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Working out and Crohn's disease


Thu, January 01, 2015 6:44 PM

Hello I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease since 2003. Recently I noticed when I do cardio workouts I have to use the bathroom as soon as I finish. Is this normal. Does this happen to anyone else's. Also is there a way I can prevent this from happening?


FPO mattison30
Joined Jul 9, 2008

Sun, July 26, 2015 7:25 PM

 Reply posted for mattison30.

Hi all, I have a question for those with UC. I've recently tried to exercise again but have been running in to bowel accidents... I don't know how to control them or how to stop them, does anyone else have any tips or this problem?

FPO smorris
Joined Jul 26, 2015

Mon, July 20, 2015 12:35 PM

 Reply posted for mattison30.

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and am happy to have stumbled upon this particular thread. I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2011 when I was a sophomore in college. I was on the rowing team when I was in college and was thus very active. Even after I stopped rowing, I continued to run and have completed a half marathon and 2 10 mile runs in the past couple of years. I have been able to control my symptoms, of which I am so grateful. However, I recently started Humira in addition to Imuran to control some inflammation. After starting the Humira I began to notice several symptoms when I'm running: I get tightness in my chest, difficulty breathing, and (what I feel) is a rapid heart rate. I brought this up to my GI and she was a little lost as to what it could be. I've had two chest x-rays, both of which were clear. I've been able to continue with light running 3-4 days a week but nothing like what I was doing prior to the Humira. 

Has anybody experienced this?

 

FPO lcethun10
Joined Jul 20, 2015

Mon, April 20, 2015 8:09 PM

 Reply posted for mattison30.

I honestly have the same issue. Cardio - especially running does this to me.  I haven't really found a solution, but realized I must stay hydrated in order to complete any cardio workout. Swimming's been easier on my joints. Wishing you the best!

FPO emily kate
Joined Jan 25, 2011

Tue, March 17, 2015 5:35 PM

 Reply posted for dfriedberg1.

I just noticed your post about exercise.  I am newly diagnosed and still tryng to get regulated on the medications.  I have a mild - moderate UC.   I am very concerned as I am a runner.  My PCP told me that people with IBD should not run but I know that there is a team training for Crohns and UC.   I am sure that there are different ways to prepare your body for the grueling 26.2 miles that I do.  I just tried a half marathon this week but could only do 1 day.  I was suppose to do both days as a half.  I got so dehydrated that I started cramping.  Not in my legs but in my neck, chest and upper abdomen.  I had to slow down and walk.  This started at mile 5.  I ate bananas and drank some Gatorade which I don't like. I finished the half but went to the medical tent.  My heart was irregular ect.    I am trying to connect with some people that do still run and know what I need to do to train since I do have UC. I know that there are special dietary restrictions.  I also know that I have to train when I am not as fatigued which I get.  I don't want for UC to define who I am.  I want to be someone that runs that happens to have UC

FPO cgreb1955
Joined Mar 17, 2015

Tue, February 17, 2015 8:08 AM

 Reply posted for mattison30.

hydrating while working out = bms

FPO spoonlys
Joined Jan 8, 2015

Tue, February 17, 2015 1:06 AM

 Reply posted for mattison30.

Hi, I don't have Crohn's disease,but I can help you with this I had the other type, I had ulcerative colitis & inflammatory bowel disease, I had both but had my colon removed. When I exercise inside or out, I feel I'm going to have a bathroom accident & have to run every few minutes to the bathroom, what I do is sit on the toilet & make sure my pouch is empty,when I feel it's done I get up & finish my walking for about 30 minutes. There are good food stores out there that have foods for people like us. I eat pasta a lot,grilled cheese,chicken & greasy foods I squaze the grease out of the foods I eat,it gives me problems real bad when I don't squaze the grease out. Im on different medications to control my pouchitis,I no longer have uc anymore. My doctor has recommended I go on remicade. I told I didn't want to do it,but several weeks after going to my doctor I had a change of heart & told my family I wanted to go on remicade,I'm not on this medication yet, but I pray to God he will heal me from this because I wanna live my life the way he wants me to. I hope this helps you. God bless you & pray God will heal you & they find a cure for crohns & ulcerative colitis. Thanks, Josh combs

FPO josh combs
Joined Feb 1, 2015

Sun, February 01, 2015 3:36 PM

 Reply posted for dfriedberg1.

Thanks for your post, this was encouraging to hear. I've been diagnosed with UC since 2013 and it gets to be overwhelming at times. I've slowed down working out because of frequent pit stops but im not giving up or giving in.

FPO mississippi
Joined Feb 1, 2015

Fri, January 30, 2015 11:36 PM

 Reply posted for mattison30.

Absolutely;

I a an avid cyclist and ride nearly 200 miles per week.  It seems as soon as I am done, regardless of whether my tank is full or empty.  Plus I have to be real careful on long century rides.  I find as long as you prepare properly, know where the rest stops are or how long you can go between "Pit stops,  you will be OK.  I always try to learn where bathrooms are all along the route.

I hope this confirms your worries or concerns.  You are not alone.  I have had this for over 40 years and with age comes some experience.

Regards....
Dave F.

FPO dfriedberg1
Joined Jan 30, 2015

Tue, January 27, 2015 11:25 PM

 Reply posted for mattison30.

Hey this same exact thing happens to me with certian kinds of cardio (running, jump rope etc). If I do a lower impact workout i.e. swimming, spin class, biking alone, hiking etc I generally avoid this problem. 

Im 25 year old medical student from VA, diagnosed when I was 17. just started a blog and i will discuss exercise and its importance in Crohns

check it out: www.crohnspatient2patient.wordpress.com

FPO apl2018
Joined Jan 26, 2015

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