day. This helps me immensely, although, I am a morning runner, so, I rarely take my own advice.

I'll keep trying all of the ideas I see here, and will post when something works.

Thanks for the helpful words.

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posted Aug-24-2005 07:03 AM               

today I start my prep for tomorrow's colonoscopy....oh joy
HA!

Nothing has been working lately....not even immodium [slows/delays, but doesn't eliminate the elimination. lol]

I highly doubt my GI doc will find anything, but in a way I hope she does because for the past month I've come to DREAD going outside for my runs because of this issue.

enough whining [for now]....off to the TM and then hit the weights before beginnning my liquid diet.
OY!

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posted Aug-24-2005 05:10 PM              

oh, and wheresthepotojohn...i have now read so much about you, you are in my prayers for your colonoscopy tomorrow. be strong, and think pretty thoughts during it! heehee.

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