| Author |
Topic: colon issues (sorry) |
nance54
unregistered |
 posted Jun-14-2006 09:42 PM
 
Hi, I am new to this forum, but I have just started to suffer having to go to the bathroom while out on a run. Has started to hit me at the 2 mile mark. I have run for 20 years and have never had these problems before. Had a hysterectomy 2 months ago with no problems, now this...looking for some help and suggestions..
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-15-2006 06:07 AM
 
I don't have any help or suggestions...just want to say 'welcome' to our "colon-y" and feel free to vent/rant here.
Even if we don't have answers, we at least have sympathy!
btw, my urges often begin to hit around the 2 mile mark as well...even after my pre-run potty visit. Yikes!
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-16-2006 05:35 AM
Wow, I'm so sorry I haven't checked in for awhile.Runningdawn-You are to be applauded for finishing! I ran a 1/2 with problems and pledged to myself I wouldn't try it again after having such problems. Marlene-Have you been to a GI to make sure that you don't have IBD? I don't want to scare you, but your symptoms are very similar to mine when I have a flare. It may just be running related, but you should really get checked out just in case. I am going through major stress right now and can't believe that I have still been able to run with no problems (knock on wood!) I haven't had to make a beeline home in a couple of months. Hi Bucky!
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-16-2006 06:06 AM
shelly,
Howdy back atcha...I've read about your concerns on the running thread, and have to say WOW as to your focus and being able to move on while under this stress!!!My WTPJ issues have improved since using the 'Align'...but have NOT disappeared. I still need to stop at least once per run...but so far not 4-6x as before!
I guess every little bit helps, eh? good luck with your family situation
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-17-2006 06:53 AM
Bumping up for runners with this "problem".
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MarleneD
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-17-2006 09:59 PM
For the record, I made it through my HM with no potty issues and afterwards I was fine... thank goodness!What I did differently this time was NO ibuprofin before the run, but I did take a couple the evening before. I also didn't use any GU, and though I hardly doubt GU would bring on the problems I suffered at the HM just 2 weeks prior I should have only eliminated the IBu. My morning routine has changed somewhat over the last few races due to the fact that there have been 4 runners staying away from home. I used to have a full course breakfast of eggs, toast and jelly, and banana. But recently has become just something light like a bagel and banana and maybe some orange slices. Again though I don't think the food I'm eating would reek havok on my system like during/after the Cleveland race. Unfortunately, I'm sidelined right now with what appears to be sciatia from piriformis pressure, but I'm still waiting to see how I feel in the next little while before investigating further. Light stretching is the only thing I'm doing for it now. ------------------
Detroit Free Press HM • Oct 23, 2005 (1:59:31)
Martian HM • April 1, 2006 (1:49:22)
Flying Pig HM • May 7, 2006 (1:51:53)
Cleveland HM • May 21, 2006 (1:50:12)
Dexter-Ann Arbor HM • June 4, 1006 (1:53:47)
(someday I may quit being so suprised that I can run these!) me
my log
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-18-2006 06:52 AM
Marlene-WTG on the HM! I am having problems with my right heel. I may have to start cycling for awhile instead of running.
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runningdawn1964
Member |
posted Jun-18-2006 12:12 PM
Started taking the Align probiotic from P&G about a week ago. So far, no real improvement. I ran 10 miles on the TM yesterday and had to jump off and run to the br 4 times. I try to eat only small amounts of "safe" foods several hours before I run. Nothing has worked yet. I'm doing all of my training on the TM bc I never know when I'll need to go. This is a really frustrating problem. I have a checkup with my Dr next month so, I'll ask him (again) if he has any new suggestions. I really don't want to use the immodium. I tried it in the past and it seemed to make matters worse. I'm off to the TM. I will be watching the US open and cheering for Phil. Happy running!
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Bugs34
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-21-2006 11:48 AM
Your problems sound bigger than this solution but, if your not already taking fish pills take. Probably 4-6 a day.
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runningdawn1964
Member |
posted Jun-21-2006 04:11 PM
Thanks for the suggestion. I am taking omega-3 fish oil daily, as well as a mulit-vitamin. On today's 10 miler, I only had to stop for the br once. Maybe the Align is working after all. I've also changed my pre-run meal. I am now eating about 1/4 cup oatmeal and 1/2 banana about 1 or 2 hours before running.
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SkeeterMC
Member |
posted Jun-27-2006 07:34 PM
Hey people, I need some advice. Usually I need to take a trip to the
bathroom at least 2 to 3 times a day, especially if I'm at work. The
wierd thing is that I have this "nervous" feeling in the pit of my
stomach that really sets it off. And its soo annoying because when I go
anywhere I have to worry about the bathroom. Camping is really a pain.
I get this "nervous" feeling before I run, so I have to make sure I go
right before. And I went running for the first time with a partner,
which really got me "nervous" and of course half way through the run, I
felt that I really had to go. What is this feeling?? I've had this for
years, and I never told anyone about it. Is there something I can take
on a daily basis, even if I dont run, because this definetely affects
me when I'm not running and when I run. And when I go to the bathroom
(especially now that I'm at work) I feel like I'm not "empty". Lol.
This is such a wierd topic. haha. But glad I can finally ask someone
about it!
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-29-2006 05:30 AM
Skeeter, I would make an appt with a GI to make sure that you don't have IBS or IBD. Sounds like your stomach reacts to any kind of stress. Good luck!I had bad news on Tuesday. I can't run for 4-6 weeks. I am so depressed. I do want to buy a good bike, but I don't think it will ever compare to running.
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kristin810
Member |
posted Jul-05-2006 07:02 PM
Hi everyone,this topic is of special interest to me as i was diagnosed with uc about 7 months ago. i was treated and am currently in remission on maintenance medication. however, i have recently started training for my first half-marathon in october. i ran xc in highschool but stopped running once i went to college (ill be a senior this fall). i recently decided to take it back up....but this post freaked me out!! i can currently run 6 mi non-stop without the need to go to the bathroom, but i am scared to go further because of what some of you have described (ischemic colitis?). i really dont want to upset my colon!! i normally empty myself out before i run and go right when i get home...but am i setting myself up for disaster by training for this half? thanks for your advice
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-05-2006 07:44 PM
Welcome!
I am not the person to ask for help, as I need to stop 1-3x even during 6 milers...but just wanted to say howdy and hope you can find some answers!
Be sure to post anything you discover which might help us all in this journey.cheers
~karen
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-06-2006 04:59 AM
Kristin-I have had UC for many years. Don't set yourself up for a fall. You may be fine. Make sure that you take some water and some kind of nutrition with you that won't hurt your stomach. For me, skittles or jelly beans are the best and won't make the poop situation worse. If you haven't had any issues while running, then I wouldn't get all worried about it happening because that's a contributing factor as to how we got UC in the first place. You may want to experiment a longer run at the same time of day the race will be. Also, read over all the posts here. Congratulations on being in remission and make sure you take your meds consistantly. [This message has been edited by ShelleyM (edited Jul-06-2006).]
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jerri
Member |
posted Jul-08-2006 01:44 AM
This thread just goes on and on... why doesnt someone in the medical community take notice of these issues so many people are dealing with?!?!?!?I finally had a colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago and the doc says I look just fine. Yet I continue to have running-induced bleeding and rectal discomfort. Sometimes it shows up 20 mins into a run. Sometimes not until 2 hours afterward. After two years of this the only thing that seems realted to onsets is too much coffee and not enough fiber... Racing? out of the question now adays. I'm happy if I can get three 30 minute runs in in a week. Used to to be 20-40 miles a week. What is this caused by?
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browndogus
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-14-2006 06:38 AM
Wow, thanks for posting this thread. I was reading on the marathon topic and was distressed to notice that no one discussed colon "issues" other than runners trots.I have rectal incontinence due to pelvic floor injuries from the birth of my daughters. Have been to the doctor (gyn and colo/rectal) and discovered that my sphincter is missing from 10-2 (if it were measured on a clock). Other than that, my nerves and stuff are pretty OK. My family always gets the nervous poops and I am no exception - it's just worse since I can't hold them in. I just did a 10K race and have started training for a half marathon. I use enemas to "clear out" prior to my long runs. IF I have eaten OK the night before (nothing heavy, no meat), and I'm not nervous this seems to work OK but I've not gone longer than 6 miles yet. My colo/rectal doc says not to do the enema more than 1-2 times a week - I can do tap water enemas as often as necessary but haven't tried that yet. Anyone have any information on (1) safety of enemas prior to long runs, and (2) what to wear to contain "accidents"? Depends chafe me very badly.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-15-2006 03:47 PM
Wow, I really don't have info on prerun enemas. I have had to use many for my UC, but never before running. Sounds to me like a good way to empty yourself out though. As far as the Depends, have you tried using Body Glide to prevent chafing? You may want to try that. I haven't graduated to using anything. I always take my chances, which sometimes means throwing away my running tights. I do know that it's easier if you are wearing bike compression shorts. I find the compression capris are the best for "containing" any accidents.
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andiran
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-16-2006 02:34 AM
WTPJ
Hello, I mostly lurk in CH but started reading the post about colon issues and it reminded me about a time when I had the same systems that you are describing. After six weeks of perpetual pooping that seemed impervious to over the counter drugs, my wife who worked for an Internist at the time, suggested using an over the counter drug called Equalactin. I can’t remember how many I took but I do remember being amazed at how fast it worked. In three days, I was back to normal without stomach cramps. Equalactin is supposed to control diarrhea and constipation by equalizing the water in a person’s intestines. I did not finish reading all of the post and don’t know if you have the problem under control. I just wanted to share my experience and hopefully it will help. Good Luck http://www.irritable-bowel-syndrome.ws/equalactin.htm [[This message has been edited by andiran (edited Jul-16-2006).] [This message has been edited by andiran (edited Jul-16-2006).]
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-16-2006 06:06 AM
andiran,
Hey thanks for the info....I am always looking for anything to allow me to continue running.
I'm currently continuing the Metamucil routine, and have also added Align [which was advised by a poster on this thread]...align has not cured my issues; however, it HAS slowed down the horrific urgency to a 'less-than-panic' level.I'll go visit the site you've posted to read up about the product.
Thanks again and good luck with your training! browndogus,
I do what shelley has suggested: depends, babypowder, black compression shorts. It is a nasty way to get thru...but if we enjoy our sport, we'll do anything to continue, eh?
btw, I had thought that the delivery of my firstborn was one reason that I have issues...but my GI claims that everything is functioning fine. I beg to differ with her...why do I have leakage and the inability to 'suck it back up' like other folks?!
I swear there's gotta be some long term damage done from childbirth. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. LOL cheers <waving> hi shelley, how's the foot? are you still biking?
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runningdawn1964
Member |
posted Jul-16-2006 12:21 PM
I found some shorts by asics that have a thin bike-short built in rather than a brief. I have had some embarrassing moments so, I thought these might help. I gave up on the Align probiotics b/c they weren't helping much and they are pretty expensive. I began taking the Digestive Advantage for IBS. I'm willing to try just about anything at this point.
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browndogus
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-16-2006 02:47 PM
Thanks ShelleyM for your suggestions and you other folks for the other shorts ideas. My new thing to think about on long runs is creating a pair of shorts which protects like Depends but is comfy and non-chafing. On the coping strategies, I plan to try immodium next but do not hold much hope for it since I can't hold any kind of stuff in.WTPJ, if you think that you may have a sphincter issue, I would suggest consulting your Gyn or a colorectal surgeon. They do testing to see if you'd be a good candidate for repair surgery (we are still evaluating if the possible benefit of surgery is good enough for me to merit the cost/recovery time). If they haven't done the ultrasound, push/hold test and a nerve test, they likely don't know the full extent of damage to your sphincters. However, here is a link to a site which explains the surgery and also shows some "coping" suggestions: http://www.bowel-incontinence.org/fecal-incontinence-treatments/fecal-incontinence-sphincter-repair.htm Runningdawn1964, I bought some "Vive - probiotic digestive wellness" cereal (made by Kashi) this week. I tried to find it on their website, but it is not there so maybe we (Atl area) are only a test market. Anyhow, it may be worth a try - the other high fiber Kashi cereals really help me "bulk up" to help with continence. However, I read the ingredients and the main probiotic is l.acidophilus or l. casei so it might be just as easy to eat yogurt if you can. My mom and my sister swear by fiber supplements which have improved their IBS significantly. [This message has been edited by browndogus (edited Jul-16-2006).]
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-16-2006 08:51 PM
brown,
Thanks for the advice.
I've already had every colo-rectal test out there.
Yes, even the defecography....truly humiliating.
~K
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-17-2006 05:40 AM
Brown-The Kashi cereals make me have terrible stomach pains. I have never heard of the one you are trying though. Sounds interesting. Maybe once I am able to run again, I'll try and find some info about it.Karen-I am still not running. Pod sold me some inserts, which I am to use after I take the wrap off my foot on Wed. I had to promise not to run. Once the foot is 100%, I am to wait another 2 weeks. I am still biking, but my legs and thighs are getting huge from not running. Running was the only way I could keep them at a decent size. I think I'm gonna start walking some, even though dr. says not to. I have cut way back on my food, and I just can't stand this anymore. I almost wish I was in the middle of a colon flare to keep my size down. No, I don't really mean that!! ------------------
My Profile
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browndogus
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-18-2006 03:56 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by ShelleyM:
[B]Brown-The Kashi cereals make me have terrible stomach pains. Huh - that is interessting because they really help me. I guess everyone's insides are different. I, for example, realized when I tried the Weight Watchers cereals (high fiber, high protein like all my cereal) that I can't eat splenda (cramping, gas, etc) but it seems to work great for most people who are cutting out sugar. Maybe the Vive will work for you. Good luck with your recovery.
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