Surgery, exercise, IBS & UC

Hey All,

I'm a new poster, been checking in daily though!

I have been suffering for over 3.5 years with UC (constant D and blood, mucus etc). At my last colonoscopy I was told that they couldn't be sure but they thought I'd probably developed IBS on top of UC as my colon had been angry for so long.

I've just had my first infusion of Remicade, second one due this week and I'm flaring with bloody D badly. However, I'm not sure how much of these symptoms would be UC and what would be IBS - if in fact I have it. When I asked my consultant whether, if I had surgery it would also get rid of any IBS, they were unable to answer. Just wondered whether anyone else def had IBS and whether were still unable to tolerate foods etc after surgery? Would be awful if had the colon taken out then still had the urgency and public accidents!

I also trained as a Personal Trainer but been too ill to train properly lately - any keen exercisers out there who had surgery? Were you able to train properly after?

Thank you!

Zetlandgirl -

It's definitely tough to exercise with UC and especially after having surgery. I am not even to a year since my surgery and I am running again. about a week ago I did an 18 mile run with no issues. The two biggest thing that I can suggest would be 1) Keep a food log and bathroom log. Everyone with UC should do this, but especially people who are wanting to be very physically active. Keep track of what and what time you eat as well as what time you use the bathroom. Doing this before and after my surgery allowed me to see that when I ate X, I always had to use the bathroom urgently. I could also see that when I ate Y, my body reacted better to it and I was able to stay out of the bathroom longer. Sticking to these journals explicitly allowed me to create a "blacklist" of foods that I don't ever touch. The second thing is to drink tons and tons of water. Not having a large intestine really affects your fluid absorption and you have to be careful to stay hydrated and drink more water than you normally did.

I didn't exercise at all when I had my ostomy due to my complications from surgery and even after that, I never felt comfortable running with the bag hanging there.

You can do it! Don't be afraid to get the operation. It was absolutely worth it even with my complications!

--Eric

Oh, I forgot to add, yes, I am an exerciser! I work out aerobically in the gym 5 days per week and on the 6th day I hike in our local mountains. My preferred form of fitness is hiking and since jpouch surgery I have engaged in several 100-200 mile international hikes. I have also backpacked and traveled the world extensively.

Sue

Thanks all, I actually did my personal training course since having UC when I was feeling better than I am now (seems like such a big achievement now that I'm flaring)!. This time last year I was doing extensive gym training as well as running half marathons in training for a marathon but ended up having to pull out as I got more sick

I still travel but I do find the worst places for flares seem to be at airports when you're in long queues and it's really hot! I also find some countries shocking for public toilets, so although I travel it does take away from some of my experiences! I won't stop though it's in my blood!

I'm so glad people seem to be doing so much exercise after surgery. I'm going to hang in there a bit more with Remicade but I think I was told they'll only allow you a certain amount of infusions to decide whether it works for you (as it costs lots of money and the NHS in UK will only spend so much on you)! if not then at least I know that after surgery I may get back to pre-UC training! Well done to all you exercisers I'm so glad you get to do what you enjoy!!