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colon issues (sorry)

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SummerLynn Member	posted May-21-2007 11:24 AM I've spent quite a bit of time reading the posts and I am glad to see that a few of you are still around from the original posts. I am amazed at your dedication to running even with such an embarrasing situation. Props to all of you. I don't have this issue, but after I exercise I often have an extremely loose BM and I hope this situation doesn't get worse. I have never been a runner before (done lots of other things) so I hope running doesn't cause an issue for me. I know my hubby has this issue (only sometimes) when he runs and I think he has run less because of it. I'll let him know about some of the things that were suggested in this thread. The immodium thing might be just what he needs. Thanks to all of you who are an inspiration to others. IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-31-2007 05:54 AM g'morn ~bump~ IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted Jun-12-2007 05:00 AM Just bumping up for the peeps that need this discussion. IP: Logged
CHA Cool Runner	posted Jun-13-2007 03:48 PM I have been running on average about 40-50 miles a week for over 10 years including speed work and long runs. I have only run 3 marathons during that time and got up to 70 miles a week. I have never had issues during a run but I usually have to go 2 or 3 times prior to a run before I am comfortable that I won't have an accident. This is particularly the case just before a road race. I have had bleeding 'roids for some time (colonoscopies clean). I also have CVID which is an autoimmune disorder that impacts the gut amoungst many other things but foretunately I have been relatively asymptomatic and healthy up until last year. Last year I was anemic and experiencing more bleeding than normal. The doctors did not think that the 'roids could bleed enough to lead to the level of anemia that I had. Also, due to the CVID I am at risk for small bowel lymphoma and gastric cancer so they did every scope, scan and GI test there is. When those did not show anything positive they decided to do exploratory surgery on my small bowel. Foretunately they did not detect any tumors and biopsies were negative but my entire small bowel had thickened. Apparently this is pretty typical for those of us with CVID. As it turns out the 'riods were causing most of the bleeding and so they banded those and put me on an iron supplement that has helped. CVID causes low blood counts and the 'roids put me in the danger zone. I had Lyme disease during that time to boot! I suspect the antibiotics I was on can do a number on the GI tract as well. I mentioned to every doctor I saw that I had been running hard for the past 10 years and that I had read that this can cause GI irritation and bleeding but none of them were aware of this. Once I recovered from the surgery and my iron counts were OK I eased back into running. I did my first race last week and am nearly back to peak performance and training levels. I have also noticed during that time that my bowel habits have changed from one normal movement in the morning to 2, 3 or 4 loose movements a day particularly in the mornings before I run. I eat Yogurt every day and I have experimented on and off with Fiber and various vitamin supplements. I am wondering if there are any potential long term GI damage risks with my running. My autoimmune deficiency complicates matters but I am going to hope the the health benefits outweigh the risks. I was ready to except that my racing days were behind me (age 45) but once I started passing people in that 10K race at nearly a 6 minute/mile pace I was hooked again! IP: Logged
CHA Cool Runner	posted Jun-13-2007 03:57 PM I have been running on average about 40-50 miles a week for over 10 years including speed work and long runs. I have only run 3 marathons during that time and got up to 70 miles a week. I have never had issues during a run but I usually have to go 2 or 3 times prior to a run before I am comfortable that I won't have an accident. This is particularly the case just before a road race. I have had bleeding 'roids for some time (colonoscopies clean). I also have CVID which is an autoimmune disorder that impacts the gut amoungst many other things but foretunately I have been relatively asymptomatic and healthy up until last year. Last year I was anemic and experiencing more bleeding than normal. The doctors did not think that the 'roids could bleed enough to lead to the level of anemia that I had. Also, due to the CVID I am at risk for small bowel lymphoma and gastric cancer so they did every scope, scan and GI test there is. When those did not show anything positive they decided to do exploratory surgery on my small bowel. Foretunately they did not detect any tumors and biopsies were negative but my entire small bowel had thickened. Apparently this is pretty typical for those of us with CVID. As it turns out the 'riods were causing most of the bleeding and so they banded those and put me on an iron supplement that has helped. CVID causes low blood counts and the 'roids put me in the danger zone. I had Lyme disease during that time to boot! I suspect the antibiotics I was on can do a number on the GI tract as well. I mentioned to every doctor I saw that I had been running hard for the past 10 years and that I had read that this can cause GI irritation and bleeding but none of them were aware of this. Once I recovered from the surgery and my iron counts were OK I eased back into running. I did my first race last week and am nearly back to peak performance and training levels. I have also noticed during that time that my bowel habits have changed from one normal movement in the morning to 2, 3 or 4 loose movements a day particularly in the mornings before I run. I eat Yogurt every day and I have experimented on and off with Fiber and various vitamin supplements. I am wondering if there are any potential long term GI damage risks with my running. My autoimmune deficiency complicates matters but I am going to hope the the health benefits outweigh the risks. I was ready to except that my racing days were behind me (age 45) but once I started passing people in that 10K race at nearly a 6 minute/mile pace I was hooked again! IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted Jun-14-2007 05:31 AM CHA-Wow, what an amazing story. I hope you can find some answers. Sometimes drs. just don't know enough. I wouldn't stop running though. I am 54, and have had to stop for 1 year (due to foot issues.) I absolutely miss it and feel the running is what helps keep us young. Good luck. IP: Logged
jm0421 Member	posted Jun-17-2007 10:40 PM Hi all, good to see that everyone is talking about this. I recently started running (2-3 miles a day 3-4 times a week) and am having some of the same problems. Usually I just get sick (you all know what I'm talking about) a couple hours after my runs but today I got sick about a mile into my run and had to walk the rest of the way to avoid a really embarrassing situation. I'm going to try the Immodium and keep you posted but am concerned as I'm doing so few miles and am only 23 (no kids). IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted Jun-22-2007 07:18 AM g'morn no news...same old, same old....I just keep checking back in, hoping that someone has found a miracle cure for me to try ~cheers~ IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted Jul-04-2007 03:28 PM bumping up for those of you with this problem.... IP: Logged
LauraBeth Member	posted Jul-06-2007 03:57 PM Heksie... eat right now or you will end up with an ostomy bag like me. I'm finally getting over feeling sorry for my self and will start running again. But don't want that bag to fall off or leak...running with an ostomy bag would be interesting topic if any are out there. Laura Beth quote: Originally posted by Heksie: Hi all, Although this is my first post I've been following this thread with interest because I too have UC. Last year I had a very bad flare-up while "trying" to train for the TCM. The Dr's put me on steroids, antibiotics but nothing helped and they were starting to talk about surgery.... It was scary. Any case, this thread gave me some ideas to try and after a lot of research I tried changing my diet and funnily enough the flare-up just died and I lost the terrible bloating and abdominal pains. I also lost about 4 inches around my waist. I did NOT lose weight (but that was never my intention). Gained more enegery too. I have also cut back on my Asacol from 4 3x pd to 2pd! * I eliminated anything that is white, or made of "white": sugar, flour (and that includes breaded foods or battered foods); bananas; potatoes (in any form) * I replaced above with whole wheat foods but in LIMITED quantities * I upped my fruit/veggies and upped protein intake (talking chicken/fish here but not a lot of red meat) It worked for me! Feedback would be appreciated.. Thanks h ------------------ If you do the same, you get the same...change directions! IP: Logged
LauraBeth Member	posted Jul-06-2007 04:03 PM Mandle, I also have the total colectomy a year ago...so depressed gained a ton of weight and on a mission to start running again to loose it. Will train for the 1/2 marathon in Houston'08! I have never been on a long run with heat with this bag... Have any good tips? Help Please! Laura Beth quote: Originally posted by Mandle1978: God, I love this thread. I'm a new runner (just started in August) training for my first marathon in January. I also have no colon. I had a total colectomy almost 10 years ago (wow ... time flies when you're stuck on the crapper). I cannot tell you all how much I identified with every post I've read on this board. It might just become my new favorite thread. I haven't really had a ton of issues with my lack-of-colon and running, but I just wanted to say hey and throw out my support to everyone who has to deal with various IBS/Crohn's issues!! Mandi IP: Logged
LauraBeth Member	posted Jul-06-2007 04:08 PM Do you have a jpouch? I might get one after losing the weight but don't want the rushing to the bathroom started up again. Also want to sleep all night??? Just curious? Wish it was easier to find these posts with search or start different topics the makes it easier to find?? Lb quote: Originally posted by Mandle1978: Ulcerative Colitis, actually. But I keep getting infections in my inside pouch (pouchitis) that makes the dr.s think it might have been Crohn's after all. But I've been more or less healthy for the majority of those ten years, so the distinction of Crohn's vs. Colitis doesn't matter a ton to me. IP: Logged
jansd Cool Runner	posted Jul-09-2007 07:14 PM I have browsed through this thread but admitedly have not gone through all 24+ pages. Here's my story. Any comments or suggestions? I had an episode of ulcerative proctitis around 25 years ago. I took prednisone enemas and it eventually cleared up. At the time, I did not run much, just a few miles now and then, but I did almost daily ballet classes. Fast forward to summer of 07. I've been running regularly for over 10 years now. Until this summer, I was an afternoon and evening runner. My training goal this spring was to get used to running in the morning since most races are in the morning, and I usually feel like crap (sorry) at morning races. I am definitely not a morning person, never have been. I only try to make one or two of my runs a morning run every week, and the results from a running point of view have been OK. But I started having terrible cramps and diarrhea after my first few morning runs. Then the cramps and D started before my run. ... and continued after but (not during). It seems as if after the first few big episodes of cramping and D, my intestines have been irritated and not gone back to normal. Then the bleeding started, and the bloating and mucus, and the rest of it..... basically all the same symptoms as I had over 25 years ago. Anyway, doctor visit, no 'roid issues, and I'm scheduled for a sigmoidoscopy soon. I wonder whether anyone else has experienced any colon change for the worse after making a change in their running habits, like switching to morning from evening. Anyone? IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted Jul-10-2007 07:36 AM Jan-Sounds like you are starting a major flare to me. I started out 25 years ago with procititis also, but it has developed over the years to UC, because everytime I had a flare the ulcerations went farther up the colon. I'm surprised the dr is scheduling a siggie instead of colonoscopy. Running in the morning was always better for me. I would run about 1 mile, then come home to do my "business". Most of the time that would work. Of course, there were many times when I would have awful accidents and had to come home with a huge mess of myself to clean up. If I were you, I would take a few rest days until you have the sig and ask the dr what he thinks. I would have to stop running completely while in a full blown flare. Good luck to you and let us know what happens. IP: Logged
jansd Cool Runner	posted Aug-05-2007 06:29 PM I saw a new gastroenterologist last week (my first retired). I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy this Thursday. I learned some interesting things. First, I don't get the easy, drink-it-at once cleanser. The doctor said that was mildly caustic and can mess with the lining of your colon to the point that it could screw up an accurate diagnosis, especially in a case where they're pretty sure they're going to find some irritation or ulceration. So, it's clears starting 24h before and the gallon of nasty to drink. Second, the doctor said he had never heard of a case of someone going over 20 years between flares of UC. (The only other time for me was in 1984. I had a colonoscopy 5 years ago that was clear, although they didn't get very far as apparently I have a lot of scarring as a result of a really bad ruptured appendix when I was 18.) He's wondering whether it isn't some combination of irritable bowel and internal hemorrhoids. (My internist was fairly certain it wasn't internal h's, but...) Anyway, I'm eager to get some answers. I haven't run for two weeks, as I am so uncomfortable. I have now read through this entire thread. ShellyM, I felt a moment of instant kinship with you when I read that you were just "blowing blood and mucus." That's where I am right now. Blech! My internist gave me a prescription for those wonderful prednisone enemas, but I have not had it filled. I want to get a real diagnosis before starting with those. ... again, after over 20 years. I'll post again after I get scoped on Thursday. IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted Aug-06-2007 05:41 AM Jansd-Please do let us know. I am starting the blood and mucous now. I usually have a flare at the beginning of the school year (I work as a school bookkeeper.) I would wait for the test to start the enemas also, since you probably can't hold it in anyway. Back when mine started, I had to be on liquids for 3 days because they didn't have all the fancy preps available. Once again, good luck and keep us posted! IP: Logged
jansd Cool Runner	posted Aug-23-2007 08:18 PM Two weeks after my colonoscopy... just started meds, already feeling better. I'm taking topical mesalamine ("canasa"). Colonoscopy results: small poyp (removed), generally irritated lower colon, with two very ulcerated areas. My doctor really did not want to speculate about the causes of this, but he agrees that my 15k race on July 15 could have been the tipping point. The change to morning running upset my normal routine to the point where my colon was irritable. Perhaps bowel ischemia during the race pushed me over the edge... again, just speculation but definitely possible. In any case, I have been running not so much during the past several weeks, but as things quiet down, I think I can start getting back into a routine. Thanks for listening, everybody! Jan IP: Logged
bigapplepie Cool Runner	posted Sep-02-2007 07:56 AM I wouldn't take Ibroprufen before a long run. You never know what the side-efects might be. I have found the only solution is to go out and run around the block to warm-up. At that point I'm ready to go. I'll nip back inside, use the bathroom and then start my run. IP: Logged
mmichael66 Member	posted Sep-02-2007 11:22 PM quote: Originally posted by bigapplepie: I wouldn't take Ibroprufen before a long run. You never know what the side-efects might be. I have found the only solution is to go out and run around the block to warm-up. At that point I'm ready to go. I'll nip back inside, use the bathroom and then start my run. hi. i was directed to this thread because i have a similar problem with bowel movements. prior to giving birth to my first daughter, who is now 22 months, i never had this problem. back in 2003, i ran the half mary and one month later, the full mary. never did i have problems with bowel movements. as a response to your quote about running around before a long run, i have done that and it did not work. i still needed to use the bathroom about an hour into my long run. luckily, i decided to do my 10 mile run on the treadmill. uck! i really missed running outside. anyway, the only reason i decided to run on treadmill is that i would not have problems looking for a bathroom. i have had bad experiences running long runs outside, and that was not fun at all. in the past few months, before my long runs, i have tried immodium right before my run, 1 hour before my run, 2 hours before my run, and even the night before right before i go to bed. that still does not work. although, now that i am writing this reply, i have noticed that if i drink about 16 oz. of water before my run, even 2 hours before my run. i do end up with bm later into my run. so unfortuately, sometimes before my run, i would drink no more than a swig of water in order for me to last, even, my 5 miles, or sometimes, even 8. with me, it seems that if i drink lots of water before my long run, my would have an onset of bm later into my run. i will run a half mary this coming sun., and pray that if i do not drink before my run and just sip gatorade throughout my race, i should be fine and would not have a bm. IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted Sep-03-2007 06:04 AM My trick was to drink coffee, wait 1 hr, then run up and down my block (2 miles,) then come back home. That usually emptied me out back when I was able to run. There were times when into my run at about 7 miles I would start having problems, but most of the time it worked. Jansd-I'm surprised you have polyps. I've been told that most UC patients don't get them. I guess you are one of the lucky few that does. IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted Sep-03-2007 06:16 AM g'morn I continue to try anything and everything with no success. I've resigned myself to never running in the daylight in public....darkness at 4am or the TM are my options. I have never competed or trained for races [just a fitness jogger], so I guess this will have to do for me. oy :sad: IP: Logged
jansd Cool Runner	posted Sep-03-2007 04:48 PM quote: Originally posted by ShelleyM: Jansd-I'm surprised you have polyps. I've been told that most UC patients don't get them. I guess you are one of the lucky few that does. My doctor and I are not convinced it is actually UC. It is unheard of to be totally symptom free for 25 years! I'm convinced that upsetting my evening-only running routine (we're talking decades) caused some kind of bowel irritation and the stress of a 15k race was sort of a tipping point... there may have been some ischemia contributing. My first UC-like symptoms started the day after the race, although my bowel habits had started changing significantly when I started running in the morning a few months before. Of course, my whole purpose in switching to mornings was to be more comfortable in races, which usually are in the morning. ... anyway... I'm back to easy running now, and back to afternoons and evenings... No emergency porta-potty stops, no other symptoms. IP: Logged
pinklady Member	posted Sep-11-2007 08:40 PM Hi, I am new to the list and this is my first post. I stumbled upon Cool Running while searching the internet for answers to just the topic that you are discussing here. I started having problems with having to go about 2 miles into my run last year around the same time that I started having issues with my sciatic nerve and pain down my right leg. I have been running for 20 plus years and this is the first time I have had a problem like this. I have been seeing a chiropractor for my sciatica for about three months, and have seen some improvement. Yesterday my primary care physician told me that the "having to go" problem was not because of my sciatica, but because my rectal muscles are shot from when I delivered my son. But my son is 15 years old and this is the first time that I have ever had this issue. I have read through most of the posts in this thread, and first of all I want to say that I am so grateful to discover that I am not the only runner who has had the humiliation of an accident during a run -- thank you all for that! What I can't seem to get straight is the consensus on what is better tactic pre-run. To eat and drink so that I can "clean myself out before a run", or to eat things that are constipating and drink very little to keep from having to go. I run in the late afternoon, and I'm not sure if I need to change breakfast and lunch or just lunch. Any thoughts? Thanks IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted Sep-13-2007 06:23 AM Pinklady-How long after lunch do you run and do you eat a hearty lunch or light lunch? I would wait at least 3 hrs after. Also, I would make sure not to eat anything that has much fiber at lunch. Just a thought. ------------------ My Profile IP: Logged
pinklady Member	posted Sep-13-2007 12:47 PM I run at least three hours after lunch. I eat what I would consider a light lunch, but I probably have more fiber than I should. I don't eat much meat, so I am usually trying to get protein for lunch. I eat cashews and raisins, and soy cheese with organic wheat crackers. I usually have a diet soda too. I tend to drink a lot of water throughout the afternoon in an effort to "clean out" before I run, but sometimes that backfires on me if I can't "go" enough before my run. IP: Logged

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