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colon issues (sorry)

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Author	Topic: colon issues (sorry)
Biohazard Member	posted May-19-2005 07:46 AM I too have not read this whole thread. But from what I have read I don't see any mention about "intestinal flora." Some of what folks describe here might be helped by keeping the colon colonized with the appropriate bacteria. Fermented foods are good for this. Yogurt with active cultures (the more the better) are probably the most accessible but you can also get them from capsules sold at a health food store. If you go for the capsules get one that also has FOS or fructooligosaccharides included. Best regards. ------------------ A Coward in a Brave New World. IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-19-2005 02:20 PM thanks for the suggestion I eat cultured yogurt every day AND take florjean tablets.... no help at all I'M A FREAK in fact, today I 'relieved' myself 5 min before the run and STILL had to stop at the local police station at mile 2... I'm truly a freak IP: Logged
korts Cool Runner	posted May-19-2005 04:59 PM I've been following this thread with much interest. I went through a spell where I dealt with just your issue, portajohn. I had some "accidents" and I ducked behind many a tree. I learned to plan my runs around where there were public restrooms. Amazingly, the situation resolved itself with no medical intervention. I had tried cutting out coffee, cutting out milk, cutting out eating anytime within 12 hours of my run (!) and none of those things worked. The only thing that seems to have changed my situation was when the stress level in my life went way down. My experience with the trots started when I found out that my mother had breast cancer and then I lost my dream job and found myself unemployed and friendless in a strange town. I wish that I could offer you some suggestions. I'm just putting my story out there to let you know that those of you who suffer from this are not alone, and that there is hope. ------------------ korts Me There's a sandwich in every beer. "I bet your sink puts your vaginal hygiene in the shade." - muscatel1988 IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-19-2005 06:47 PM korts, You're a sweetheart for posting...thnx I never ever have this problem with any of my weight training, biking, aerobics, plyometric drills, etc....just running and walking. It has GOT to have something to do with the combination of motion, the angle of pressure on the 'inner plumbing', age, hormones, and some other [unknown] reasons enough of the whine fest for tonight....sorry....off to eat dinner, then relax and read toodles IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-19-2005 06:49 PM btw, korts....hope all is well in your personal/life situation now best of luck to you IP: Logged
Natalie00 unregistered	posted May-19-2005 08:45 PM Hi, I just found this thread! Oh my gosh, I thought I was the only one running around with colitis!! I am so sorry for what you've been going through. My situation is a little different but still scary. The only reason I know I have colitis is because a couple of times a year, I end up in the emergency room with bloody (like a hemhorrage) diahrrea and cramps so bad, I'd rather have a baby. They always do the same thing; give me antibiotics and an IV drip of demoral w/ a prescription of vicodin to go. It's been this way for a decade and then just last month I finally had a colonoscopy. The GI doc said I had colitis and that there is NO WAY I should be able to run a marathon. I'm taking the meds he prescribed, and I'm still training for my first marathon to be run June 5th. I'm scared as sin, but the training has gone well except that I never made it over 18 miles. I do all of your tricks. I get up wa-ay early to eat raisin bran and drink coffee to make sure I don't have an issue later. It works for me. I try to make sure I'm all empty for long runs which is why I may be hitting this wall at mile 18. It is a relief to finally find out what was wrong with me. Before my diagnosis I just felt like a freak. After all that worry, the colonoscopy wasn't even bad. I don't remember a thing. The prep was no fun, but the colonoscopy? Easy as cake. THANKS YOU GUYS FOR THIS THREAD!! You're so brave. Natalie IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted May-20-2005 05:38 AM Natalie-What does the dr. have you on now? When I have a bad flare, he puts me on prednisone. That's why I don't go there unless I'm at a loss for doing anything. The only thing that really does the trick for me is the pred, and I hate the bloat and weight gain associated with it. I even start getting hand cramps from it when I am on large doses. BTW, what type do you have is it ulcerative? I've had it for 20 years, so I can definitly relate to you! I have been taking Colozal for the last 2 years to keep it under control. Right now I have upped the dosage, since I am flaring. I will be on the Colozal for the rest of my life, according to the dr. Right now I am blowing lots of blood and mucous, but I try to get it all out before I run. I have never run a marathon, but I really think that you can do it, if you are prepared enough. Stop for porta potty breaks when necessary. I did this on my last 1/2 marathon. I was one of the last people in, but at least I didn't have an accident in front of everyone! Good luck! ------------------ My Profile [This message has been edited by ShelleyM (edited May-20-2005).] IP: Logged
runnerbee Cool Runner	posted May-20-2005 11:40 AM I don't have colon problems but the GI doc accused me of having them and gave me nulev which is supposed to help colon spasms. Have any of you folks tried it? From his description it sounds like the perfect solution but since I thought the doc was out of touch I don't know that i can trust anything he said. I just thought I'd put it out there. These are a prescription tablet you put under your tongue when you feel a spasm coming on (or he said times when you would get them). My problem is some kind of nerve damage following gallbladder surgery but since it RUQ pain and they were messing around in the GI area, they sent me fishing! I'm on a hopefully more helpful track now. Still no running or riding :-( IP: Logged
Natalie00 unregistered	posted May-20-2005 02:32 PM Shelley, this whole colitis thing is mind boggling for me. I have proctitis colitis? It's just the colon. Something like that. I've been trying to ignore it for close to 15 years (I'm 36 now) until my hospital trips were getting to be quarterly as opposed to bi-yearly. Can you imagine the middle of the night Christmas, I got so sick my husband took me to the hospital and my kids woke up Christmas morning to no one being home!! DH told our oldest daughter because she's 14, but our little guy had no idea. I HATE BEING THIS WAY! Doc has me on Canasa because it has the fewest side effects and I am awful at taking any meds. I flat out refuse most anything. But he says if I just do it for a couple of months I could be in remission for a while. The strange thing is that once I'm running, I don't have poop issues. It's always, I wake up from a sound sleep to a 12 hour shift of bloody diahrrea. Or if I get the slightest bit nervous or scared, I'll s*it myself literally. Like a near miss fender bender or if one of the kids gets hurt. It's like, "Yes Honey, I know you fell off your bike and you're hurt, but mommy has to run to the potty before we get a band-aid." But I AM running this marathon and I will finish (hopefully in four and a half hours), and I will be in control if it kills me. Yeah, I know I'm sounding a little neurotic now, but it's so darned frustrating. Thank you all for sharing. It's so embarrassing and yuck...you know what I mean. Natalie IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted May-20-2005 06:29 PM Natalie-Most of the time over the years mine stayed in the lower colon and I had to use cortenemas (yuck!!) I had to do 1 at night and 1 in the morning. I hate them! If your proctitis doesn't clear up, they may have to do that. Over the years, though everytime I get a flare, the ulcers get higher and higher up the colon. I am 51, and have had it since my late 20's. I have a colonoscopy every 3 years. For awhile, I was having them yearly, but this last time (which was about 2 years ago,) they said I could wait 3 years, even though the colitis had gone farther up. I have been in remission for quite sometime, but I fear I have a big flare coming. What I am experiencing now is the usual start of a violent flareup. I have never had to be hospitalized for it though, thank goodness! If I would take my pills like I am supposed to I probably wouldn't be having this either. But I do know what you mean about the stress. Whenever I get nervous about something, I have to run to the bathroom. I really hate this! It seems sometimes that my flare comes on after the really tough times have settled down. I think that's what's happening right now. The sad part is that the running relieves the stress for me, but it is a vicious circle not being able to run without a potty break! ------------------ My Profile IP: Logged
yogini runner Cool Runner	posted May-20-2005 08:52 PM Hiya, I've been reading the previous posts with interest. I've my colon issues down on long runs, but increased intensity=increased excitement in the bathroom.(or woods) Neg. Colonoscopy on Monday, except some internal hemorroids that help explain the bleeding. the mucus is from the cells lining the colon doing what they are supposed to do to coat the stool...it just doesnt' have time to adhere and has to come out anyway. follow up with GI doc. is in 4 months....Guess I'm on my own to figure out 'timing' and trigger foods. Cutting out lactose has helped. Increasing fiber currently to to time movements. Guess it would help if I ran in the morning or evening all the time. Thanks for the thread. Keep it going, this is a real issue. I suggested it was a topic for research to my GI doc. BTW, I'm 33, no kids, 35-40 mpw, training for a half in 2 weeks. IP: Logged
graingirl Cool Runner	posted May-21-2005 12:18 AM I've been reading this thread simply because I'm amazed at the dedication all of you who suffer with this condition have! There are some people who can't even make-up excuses as good as the one you all have for not running, yet you remain committed. Wow~ I'm impressed! I just had a thought, and I will say first off that I really don't know much about this condition, but what if you maintained a liquid diet a day or two prior to the race? Or, does what you eat not matter?? Not a starvation diet, mind you, just somewhat bland, liquid or very soft diet ~ broths, mashed potatoes, jello, apple juice, mashed bananas, applesauce, etc... IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted May-21-2005 05:13 AM For me, the liquid diet wouldn't help, but it may help some of the others. I don't think that it's enough fuel to take you through a long race though. Just my opinion. Getting myself ready for a 7 miler today. Hopefully I'll make it through! Hey, at least my weight is going down from all the bathroom trips! IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-21-2005 06:36 AM Happy Weekend, 'colonists' shelley, have fun on the 7 miler....how's the heat/humidity? GAK I cannot tolerat the stuff! LOL Today I'll be heading out on the road bike [no issues on the bike!] on this BEAUTIFUL sunny wisconsin day I'd like to put in 30-35 miles, but not sure if I've got the window of time...hope so! Off the colon topic: I've been having a bad body week as far as the running: tired legs, lethagic, SLOW, achy. Can't figure it out!?! I'm sure its a combo of allergies, sleep deprivation, heat, a running plateau, stress, yadda I am TRYING to get better at this sport, but am frustrated this week. I may not run tomorrow to give myself the mental + physical break....do any of you ever do this? IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-21-2005 06:45 AM yogini, Welcome. How have you managed to control the 'issues' on the long runs? Great theat your colonoscopy was 'negative'. My second GI appt is June 6th, and I'm guessing she'll order a colonoscopy for me as our next step. Graingirl, Thanks for your suggestions. I might try that experiment once in awhile; however, since mine is an 'every time i run' occurance, it wouldn't be feasible each day. IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted May-21-2005 09:05 AM Awesome run for me today. No colon issues. I didn't eat anything before I ran, since it was a rather short one for me. I did have my 2 cups of caffeine before I went out, though. The weather is hot and humid. Ugh!! I have to get acclimated again to this heat. Anyway everything considering, I really enjoyed the 7.4 miler today. I'm hoping for 13 tomorrow. Depends on how the stomach holds out though. IP: Logged
hoochifyd Cool Runner	posted May-22-2005 01:45 PM portojohn - yep, I've given myself a break for a week. It really, really helps me get back on track, like my body was forcing me to rest when my mind wanted to keep on pushing. So if you can make sure you start up again, I'd take the break. For me, this weekend had mixed results. I PR'd at the 10k today... but my stomach has been really upset, since I really pushed myself. I have noticed that increased intensity (as happens in long runs and hard, shorter runs) equals increased bowel trouble and urgency to go. My troubles make me naseaus... and I am still feeling the queasiness and unruliness in my stomach over 4 hours later I didn't use the Immodium today, as I didn't want to get sick during the race (Immodium tends to make me even more nauseous)... so I think that's why I'm still having "issues" so late after the race. So I still haven't made it for a run past 55 minutes where I didn't have issues. My solution thus far has been to have a bathroom near to me... I now refuse to run if there isn't one along the way or nearby. sigh If I can't get past issues this weekend, I can't let myself do the 10 mile trail race I had scheduled in two weeks. No way. Someday maybe... but not just yet... ------------------ * Carrie * www.carrie.cc/running www.carrie.cc me@carrie.cc IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted May-22-2005 04:56 PM Carrie-A trail race is what did me in. I have no idea why, but maybe it was the falling down twice and the very hot and humid weather that it was (even though it was in January.) It was a 1/2 trail run. It took me over 3 hours due to the colon stuff. I have vowed never to run that race again. They just have the website up for next year, but I have promised myself after trying it twice that I won't do it again. I think you are wise about not doing it this time. Your 10K was great! Congrats on being able to make it. I really understand your pain and I hope you are feeling better later. You should probably rest tomorrow. I had a nice 13 miler today with no poop problems. I came home at mile 5 to take a bathroom break just in case, but everything was fine. ------------------ My Profile [This message has been edited by ShelleyM (edited May-22-2005).] IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-22-2005 05:27 PM wow carrie and shelley....great results for both of you! my last run was a slothlike 3 miles on the TM on friday [no poop stops...amazingly] my legs have been fried this week/I need to tell myself that it's ok to run slowly....and not constantly try to get faster [even tho I'm slow when I'm fast. LOL] yesterday did a 31 mile KILLER HILLS bike ride, so bagged today's run and mowed the yard instead...it is almost as tough to push our mower for an hour as it is to run....and my legs are wiped AGAIN!?!?!? The plan is to pledge to GO SLOWLY and take it easy all week and not care about times or pace...I want to get faster yes, but for the next few weeks my plan is to focus on gaining mileage, not speed. take care ANN!?!? Are you out there!?!?! come post IP: Logged
sandijam Cool Runner	posted May-22-2005 07:27 PM I had unbelievable cramps and had to go to the bathroom after having a Clif shot today while running. Anyone else have a problem with gels? I don't remember this happening with Power gels. IP: Logged
ShelleyM Cool Runner	posted May-23-2005 05:43 AM I haven't had that problem with gels, but then again I don't take them that often. I just started taking a few jelly beans. Yesterday I had 2 at mile 7 and 2 at mile 10 with some water. It didn't affect my stomach. Portapotty-I run very, very slooowww--I just can't get fast. I have given up on doing that. For me, I concentrate on endurance. I am having very bad stomach problems this morning. I have already had to change my undies once. Don't know if I'll make a run this afternoon after work or not. I'll see. Have a great day all you colonites! ------------------ My Profile IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-23-2005 06:12 AM shelly, interesting on the gels vs jelly beans..doesn't sheila [on WW threads] use gummi worms or sourpatch kids? And sorry that your gut is getting the best of you: does it flare up after alot of miles? Didn't you do a 13 miler yesterday? I don't use gels while running due to GI issues, but on the bike, they work wonders! [Go figure] I got up early and ran 4 today....and did better at attempting to use my 'pledge' to ignore the watch. In fact, I'm not posting ANY times/just mileage the rest of this month on the coolrunning log. Unfortunately, I had to make 3 po0 stops within these 4 miles...ARGH...thank goodness for the cover of darkness. IP: Logged
yogini runner Cool Runner	posted May-23-2005 06:27 AM Hi, To address the issue on long runs, it has taken time for my body to acclimate to them. Since there are rarely time and scheduling issues I can usually time the run according to my colon's needs. The pace is not top speed, hydration seems to be key to staying ahead of the curve and recovering without a complete evac. post run. To the rest of you out there, do all of you run about the same time of day every time? I'm trying to figure out how to accomodate moring and evening runs with eating. So glad we're all in this together! IP: Logged
wherestheportojohn Cool Runner	posted May-23-2005 07:20 AM yogini, I have these poop issues no matter WHEN I run.....no matter what distance, and no matter whether it's outside or on the TM. during the winter I typically run at noon; however in the heat and during the summer [I'm a teacher], I'm out the door by 4:15am I never eat before going out at that early hour....not willing to get up at 3am to eat and digest. I am going to have to learn to get up and eat a banana or something if I plan on ever going longer than 5 miles on an empty tank IP: Logged
sandijam Cool Runner	posted May-23-2005 10:21 AM thanks for the info that others have offered re: gels. I'm now giving some thought to using gummies, jubes, life savers etc. on longer runs and in marathon races. Is it just the sugar that's helpful? Some people I run with use gummies, lifesavers but I guess I thought gels would be more convenient and better...certainly are more expensive...any other thoughts on the gels vs. candy idea? thanks everyone for info! IP: Logged

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