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Working out with Moderate to Severe Pancolitis...Need Help!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/10/2009 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

First of all, thanks for taking the time to read this. I was diagnosed with pancolitis(inflammation of the whole colon) on July 27th. I normally weigh about 180 and am down to 172..I am in pretty good shape but am having a hard time keeping my muscle on as I am on 40 grams of Prednisone which is sadly for a guy who works out, an anti-inflammatory. I do not want to lose anymore weight. I understand that prednisone should help me put on weight. I have slight discomfort(not painful, just uncomfortable) on my left side and on my right side. Are there any U.C. sufferers who are into bodybuilding (pancolitis sufferers?) who can give me some advice. I am determined to fight this by watching what I eat, working out and above all, prayer. I need help in terms of experiences. Write a novel if you'd like, I want to learn as much as i can. All responses will be greatly appreciated. My email is [email protected] if you would even like to send me a message on there. Also, if you are on facebook, join my "I believe in the Power of Prayer" group. My name is Alan Robert on facebook if you would like to add me(Windsor, Ontario, Canada). Guys and girls, I'm new to this disease and would appreciate all the support I can get and would love to help people out too. It's sad that there isn't more awareness out there, but I promise to do as much as I can to help fix this terrible problem. Thanks and please, any info is appreciated.

 

Posted 9/10/2009 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to healingwell! I am not too big into working out but I have seen a few people here who are. I, personally, am too tired to workout most of the time. I blame it on being anemic but I think it is partly laziness.

I hope you get some answers and feel better soon.

Posted 9/11/2009 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not huge into it but when I was recovering I worked out a bit while on pred.
The pred will prolly add weight, but it will go away when you stop taking it. And it's not nice weight anyways lol.
I mostly stayed around the house, lifted weights, did situps (if it hurts too much, don't), stair runs and whatnot. Now I can ride my bike and stuff. You might have to settle for maitenance until you are off the pred and feeling better, then focus on adding muscle. It is probably more likely to happen then. But I know there are others here who work out. I know I'm not that helpful lol
Posted 9/11/2009 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
hey. i have been working out the whole time i have had colitis. i have pancolitis, it is moderate-severe, or so that is what my doctor tells me. it is much more difficult to get up the 'gumption' to pump iron, but it can be done. your gains may suffer depending on the extent of your disease, but you have to work through it. there are professional athletes who have UC, so it's not impossible to compete at a high level athletically with this disease, at least when it's under control.
Posted 9/11/2009 10:45 AM (GMT 0)

I've had colitis since 1985 & have been into working out most of adult life. When I have flares it is difficult to go all out. You have to be careful of going for that last rep. Mostly lot of medium weights with medium reps. Take a lot of l-glutimine & watch out for dairy products, they'll give you some embarrissing moments. Good luck on your ventures.

Posted 9/11/2009 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
You can defintely work out while on Prednisone. I was in your boat not too long ago (60mg and tapered down to where I am now 18mg). The pred will help get your colitis under control...the problem for me is coming off of it. I am happy to say that I am now in full remission and have been here for the last 2 months. I too have moderate pancolitis. One thing I cannot stress enough is to take a good calcium supplement, prednisone will effect your calcium levels in your body. Another problem is that because Prednisone is a very potent anti-inflamitory you can run into issues where you actually never get pain just about anywhere (my knee has been feeling mighty fine these days for having a torn MCL). Ultimately once your colitis is under control your gastro should set a schedule to ween you off of it. I've never really had any major side effects (munchies, loss of muscle, etc, I also have never gained any weight off it (really not a single pound). However I will say that the lowest dose of prednisone i've been on is 13mg and it sent me into a flare after coming down from 14mg, coming off can be very hard. I work out 5-6 days a week, sometimes twice a day doing cardio/weight training and a high impact sport (it actually is my job). I believe that working out will help you relieve stress and promote over all well being. There is hope my friend, stay strong!

***IDK if this against the rule*********

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=3ODH5TSN

the video has a pop up, it's not spam. Just because you have colitis doesn't mean it is the end of your life!

Posted 9/11/2009 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Be sure to keep your GI informed of your exercise routine. I am, was, big into physical fitness and there were times when my GI reduced my activity schedule because of my illness. He understood my need and passion for staying healthy and never cut me completely off exercise but did have to temper it at times. Depending upon how sick you are you can overdo the exercise thing and make your symptoms worse. Overall though, exercise is beneficial for overall health, even for those with chronic illnesses.

Sue
Posted 9/11/2009 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
I invested in good quality weight stack equipment for my home, so I don't have to go out to work out. Before that it was too much hassle to have to use the gym restrooms when I needed to.

I have the Tuff Stuff Odyssey 5 with the leg press add-on. And an eliptical.
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