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Elite Athletes with UC?

Sun, August 09, 2009 12:00 AM

I'm an elite cyclist who was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with ulcerative colitis. I'm wondering if there are any other athletes out there who can tell me how they handle training, nutrition, fatigue, etc when in a flare? Also any opinions on how Prednisone will affect athletic performance?
I'm really new to to this and I'm not getting any information from my doctors. In fact I can't even get an appointment to talk to my gastro doc. about the diagnosis. All I know is what I've read in books and on the WWW. So any and all information is appreciated.

cheers,
vicki

http://ottawa.cx
http://www.victoriasisland.typepad.com

vickith
Joined Aug 9, 2009

Thu, August 27, 2009 1:23 PM

Reply posted for dbmontana.

Congrats on your first marathon, that's great! I was encouraged to hear that there's another runner that suffers from....which do you have? I was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease about 3 weeks ago now. I am on asacol and so far don't really see a difference except that I have a few side effects. I have run two marathons and several half marathons as it's a huge passion of mine and I'm not going to let this disease get me down.

Your suggestions were very helpful. I will have to try them. Where have you found gluten free energy gel? Gu, Power gel and others seem to all have it. Where do you get coconut water? Sorry for all of the questions, but I got excited after reading your email and want to try some of these things this weekend.

Thanks

Suzy

qconnors
Joined Aug 6, 2009

Wed, August 26, 2009 11:34 AM

Reply posted for sjn76.

YES you can be an athlete and have UC or Crohns. I am a runner and just accomplished my first marathon in July. I trained for 4 months pretty intensly and never had any major problems. I am still running and am doing a 1/2 marathon in September. Here are my tricks:

1. Cut out dairy and gluten if you can. This really helped me a bunch.

2. Invest in some Slippery Elm powder from your local herb supply store if you have one or online at a reputable dealer. I took this in water before and after runs to coat the intestines and calm them. Worked EVERY time.

3. Drink Nettle tea in the morning a couple times a week to calm the autoimmune responses attacking your intestines.

4. Take a good probiotic every night before bed.

5. Stay hydrated and stay away from sport drinks full of sugar. Try coconut water. It is a better electrolyte replacer but you will have to add a little salt to increase the sodium.

6. Reduce stress, if possible, this tends to aggravate the problem.

7. Use gluten free energy gels. You will have to experiment as many actually upset the stomach (even regular ones). I ended up using pure honey instead. Worked great.

8. Don't dwell on symptoms. If you are having a bad "gut" day give yourself a break. But always stay focused on your goal. Mind over matter.

Most of all enjoy your life, you only get one.

Arrow6
Joined Jan 9, 2020

Mon, August 10, 2009 3:31 PM

Reply posted for vickith.

I have heard that David Garrard, quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars has Crohn's disease. Perhaps there is some info for you.
Good luck

sjn76
Joined Aug 10, 2009

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