New member and marathon runner

Hi,
Im a new member and want to tell you my story . I've had uc for 21 years . I'm now 47 . At first my uc was diagnosed as mild to moderate procosigmoiditis . I took asacol, enemas , but they didn't work for long . Next was prednisone which put me into a pretty quick remission. However . I also experienced symptoms of acute Pancreatitis at the time but wasn't diagnosed until about 2 years later when I had excruciating pain for a week . I thought the pancreatitis would be a one time thing , but have had it numerous times through the years and it's a real pain. I've had ups and downs with my uc . Hospitalizations, Iv steroids, Ng tube . I was even told I had low grade dysplasia requiring urgent surgery or I could die . This was during my hospitalization when a colonoscopy was done and I was so inflamed that it looked like dysplasia when it was just inflammation. now because of that inaccurate finding, I have to have yearly colonoscopies to check for cancer. On the bright side, I have been a runner for over 20 years and it has given me strength , power and hope . It has been a huge rock in my life . Even through my uc I have managed to run 5 full marathons and 7 half marathons , and this has been all done in the past 4.5 years . So always remember you are strong , and to never give up . It's amazing what you can achieve . Just having this disease and coping with it is quite amazing.

Welcome! glad to hear youre being positive even with all of your troubles. Im jealous of your running record. I'm a runner, well, I was before all this crapping crap. How do you deal with the bathroom access while completing your runs? (Training and race day???) I'm afraid...but also sad that I've given up running....

I now always have diahrea because running seems to make it worse, but I always take immodium and it has mostly worked . I have taken many chances where I did need to go urgently while running with a group of girls( they don't know the extent of my uc) and I have had to rush to the bathroom or I wouidnt have made it .luckily there was a bathroom available !! But in all the races I've done, I've taken atleat 6 immodium beforehand to ensure no crapping in my pants . The one and only time I had a problem was after a half marathon I suddenly had to go and went behind a dumpster ! Lol . You know what, I refuse to stop doing something I truly love ( running ), even if it means many times taking chances that I'll be in a very embarrassing situation . You should start running again especially if you love it . It's worth it .

Hi,
Firstly I love the Wilma Rudolph quote . That's my motto as well. It's awesome that you run. It's so good for you physically and mentally . Don't you find you are stronger because of it ? Injuries do happen to a lot of people especially if you are relatively new to this . Since I have been running for about 20 years , ( I'm 47) my body is pretty used to all the pounding . I do suggest the 10 percent rule . Which means only add on 10 percent more running per week so you won't get injured . It works ! Halfs are a lot of fun. I've done 6 so far . Full marathons are a lot more difficult but so rewarding I can't even begin to tell you . I've done 5 of those . You feel absolutely incredible when you cross that finish line . Basically the race is a reward ( and the medal) for all the hard work you've done . I've done marathons all over like chicago, florida, Montreal , ottowa, and hopefully NYC in November . I'm very excited for you to be doing Your first half . Where is it ? You will love it .please keep me posted on how it goes .

Hi vet member ,
Maybe I have to work harder then the average person without UC to be able to run, but I also appreciate what it does for me psychologically and physically . Uc can make you feel pretty crapty sometimes , and running empowers me . I need something that takes me away from UC, so I push myself and set goals . Immodium is like a security blanket . I tend to get urgency and don't want to worry about having an accident .i never have constipation though I wish I did . I wouid love to do boston I'm about 15 minutes away from qualifying .

UC Pancolitis
Diagnosed 1993- 21 years ago
47 years old
Current meds- prednisone, asacol, cortifoam

Hi Jackson Call,
If you love running you should get back into it ! I basically always have chronic low grade Inflammtion in most or all of my colon , but really find that the running has helped my symptoms . I think if it weren't for running I'd be a very different person . Of course something's adjustments need to be made especially if you are experiencing a bad or moderate flare , but I decided many years ago that i would get myself stronger by running , and I have despite the UC. I know that there's a mindset as well, and I don't want to have a sick persons mindset, but a strong persons one . I really do believe in the power of the mind . Running is so mental . I do find that increased speed makes me feel like I need to go , but I take immodium to combat that . If I were you maybe start training for a half to start, and see how that feels . How is your Uc right now ? Are you in remission ? Do you have D as a symptom of your Uc?

Hey soy stud ,
Running does not take away my symptoms , but I'm pretty sure if I didn't run I'd have the same symptoms but worse and be in pretty bad physical shape . And yes we were designed to run not sit on our behinds . It's not like I'm taking pain killers to run, and immodium is safe to take . Running is actually great for anyone who has constipation problems because it really moves things along .

Welcome to the forums. Like Eva Lou, I'm from Mass as well. Have you run the Boston Marathon?

I'm excited for this year. I live very close to the route, so I'm going to cheer everyone on. I didn't go last year, which was probably for the best.

Thank you for sharing your story.

I think exercise is a must for putting any disease into submission (though perhaps not remission). If running makes you feel great, then I'm really that you've found something which gives you great happiness. It's a lot tougher for us UC folk, but still do-able.

As for my story: I used to run 3-4 miles a day. Felt great at first but looking back at it, I probably overdid it and didn't replenish enough with the proper nutrition. Nowadays, I just do short sprints/interval training, along with some weight bearing exercises to tone the muscles. I take long ass walks and hikes during the summer/spring months to get a little taste of nature and vitamin D.

My personal take on this is that you should prioritize your health first and then look into doing additional marathons. Wouldn't an imodium free run be awesome? My only concern is that too much running can really screw up the hormonal rhythms, which is why I'm not fond of marathons anymore. Please bear in mind that you have zero to prove by running marathons, particularly if your health is still in question. Pluot said this earlier, but the disease cannot be "beaten" by sheer will.

It's great and very inspirational that you were able to compete and finish 5 marathons.