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I just began an avid running lifestyle and 2 months later I have colitis.  My Dr. tells me that I should continue to exercise in whatever manner I chose, but I'm concerned this will affect my colitis, not to mention that I'll probably lose more weight as a result of the running.  I'd like some info/feedback from people out there who are going through similar situations.

 Reply posted for tkyle.

Another tip- and if you already do this disregard- but watch your form.  Alot of people tend to run hunched over.  If you watch professional runners they always seem to break the tape or cross the line with their chest.  I used to have to remind myself to focus forward and if I could see the ground I wasn't in correct form.  Keep a relaxed form - shoulders down and chest out and long stride.  This will cause a more relaxed run and that will help with your tummy too.  I also don't know if you are doing any strength training to help- but you might look at doing some core exercises.  I had IBS for years (probably undiagnosed mild UC maybe) and the years (before my knee gave out) I ran I felt fantastic.  I used to run 25 to 30 miles a week- I still miss it so much!   It was sooo relaxing that I would panic if I didn't run!  However I do plan on starting some power walking again- I think this will really help!  -oh and sorry if I told you what you already know.  

 Reply posted for dbmontana.

Thanks for the reply.  I have all but stopped running over the past month due to all of the anxiety and fear that I experienced when I first started to show symptoms of continued bleeding.  The week before last, after my colonoscopy, I felt relieved I didn't have something more devastating and I think I'm just now getting myself back to some semblance of normality and am beginning to calm down enough to understand what UC is and means for me.  I have been doing 2-3 miles a day of walking over the past week and am ready to get back to running.  I never had any serious pain when I was symptomatic, I was just worried the running would cause more bleeding.  It's encouraging to hear from those out there who are able to continue their athleticism with this diease.  

 Reply posted for tkyle.

I am currently training for a marathon and have had UC for over 5 years. It IS possible to keep running and be healthy, but you need to listen to your body too.  I found I have many many food intolerances so I cut those items out.  Now I run without UC pain and discomfort.  Actually I feel healthier now then before my diagnosis.  It just forced me to take a look at what my body was saying.  I think years of antibiotic use damaged my gut and threw it off balance.  Now I avoid most grains, eat lots of veggies (minus a few I dont tolerate, ie, corn, raw broccoli, tomatoes), cut out gluten, most refined sugars, avoid fructose, sucrolose and all synthetic sweeteners.  There is actually a long list of what I cannot eat, but I am slowly adding things back.  I also take fish oil and a good probiotic.  You get used to it.  A food allergy/intolerence test is a great way to start.  Keep up the running, what I found was that when I started running more than 5 miles, my gut got used to the drill and now I am up to 11 miles.  Dont let UC take your life away, keep on living.

 Reply posted for asohn.

Thanks for the reply.  I'm going to discuss a nutritionist/dietician with my doctor when I go to see him on the 30th, but until that time I may try some protein drinks.  As I said, I recently stopped smoking (8 months ago) and started a somewhat consistent running regime and I was concerned that by running I would further cause problems for my colon/intestine.  I was pretty bummed as I really began to look forward to and enjoy the running part of my life.  I have lost a total of 10 lbs over the course of a month or two and frankly I think most of it had to do with anxiety as I was certain I had some horrible/devastating disease like colon cancer (only to find out I had ulcerative colitis).  Since the time I was diagnosed (approximately 3 weeks ago) I have been on cloud nine knowing I didn't have some terrible ailment and I think only now I'm coming to terms with what this ailment may do to the way I live my life.

 Reply posted for tkyle.

Exercise is good.  Remember your gut is a smooth muscle and probably one of the biggest muscles in your body!  However just like a pulled muscle -you have to be careful when you are in a flare because you don't want to aggravate it and make it worse.  Only you know the limit- but listen very carefully to your body.  You may have to modify when you are not feeling so well.  You might try a protein drink to help rebuild and keep muscle mass.  I use Isopure and I actually started it again during my first flare because I couldn't eat anything but I knew I needed protein to rebuild not only my lost muscle due to weight loss -but also to help strengthen my gut.  I found I did fine with it and it really helped with the calorie count and protein.  Good luck!

 Reply posted for Beatlesfan.

Thanks so much for the reply.  I guess I have about a million in one questions right now as a result of just getting the diagnosis a few weeks ago and not having my follow up appt. with my doctor yet.  I was so concerned about having some sort of malignancy that was causing the bleeding that I was overjoyed to hear I didn't (I called my doctor before my follow up appt. as I was very scared), but my relief soon turned to confusion about what the whole Ulcerative Colitis thing meant.  My doctor said it was going to be somewhat of a nuisance in my life, but the more I read here the more I get a bit nervous about this alleged nuisance.  Anyways, I am going to ask about a nutritionist (thanks for this advice) at my follow up.  Again, thanks so much for the reply, I don't feel quite as alone when I talk with others.

 Reply posted for tkyle.

IMHO, you should keep up your lifestyle as much as possible- exercise is great for your health. You will need to keep watch on nutrition, calories, fluids, and electrolytes. I used to eat a lot of Balance Bars, but they have chocolate and nuts in them which can be irritating. Maybe your doctor can recommend a good nutritionist who can help you with this.

BF