HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Inability to exercise

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/23/2010 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
I was newly diagnosed with UC/Proctitis in February.  I am a 48 year old endurance athlete and was supposed to do an Ironman race next month, but have been totally out of commission with this disease.  In May, I did a half marathon and started having throat pain.  I have since discovered this is acid reflux.  It was so bad that I had to walk the entire race.  My doctors seem perplexed that there is a relationship to the UC, reflux, and my inablity to exert myself, but the pain that happens when I eat or go to the bathroom is the same pain I get whenever I exert myself.  It's just greatly intensified.  I had a stress test to rule out cardio problems, but my GI doc is still not convinced, so I have an appointment with a cardiologist to put the issue to rest.   Has anyone else experienced an inabilty to work out or exert themselves?  It seems bizarre to me that I was able to train several hours a day and two months later, I struggle through 15 minutes slow walk on the treadmill and I can't perform simple household tasks.  
Posted 7/23/2010 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
BTW, I created a signature line with meds. Can anyone tell me why its not showing up here?
Posted 7/23/2010 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
What are your current proctitis symptoms? Where is the pain you are describing?

Sue
Posted 7/23/2010 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Proctitis symptoms are urgency - I go to the bathroom at least 20 times a day.  Mostly just blood and mucous, but occasional stool.  Until last week, I was constipated, so my GI doc has me working to keep stools soft and regular.  My colon seems most happy without the fiber, but I've been adding more in.  I've noticed the reflux more since I added fiber in and also much more discomfort and rumbling in my lower belly. 

The reflux pain is in my throat.  I have it after I eat, sometimes after I go the bathroom and always if I exert myself.  After I eat, its more of a minor annoyance and I'll also have burping, but when I exercise, the throat pain is so extreme that I have to sit down and wait for it to pass.  It immediately spreads to my neck and chest and I get a monster headache.

Posted 7/23/2010 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
I think your frequency is way too high for someone on prednisone so if I were you I would head back to the GIs office for a talk about additional drugs. Proctitis can be very stubborn and you must be vigilant in treating it. I don't think your acid reflux is related to your diagnosis but it's definitely a disappointment in your overall health. The important thing here is to get this flare under control and get off prednisone as soon as possible.

Sue
Posted 7/23/2010 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Since it happens after you eat I would examine WHAT you ate/drank. See if there's a connection.

Some foods and drinks act on my gut right way and others that turned out to be a problem didn't have symptoms at all. The ones with immediate signs are easier to detect (of course).
Listen to your body.
Posted 7/23/2010 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with every post above regarding logging what you eat and following up with your GI. Your symptoms are way too severe given the current prednisone dose.

Also, if you read the Prednisone side effects acid reflux is near the top - so that could also be the issue.

I have had an inability to exercise while on Pred because it reeks havoc on your adrenal function (especially when bursting, tapering or on high doses). However, over time with dosage adjustment and the addition of some kind of proton pump inhibitor you might find relief.
Wish you the best,
Posted 7/23/2010 11:32 PM (GMT 0)

ldonovan said...
here's the cure, stop shoving cheeseburgers down your throat for once in your life and you will feel better!

Is this humor? Maybe you know the OP?
Personally hamburgers with cheese are comfort food for my gut, just no bun.
Posted 7/24/2010 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
well along with this disease lots of weird things seem to happen to you body. I have stuff like having a hard time swallowing water at times, or feels like the flap on the top of my stomach won't open up and let food down, joint pains, etc.. it seems all very random in occurrence for me except the joint pain pretty much every nite.
Posted 7/24/2010 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm, I doubt the reflux is UP related, maybe you also have GERD? Anyway sounds like two different beasts to me.

idonovan-Your post was incredibly rude, especially considering there's no solid evidence linking UC to diet.
Posted 7/24/2010 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have been paying more attention to what foods create reflux symptoms for me. Its usually not that bad, but last night I suffered all night long with it even though I had foods for dinner that typically don't bother me. Sometimes I don't think its related to what I eat, but how things are percolating down in the colon.

I spoke to the nurse at my GI's office yesterday and discovered that I have not be distinguishing soluable and insoluable fiber and it makes a difference in how my body processes it. I have a list now of foods to try and foods to avoid. Most of the foods on the soluable list are foods that sit well with me. Yesterday was much calmer for me in the bathroom, so I may be on to something!

I agree that Idonovan's comment was rather rude. I spent the past six years educating myself about nutrition and properly fueling my body with clean and natural foods. I rarely ate anything processed until UC showed up. Interestingly enough, hamburgers are one of the foods by body can tolerate right now! (no cheese though) :(
Posted 7/24/2010 6:16 PM (GMT 0)

Malkavian said...
Hmmm, I doubt the reflux is UP related, maybe you also have GERD? Anyway sounds like two different beasts to me.

idonovan-Your post was incredibly rude, especially considering there's no solid evidence linking UC to diet.

That troll is gone. Not really sure what hole it climbed out of.

Exerting myself wears me out quickly now. Fiber wise I use a bulking fiber that helps with frequency (Konsyl bulking fiber works well with me). Immodium helps with that aspect also. Remi helps with inflammation. ACV and honey help with the reflux when I eat something that causes it. If I am having a bad spell with constant reflux I use it before meals.
Posted 7/24/2010 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I don't know much of what you speak. Isn't immodium an antidiareheal?
What is Remi and ACV? I'm pretty much willing to try anything at this point.
Posted 7/24/2010 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Did your throat issues start after any medication? People have reported "side effects" with various meds: prednisone, asacol. It could be meds or food or allergies to something external or internal.

I don't trust allergy tests since they were wildly wrong for me. Keep a journal and try to figure it out.
Posted 7/24/2010 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Immodium slows things down so I can get out and function in the world. Was taking Lomitil but it made me a little groggy at times. Remicade stopped the prednisone from killing me. It's more of a last resort biological drug treatment though, so I wouldn't use it unless nothing else is working. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). I use Bragg's raw ACV... about a tablespoon with a tablespoon of honey in a little warm water to help with the indigestion.

Why do you take a stool softener?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply