| Author |
Topic: colon issues (sorry) |
christa0120
Cool Runner |
 posted Mar-13-2005 02:00 PM
  
I ran a half mari today (which I could have been better trained for...but can run the distance)
At about mile 9 I had the feeling that I might need to "go" But it hurt more than anything...
Felt like I was trying to give birth more than anything else but definately wasnt productive.
I have eaten all the same things before todays race so I know it was not a food issue.
I was thinking it was some type of colits? spastic colo thing...anyone have experience with it?
and blood in the stools also?
Input welcome...ty
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myredpen
unregistered |
posted Mar-14-2005 03:42 PM
Hmm... sounds frighteningly similar to my first half marathon, after which I spent the night in the emergency room because I was going to the bathroom and passing blood. The doctors at the time told me it was eschemic colotis, a condition that sometimes occurs in long-distance runners, especially women, and was compounded by the fact that I took Aleve the night before. I left the hospital thinking that it was a one time thing. I've gotten sick every long run since then (and even on some 5-6 milers) and often remain too sick to eat for hours after a run. The blood is gone but the need to go is unbearable and has caused many an uncomfortable mile. I've tried varying my diet, cutting out ibuprophen, not eating anything for HOURs before, etc. Nothing worked. That was until about 2 months ago. I read an article about "runner's trots" that described me exactly. The article said that the condition happens in a high percentage of female runners at some point in their lives. It recommended taking Immodium AD an hour or so before a long run. Not to sound like an advertisement, but Immodium AD changed my life. I finished my first post-running-trots (sorry!) half mary yesterday and immediately went out for nachos and a big lunch. My stomach feels great! Hope your problem can be solved much more quickly and easier than mine -- but try Immodium if you're desperate. It works!
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Blondi59
unregistered |
posted Mar-14-2005 04:04 PM
Ulcerative Proctitus, sounds alot like that too. Started with me once I started doing longer runs over ten miles, it got so I made my routes go past construction sites ( Porta-Potties) and I'd have to stop two to three times in the mornings. Finally went to a Gastroenterologist and have been on medication that takes care of it. I hope that it is not it in your case, basically it's a very mild form of colitus that's incurable, but really isn't supposed to get any worse.
Something werid about it though, talking online with other sufferers alot of people get it after having quit smoking for a number of years. But for the most part they don't know where it comes from.Good Luck
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kspowell
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-14-2005 11:04 PM
Hi Christa, I posted several times to a similar question in the Ultrarunning forum. I am a graduate student in nutritional sciences and my lab specializes in gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. I will try to link the other thread to this one. (Never done this before, but here goes nothing...) Anyway, I hate to sound like a know-it-all, but check out what I wrote in the thread. I think it will offer you some insight. Also, you might Google ischemic colitis for more info. A previous poster had the name of the condition correct, but the spelling was incorrect, making it tough to Google. http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/Forum30/HTML/000515.shtml Good Luck -- Kristy ------------------
Me at Chicago 2004
Positive thoughts--negative splits!
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christa0120
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-15-2005 09:18 AM
Wow, thanks everyone...very good information from all.
I appreciate your in put. I think I am off to a GI doc just to double check although I doubt I will allow a scope (not because I am afraid of the scope but because I don't do NPO very weell...LOL) and other than that race day event...all is back to normal...
ty again
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-16-2005 05:38 AM
I am always relieved [sorry!] to find other sufferers [note my login name]
This issue PLAGUES me on every run longer than 3 miles....it is so FRUSTRATING.
I have done what many have posted: changed diet, taken imodium, moved my bowels immediately before heading out the door...etc.
Nothing works: I always have the urge to go and often suffer with incontinence...loss of control.I never run with others and rarely enter 5-10k races du to embarrassment any help is VERY much appreciated
email:
bucky75wi@charter.net
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pauline
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-16-2005 01:05 PM
I really hope you respond to this because I have had similar issues in the past (and still struggle with) but 1. Have you had children? I am almost certain my problem is my pelvic floor muscles and if there is anything, and I mean anything, left in my lower GI tract then I tend to have the exact same symptoms......feels like you have to go, pain, pressure etc.......blood too! I think I actually got my low iron from those problems last year plus the monthly curse..... Anyway, being COMPLETELY empty always works for me.........that means lots of fibre the day before and many, many trips to the bathroom prior to the race. Let me know if your problems have occured after kids? Just curious....... I also went to the GI and had a scope done (sigmoidoscopy).....nothing is wrong at all.........I think it's a functional thing that happens only when running, and I need to be completely empty, especially for long runs.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-16-2005 03:50 PM
Yes, I've had two kids [now 16 & 19] and the first one was a traumatic long labor with lots of tearing, episiodomy, and forceps--->I totally agree with you that pelvic floor and rectal issue is why the incontinence/urgency problems plague women runners more than men!
I have the same 'pressure' feelings that you do while running [never blood tho, thankfully] and have TRIED to empty out, but without suceess.
I'm 52 yrs old and post-menopausal, so I think hormones might come into play as well.
WARNING!!! TMI example coming up, so skip if you don't want to read:
after breakfast today I had 2 bms before 7 am, then took imodium and went to work. snacked on a fitness bar and banana at 9:30. came home at noon, had another bm and went out for my 7 miler. thankfully I was wearing my 'depends' because my colon leaked and cramped and leaked some more 3 times during that run....it was horrible, but typical for me.
I warned you....TMI!!!
I am disgusted and frustrated
[This message has been edited by wherestheportojohn (edited Mar-16-2005).]
[This message has been edited by wherestheportojohn (edited Mar-16-2005).]
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pauline
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-16-2005 06:21 PM
Have you seen a doctor? To me that sounds completely like muscle control and not anything to do with your diet or other GI issues. I would completely agree that it's frustrating for you and I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to do races or anything. Don't be grossed out but have you tried an enema before running anything "important", they flush you out pretty well and there are no medicinal effects. But, you wouldn't want to use one too regularly.
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chele519
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-17-2005 08:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by wherestheportojohn:
Yes, I've had two kids [now 16 & 19] and the first one was a traumatic long labor with lots of tearing, episiodomy, and forceps--->I totally agree with you that pelvic floor and rectal issue is why the incontinence/urgency problems plague women runners more than men!
I have the same 'pressure' feelings that you do while running [never blood tho, thankfully] and have TRIED to empty out, but without suceess.
I'm 52 yrs old and post-menopausal, so I think hormones might come into play as well.
WARNING!!! TMI example coming up, so skip if you don't want to read:
after breakfast today I had 2 bms before 7 am, then took imodium and went to work. snacked on a fitness bar and banana at 9:30. came home at noon, had another bm and went out for my 7 miler. thankfully I was wearing my 'depends' because my colon leaked and cramped and leaked some more 3 times during that run....it was horrible, but typical for me.
I warned you....TMI!!!
I am disgusted and frustrated
[This message has been edited by wherestheportojohn (edited Mar-16-2005).]
[This message has been edited by wherestheportojohn (edited Mar-16-2005).]
When i take Immodium before my long run, I take it no more than 1 hr before. From your post it sounds like you took it 4-5 hours before. Try it closer to your run instead.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-17-2005 02:20 PM
Thanks for the imodium advice!I guess I never thought about the timing of it with running! In the past when I have take it for acual illness, I always followed the instructions which say to take immediately following an 'episode' I will certainly try your suggestion tomorrow [today was weight training, and the colon issues ONLY occur with running/never any other activity]
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SelenaK
unregistered |
posted Mar-17-2005 05:48 PM
WTPJ, I'm assuming you've spoke to a gastroenterologist ... did he or she discuss the possibility of putting you on any other kind of medication besides immodium? This is a subject about which I have no knowledge at all, but I figure there have got to be other medications you could try ... immodium can't be all that's out there.Anyway, this is mostly just a word of sympathy, it sounds like a truly aggravating problem.
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clifbar
unregistered |
posted Mar-17-2005 07:06 PM
I'm a guy, but what I have to say may still be relevant. Two years ago, in 7th grade, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, which is a disease of the intestines. I started running in 8th grade, but not seriously until this year (9th grade). I talked to my gastroenterologist, and he said that it is somewhat common for runners who have Crohn's disease to experience a need to go to the bathroom while running. I try my best to use the bathroom before running, but sometimes after my run I end up having diarrhea.
An important thing to remember is not to take Ibuprofen (Motrin) for pain if you have stomach problems, because it can iritate your stomach more.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-18-2005 04:41 PM
nope, haven't been to a GI doc [yes, I hate having to make appts and go to docs, especially about THIS!] I have had a sigmoidoscope and other fecal tests within the past year....all negative. and dang it, wouldn't you know, I FORGOT to take my imodium before my run today....fortunately I ran on the TM, so when I had to stop twice, it wasn't an issue
this has been an interesting discussion and thanks to all who've added their knowledge and advice
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-21-2005 05:50 AM
I have Ulcerative Colitis and suffer from the same annoying loss of control. It happened yesterday at mile 12 of my usual Sunday 13 mile run. There is nothing I can do when it happens. Just continue on my way home having to walk. It sucks. I also get violently sick after 1/2 marathons. My last one, I found the porta potty and was in there for 5 minutes. Just a fact of life for those of us suffering from IBD.------------------
My Profile
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Aamos
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-21-2005 09:54 PM
Thanks to you all for posting on this topic. I have this problem, and it scares the %#*& out of me (ouch, bad joke) because I am a cancer survivor. Any sign of blood in the stool makes oncologists nervous and surgeons start stroking their knives. They think colon cancer. You would be surprised to know how many docs don't know a thing about how running brings on this condition.
I have found that taking Immodium before running, and packing along the chewable tablets to rely on during a race, can help a great deal. I run marathons, and so try to cut back on my normal diet the 2 days before the race, i.e., way less veggies and fruit, more cheese and brown rice.
I had to stop twice at my last marathon in February--still managed to come in at 3:41--but yuk! I also use Prep H suppositories to help calm down things.
Thanks, you all, for daring to talk about this--no apologies necessary!
A.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-22-2005 06:36 AM
I am wondering what the suppositories do?
Do you have flare-ups?for me, the urgency/incontinence/pressure/occasional cramps are bad enough, so thank goodness I don't have to deal with the bleeding. aamos, best of luck to you with your fitness as a cancer survivor. More power to you!
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acp50
unregistered |
posted Mar-22-2005 09:57 AM
FINALLY I found a thread that describes precisely my issues! I have been battling cramping/incontinence issues for the past two years. The birth of my third child resulted in a huge episiotomy which I believe is the cause of my incontinence. It doesn't happen only when I run, either. It got to the point that I couldn't even go out to dinner with my husband- I'd eat a couple of bites and dissappear into the bathroom at the restaurant, while he sat alone at the table. My self diagnosis is IBS complicated with the incontinence caused by the damaged episiotomy tissues. What a HORRIBLE affliction it's been...Whenever I go out I have to know ahead of time where the bathroom is and stay within distance of it. I read a few months ago in a forum about the Immodium helping some people with similar problems so I started taking one every morning (the chewable kind, not that it makes a difference). My situation DRAMATICALLY improved. From what I've read so far there's no ill side effects with this therapy. Now before a race, long run or dinner out I take two that day and it's done the trick. I realize this might not work for everyone, but it was a Godsend to me. I feel like I got my life back! To all of you who suffer with this, I'm right there with you and sympathize immensely.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-22-2005 01:18 PM
quote:
Originally posted by acp50:
FINALLY I found a thread that describes precisely my issues! I have been battling cramping/incontinence issues for the past two years. The birth of my third child resulted in a huge episiotomy which I believe is the cause of my incontinence. It doesn't happen only when I run, either. It got to the point that I couldn't even go out to dinner with my husband- I'd eat a couple of bites and dissappear into the bathroom at the restaurant, while he sat alone at the table. My self diagnosis is IBS complicated with the incontinence caused by the damaged episiotomy tissues. What a HORRIBLE affliction it's been...Whenever I go out I have to know ahead of time where the bathroom is and stay within distance of it. I read a few months ago in a forum about the Immodium helping some people with similar problems so I started taking one every morning (the chewable kind, not that it makes a difference). My situation DRAMATICALLY improved. From what I've read so far there's no ill side effects with this therapy. Now before a race, long run or dinner out I take two that day and it's done the trick. I realize this might not work for everyone, but it was a Godsend to me. I feel like I got my life back! To all of you who suffer with this, I'm right there with you and sympathize immensely.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-22-2005 01:20 PM
ooops
I meant to add:acp50, i just emailed you
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merigayle
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-23-2005 12:56 PM
I would also look into getting some acupuncture. It can do wonders for all sorts of IBS syndromes and other GI symptoms. Email me if you want some more info on finding a qualified acupuncturist in your area-Meredith
Here are my website with lots of info and 2 websites for finding acupuncturists: www.philanet.com/acupucture
www.acufinder.com
www.nccaom.org
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-27-2005 09:35 AM
:::good grief:::this morning I set a new world record for: dives-into-the-bushes-during-a-five-mile-run *5* [count 'em] time I had to 'pull over'....holy mackeral I was emotionally and physically drained during the second half of my miles....completely frustrated me and ruined a BEAUTIFUL spring morning run
*argh*
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acp50
unregistered |
posted Mar-27-2005 04:35 PM
I feel your pain! Hope the next one is better for you.
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SelenaK
unregistered |
posted Mar-28-2005 06:27 AM
WTPJ, I'm so sorry ... what a demoralizing nuisance. My sympathies. I definitely think you should bite the bullet and see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible: He or she ,may have new ideas for you. You shouldn't have to live this way.
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wherestheportojohn
Cool Runner |
posted Mar-28-2005 06:41 AM
selena and ann,
thanks for your concern
yeah, I guess I will have to search out and give a GI [or procto]specialist a call....*dang* My primary doc said, "take an imodium before you run"
That was it, no other suggestiions or discussion.
I was upset with the lack of concern or helpfulness from her I hope that another professional would be more tuned in to the needs of the individual.
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