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Working out helped anyone?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/12/2007 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
 

I was wondering if actively working out (running, weights, etc) can help UC in any way. I find that after spending 4 - 6 hours in the bathroom, bloody stools and exertion, and trying to cope up with work and family I don't really have time to do anything for myself. Would be interesting to see if it has helped anyone?

Posted 12/12/2007 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I work out regularly. I definitely think it helps my general overall health.
Posted 12/12/2007 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Yes. Exercise helps me. You have to take it slowly to start if you are flaring or coming out of a flare. Also, weight-bearing exercise helps build bone mass, which is good for those of us who have taken steroids and are at risk of osteoperosis down the line.

Lots of people also suggest yoga. I like tai chi which can also provide a nice, calm but intense workout.
Posted 12/12/2007 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
I admire people who have had the strength to go through years with UC. Its been only 8 months for me and I can't seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or how I would make it past even 2 years. Going to gather as much strength as possible and do some type of light workout at first. Thank you for the reply

Posted 12/12/2007 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
I really think that aerobic exercise helps UC.
Posted 12/12/2007 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
You have to use common sense regarding working out. There's working out to ease stress, encourage relaxation, increase circulation, increase strength of muscles, bones, stamina..etc.

Then there's working out that pushes the body into a state that it has to overprotect itself .... which can lead to increased flare symptoms.

The body needs time to heal...it can't do so if one pushes the body to the point where it doesn't have the ability to recuperate.....and some wonder why they can't heal.

There are always degrees of functioning....there are always degrees of exercising. Find what matches where you are at this time.

quincy
Posted 12/12/2007 9:18 PM (GMT 0)

quincy said...
You have to use common sense regarding working out. There's working out to ease stress, encourage relaxation, increase circulation, increase strength of muscles, bones, stamina..etc.

Then there's working out that pushes the body into a state that it has to overprotect itself .... which can lead to increased flare symptoms.

The body needs time to heal...it can't do so if one pushes the body to the point where it doesn't have the ability to recuperate.....and some wonder why they can't heal.

There are always degrees of functioning....there are always degrees of exercising. Find what matches where you are at this time.

quincy

I'll agree with that..
Posted 12/12/2007 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
I work out and do yoga to relieve stress. I believe it's actually the relieving of the stress that helps my UC.
Posted 12/12/2007 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
Diagnosed in 81, been a gym rat for most of those years. I find it is a hughe help for the body and even more so for the MIND.

Posted 12/12/2007 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
when not flaring, the gym did not affect my UC at all.....just made me feel good and look good. While flaring, just too tired to go and did not want to have to have a bm at the gym.

right now I am coming out of a flare but all the drugs I am on make me tired, so I have been going about once a week...I know it's not much but it's better than nothing I tell myself.
Posted 12/12/2007 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
I workout regularly, I don't run, I ride my sationary bike along with other aerobics and weights and have found a ton of benefits that go along with it...even while flaring...a very severe flare would call for something more along the lines of pilates or yoga, there are so many forms of yoga to choose...

Something is ALWAYS better than nothing at all.

:)
Posted 12/12/2007 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Exercise can do wonderful things for the mind and body. I've been active all of my life and find that If I can't exercise for a few days, the stress will get me. Just watch your energy level, if you get tired, slow down with the exercise.
Posted 12/13/2007 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
I swim for 20 minutes and do weights for another 30 to 45 minutes every morning. I dunno if it helps the UC, but I know it helps me on a mental level. Really helps keep my chin up, helps me feel confident and alive.

Also helps my insides "get moving" in the morning so by the time I leave the house, they have settled down and are usually well behaved.

Finally, I find the routine of exercise helps make sure I take my meds and it also gives me another really good incentive to eat properly.
Posted 12/13/2007 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm a CAT 3 cyclist and an avid mountain bike racer, bodybuilding for 20 years. I'd suggest to get yourself on a program because it will be the best thing you ever do.
Posted 12/13/2007 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
At my sickest, I did yoga workouts and walked my neighborhood. Once I got past the worst flare, I began weight training. Not only does it help rebuild bone density, it's also the best way to regain any weight lost in a healthy way.

These days, because I'm an ectomorph, I don't do a lot of cardio, but I do weight train religiously. I look and feel better than ever and have gained about ten pounds over what used to be a "normal" weight for me... a very good thing.
Posted 12/13/2007 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all - this is so incredibly encouraging, I am going to go to my local LA Fitness and join today, and put myself on some type of regiment. I find that my BM starts as soon as I wake up in the morning and lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. This significantly cuts my day from any productive work I can do. I hope working out will keep my BM to a minimal.
Posted 12/13/2007 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Although I work out quite a bit, and I do feel like it helps a bit with overall health and feeling good, its tough to find the energy and put up with the joint pain at times. Just be sure you have a lot of Tylonel/Ibuprofen in case your joints swell up! :)
Posted 12/13/2007 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jeremy :)

Do you take glucosamine for your joints because In a few small studies, n-acetyl glucosamine has shown promise for treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. N-acetyl glucosamine forms part of an enzyme needed to produce mucus. Therefore, it is believed to increase the production of the mucus that lines the lower gastrointestinal tract, providing a protective effect. More research for this possible use is needed.

2 birds with one stone.

:)
Posted 12/13/2007 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
I lift 5-6 days per week and it helps EVERYTHING!

I strongly suggest it
Posted 12/13/2007 6:32 PM (GMT 0)

Jeremy "Mr. Snuts" said...
Although I work out quite a bit, and I do feel like it helps a bit with overall health and feeling good, its tough to find the energy and put up with the joint pain at times. Just be sure you have a lot of Tylonel/Ibuprofen in case your joints swell up! :)

Most gastro docs will tell IBDers to avoid ibuprofen. Tylenol is the only pain killer generally thought to be safe for people with UC.
Posted 12/14/2007 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
wow..
im gonna try to work out now after reading how much you all love it and it helps.

i have had such a bad painful flare that even thinking about working out makes my gut hurt.
it just seems like it would add to the pain i already have with the straining of situps and exercises..

do any of experience any discomfort like that while working out?
do you just power through it or is it not even there?

for a year, ive been on constant pain meds due to constantly being in pain...
(until the last 4 days anyway)

do you think working out will help with that?
Posted 12/14/2007 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
If you're not doing so good right now especially with pain, try pilates or one of the many forms of yoga out there...just google yoga and see what might suite you best at this time with your pain and such.

:)
Posted 12/14/2007 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
i have pilates dvd's that i absolutely love.
the windsor pilates series... its just when you lay there and have to flex/hold your core muscles (gut area) it seems like it would be quite uncomfortable.

but, i say this without having tried it, so i could be wrong.

i will go try it this weekend for sure!
Posted 12/14/2007 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
I think with light exercize you keep your body moving and it may help with pain.  If you started having pain while working out, you should not push yourself.  Walking or Yoga or swimming would be a good start.  I used to use a Yoga DVD at home, then started doing one on tv too.  We went walking at a local track.  I felt a heck of a lot better then than I do now mentally and physically!  I've been meaning to get back to it but have a million excuses right now but I do plan on getting back to it! 
Posted 12/14/2007 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Yup, something is ALWAYS better than nothing.

:)
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