| Author |
Topic: colon issues (sorry) |
ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
 posted Sep-08-2005 05:47 AM
   
Asianfury-I would check with the Dr. Maybe your bladder meds are causing the "runs."I had a small problem on Monday while trying to run 8. Had to turn back home 3 times, then was okay.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-08-2005 06:33 AM
asian,
As a regular course of my day [even without running] I have AT LEAST 3-4 bms. I eat a lot of fiber [soluable and insoluable], drink a gallon of water a day and have a generally fast moving plumbing system!My GI doc does not want me to back off on fiber or water...she thinks most americans need to increase both...says my pipes are as healthy as can be. I have NO ANSWER right now.
I've stopped taking the imodium: am trying an experiment since the stuff wasn't helping me at all lately....thought I'd try to go without it for a few weeks to give my body a break. I've continued to need to "Stop 'n' Squat" 2-4x per run/seems almost every 1.5 miles like clockwork.
Tuesday I did a split workout: 5.5 miles in the a.m. [two pitstops] and 3.5 miles in the p.m. [one stop]
Today I did 3 on the TM with one pitstop. I've got an 8-10 miler [my longest ever] planned for Saturday and have no clue how I'll handle the pooping as well as possible dehydration and lethargic legs from this issue.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-08-2005 06:39 AM
shelley,
You're lucky that you can turn back home and catch it in time....my luck always has me somewhere in 'no-man's-land' when a pitsop is needed. OY!
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-09-2005 05:49 AM
Porta-I live in a subdivision of houses that are each on 1 1/4 acre, so there is at least 12 miles of paved roads that I am able to run near home. Since I am quite atuned to my body (most of the time) after having this condition for 20 years, I know when I can venture far away. Of course, there are times when I "mess" up.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-11-2005 10:53 AM
I was lucky to be able to turn back home today--had to 3 times, and once barely made it. After the initial 3 times, I was able to continue and finish my 11 miler. I think my problem was the Total cereal I ate last night.
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egrd
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-11-2005 12:49 PM
Hi fellow IBD runnersI am running and racing with ulcerative colitis. (Just did a half marathon this am). Over the years I've figure out what works for me but it's never out of mind. This is a great thread to share info. I initially experienced severe bleeding after a race (30k) which had me hospitilized briefly. Then I went on to drop 25 lbs, have bms up to 18 a day and frequent bleeding. I was really sick.
I had the sigmoidoscopy, the colonascoay and the barium enema (THAT) was the most un-fun. There WERE some abnomral tissues and a lot of scarring but the cause was never found and the biopsy came back cIean. A relief but I was still sick. I was put on a cholesteral medication for flare ups, steroids and a very low dose anti-depressant for gut muscle calming. I don't like being medicated. And, it didn't work. What DID work was this: no lactose 24 hours before a long run. Drink coffee to trigger the "poops" getting up early enough to allow 6 trips to the loo and doing extra long warm up runs around a bathroom before beginning the race. But my biggest help is Pro-biotic supplements. Live enzymes and spirrulina (sp?). Here's the cycle that was happeing for me. Maybe it will be familiar to others. Get run down because you lose so much weight, fluid and nutrition from frequent runner's trots. Get a virus or bacterial infection because your immune system gts low. Get sicker with a secondary referred illnesses and end up on antibiotics. Bingo. All the good bacteria (as well as the bad) in your gut get wiped out and the colitis flares up really good. So if you have to be on anti-biotics, also take pro-biotics, eat yogurt, sleep and try not to stress. That's it in a (Big) nutshell for me. Maybe it can help someone else too. Take care, Erica ------------------
If you want to experience
something, run a marathon.
Emil Zatopek
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-12-2005 05:27 AM
Erica-I have tried probiotics for my UC, but it didn't work. It could be that I didn't give it enough time. Unfortunatly, the only thing that works for me during a major flare is steroids. I just started seeing major blood last night, so I am upping my Colazal for the time being. I have a lot of stress going on right now, so it always seems to show up in my stomach. I am told also that the bleeding is from the scaring. I am due for my colonoscopy, but am trying to hold off. Now it looks like I will have to, since I am beginning a flare-up. They won't do one when I am having problems. How long have you had UC? It's been 20 years for me. I haven't been running for 20 years, only about 7, but I really feel it helps relieve some of the stress, even though there is the stress of having to hold back the bowel movements during the run.
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hoochifyd
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-12-2005 07:47 AM
I suffered not from IBS (that I'm aware) but for runs longer than an hour, I was prone to cramping and urgent diarrhea. I started taking an Immodium, and refraining from any dairy and caffine... and for the first time, I was able to run 10 miles without having to go!However, after my run yesterday (7 miles ~ 75 minutes), I didn't have any cramping or urgencies... but a little nausea. All I ate that morning was toast (plain) and a banana, and an Immodium. By the evening time, I had the most horrible gas pain in my life. I had to lie down for the rest of the evening, because any activity just made the sharp pains hurt more. It felt like someone was inflating me with an air pump, but the air had nowhere to go. I went to bed, and this morning, the pain is STILL there... and I'm frustrated. Would taking an Immodium have caused this buildup of gas? I don't know what to do to relieve the sharp pains.. they are in the middle of my stomach, and get so bad, that they make me nauseas. I've tried water, and lying down... nada. Lying down relieves some of the pressure momentarily... but I'm at work, and I can only imagine what my boss would think if he walked by to me sprawled on the floor of my cubicle. If anyone else has had this, and figured out the cause (or relief), let me know! Carrie ------------------
* Carrie *
www.carrie.cc
My User Profile
me@carrie.cc Training for the Baltimore Half-Marathon, and the Charlottesville Marathon in April!
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egrd
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-12-2005 01:48 PM
Hi Shelley M,
I'm sorry to hear of your flare up and that pro-biotics didn't work for you. Couldn't hurt to try it again maybe for a longer stint this time? Spirulina helps with energy too which it sounds like you could use some extra of with so much stress in your life.I use a combination of proteoltic enzymes and Lactobacillus, bifidus and acidophilus along w/ spirulina. I suspect that the urgency issues and sudden unexplained "knock you off your chair" cramps I suffered as a kid were the start of UC for me. So that puts it at about um, well almost 40 years for me. Of those 40 years I've been running for more than half. I feel better these days than I ever have, so there is hope! Another link to consider would be skeletal or musco-skeletal issues. I have some back issues which lead to nerve compression at times which leads to gut issues. When I'm going regularly to the chiropractor, I find I'm going more regularly to the bathroom. LOL. Cheers,
Erica
------------------
If you want to experience
something, run a marathon.
Emil Zatopek
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egrd
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-12-2005 01:52 PM
Shelley M,
I'm sorry to hear of your flare up and that pro-biotics didn't work for you. Couldn't hurt to try it again maybe for a longer stint this time? Spirulina helps with energy too which it sounds like you could use some extra of with so much stress in your life.I use a combination of proteoltic enzymes and Lactobacillus, bifidus and acidophilus along w/ spirulina. I suspect that the urgency issues and sudden unexplained "knock you off your chair" cramps I suffered as a kid were the start of UC for me. So that puts it at about um, well almost 40 years for me. Of those 40 years I've been running for more than half. I feel better these days than I ever have, so there is hope! Another link to consider would be skeletal or musco-skeletal issues. I have some back issues which lead to nerve compression at times which leads to gut issues. When I'm going regularly to the chiropractor, I find I'm going more regularly to the bathroom. LOL. Cheers,
Erica
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-13-2005 05:41 AM
Erica-Thanks for the information. I'll look back into the probiotics. I had started eating quite a bit of yogurt also. Sometimes it bothers me, but most of the time I am able to eat it with not too much pains. 40 years is a very long time for you to have to contend with this disease. Mine didn't start until well into my late 20's, early 30's. I went through the wierd meds that the dr tried on me, including some kind of dark liquid that the hospital made for me. That one, I'll never forget. Of course, it didn't help. Nor did the Flagl, sulfa drugs and cortizone enemas. I have never had to be hospitalized though, thank goodness. As I have gotten older though, it has gone farther up my colon. Now I am due for another colonoscopy and I am holding off as long as possible.------------------
My Profile
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-15-2005 06:20 AM
g'morninginteresting and unusual thoughts on the spinal-nerve connection and poopstops.....wonder if I'm in that catagory since I have a lowered left shoulder, mild scoliosis, some sciatic issues on occasion and pinched nerves radiating across my shoulders and upper back [from the scoliosis according to my doc] I do stretches, yoga on occasion, but have never thought about the back connecting with the GI plumbing. LOL Yesteday I had a very mild tummy bug, and I had to take 2 imodiums at noon to make it thru school, then 2 more at 9 pm....a miracle occured and I had zero pitsops this morning on my 4.5 mile run.
HAHAHA
Probably cuz system was cleaned out somewhat yesterday + the double dose of imodium. It is cold and refreshing FINALLY for the next few mornings....I'll take advantage and get out early to enjoy the weather. cheers
------------------
On Wisconsin
TurtleXing [This message has been edited by wherestheportojohn (edited Sep-15-2005).]
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mommadodd
unregistered |
posted Sep-19-2005 02:12 PM
I'm new to this site and I've read most of the string, but I'm not sure if what others are experiencing is the same as what happens to me.
After I do a hard run (usually in a competition) about 10 minutes to 30 minutes after the end of the race I start to develop some serious bowel cramps (reminds me of labor pains, but in the bowel area). Then I have to get to a bathroom and usually poop a little, but with lots of pain and strain (somewhat unvoluntary). I don't have the problem on regular runs, even long ones, unless I'm pushing myself pretty hard. After this weekend's 1/2 marathon my legs were cramping - kind of like you do when you have a bad fever coming on - then it moved to the pain in my bowels.
Please let me know if any of this sounds familiar to someone out there. I'd love to avoid it in the next race (Chicago Marathon).
Thanks to all!
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-19-2005 04:13 PM
welcome 'momma'
I don't have the problem of the post-run issues.
Wish I could help.
Mine is always during, never after.I'm sure some of the competetive runners on this site have this occurance....in fact I'm certain I've read about it with runners who really push themselves.....but I don't recall where I read it.
OY! Good luck finding an answer.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-21-2005 06:05 AM
Momma-I don't have that issue either. It will be interesting to see if some of the competitive runners do. I do have leg cramping after a very long run, but never to the point of bringing on the poop.------------------
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CSuzette
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-21-2005 09:40 AM
I have also had some prior back pain and right now some hip pain leading to a pain in my shin. Do you really think that the muscles/nerves in your back can be connected to the problem with the gut? How would you treat this? Core exercises? Sit-ups?
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2005 05:57 AM
Hope everyone is having "normal" runs. I have been doing okay. I thought I was getting a flare, but I'm fine. No colon issues this week while running (knock on wood!!)Good runs to all! ------------------
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2005 06:13 AM
G'morning!
Same old, same old for me....still jogging, still making multi-pitstops. This is SO FRUSTRATING.
I'm slowly trying to increase my weekly mileage [no, not training for anything], and the poop issue is driving me batty.
*sigh*With a suggestion from a couple of folks from a different site, I'm carrying water on anything over 5 miles [my max so far is only 9.5] to prevent dehydration from so many pitstops.
I figure after needing to stop 4+ times in 7-9 miles, the old body is crying out for H2O!
Do any of you agree? An additional concern with the H2O is that my gut gets a tad crampy and makes horrible noises post-drinking, which sometimes sets me up for side stitches. OY! Today I was too tired to get up and run at 4am....so I'll slog 3-4 on the TM around noonish. have a good week
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jerri
Member |
posted Sep-26-2005 05:15 PM
for wheresthepjohn- seems you only run in the morning. Personally I have my worst episodes of john-yearning in the mornings, to the point that I pretty well don't even consider racing since they are always AM starts. Dinner from the previous evening must be done running its course and wants back out, I guess. I usually feel my best running at 4PM-7PM. Also, I wonder, are you still using immodium? I take one 1-2 hours before a run most days now. Also, what about trying to retrain your bowels- only run as far as you know you can without a pitstop for a week or two, then start tacking a few extra minutes at a time to each run. Maybe your body is conditioned at this point to associating running with BM's... just like my golden retriever, who seems to think that the point of running with me is to fill the plastic bag I bring along!
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2005 07:11 PM
thnx for the suggestions....I appreciate any help!Yes, I do seem to need more stops in the morning.
(Due to my schedule, I don't run in the late afternoon or evening.)
However, the time of day when I run doesn't seem to make a difference as far as whether I need to stop or not.
For example, today I ran on the TM at 1pm and had 2 poopstops during the 5.25 mile run. I even tried slowing to a walk each time I felt the urgency today, but each time that I'd start back up to running, I'd have to slow back to a walk again....finally, the pressure was so strong that I had a small accident with the second one.
IN MY OWN HOUSE! That is how bad things get with me.
As for your second suggestion:
It is a great idea! Truly tho, my body doesn't have a timing mechanism...sometimes I go within .5 mile, sometimes [like today] it isn't till 2-3 miles. If I've had a double blast of 4 imodiums, I can go for 4 miles before the first pitstop.
Hey, keep those suggestions coming!
I'm willing to try pretty much anything right now.....next up will probably be an accupuncture appt [I'm serious] cheers
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-27-2005 05:54 AM
Karen-A suggestion on the water issue. I started taking "Smart Water" with me. It has electrolytes added, and no flavorings whatsoever. It tastes just like water. Nothing to upset your stomach. I really like it. I was afraid that it might affect the poop issue, but it hasn't. It may help you after your stops and dehydration, rather than regular water. I got mine at Sweetbay, and then my daughter bought me a case from her fitness center where she works.Mine is also more so in the morning than the afternoons, but sometimes if I run too close to eating, it will happen then also. Good runs to all! ------------------
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-03-2005 07:22 AM
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.Same old broken record here.
Haven't contacted the new GI doc [referral to a bio-feedback specialist from my regular GI doc]....I'm basically tired of trying to find an answer right now. (Fed up, I suppose.)
I will let this feeling pass, and then possibly connect with the specialist. hang in there ------------------
On Wisconsin TurtleXing
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-13-2005 06:17 AM
:::bump:::Any good news updates?
How are things "going" for all of the 'colon-ists' ?
OY! I had one issue-free run last week....but it was only due to a double dose of imodium intervention! HA!
No such luck this week, since I am not relying on the imodium for each run. cheers
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-17-2005 06:25 AM
Karen-I saw the Indy pictures. You were so funny with the monkey around your neck. You looked great rooting everyone on.I was able to go 13 yesterday with no problems! I must be eating right or something. Good runs to all. ------------------
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-17-2005 07:24 AM
shelley,
HA! We had a blast!
Did you see my portojohn shirt?
so, if you're having successful runs [eating right] PLEEEEZ fill in details to the rest of us
I'm home today with a horrid case of laryngitis/draining/coughing.....had wanted to run, but the lungs probably won't cooperate. cheers to all
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