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UC and hiking trip

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/29/2010 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with UC last September. I have bleeding since last May, which I try to control with Salofalk, Probiotics and diet. I have 2 to 6 BM daily, but not much pain. So, my main concern is bleeding, which happens often, but it not very severe.

Here is my question. Somebody invited me for a 3 days hiking trip next weekend. I really want to go. But I am worried about carrying the backpack (around 30 pounds). I am not used to carrying weights and thinking that it might provoke bad bleeding.

Does somebody here do backpack hiking? What was your experience? Even though this question might seem to sound silly, but I want to go so much and I am so much worried about the result of such exercise.

Thank you,
Inna
Posted 4/29/2010 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
I backpacked with UC. Carrying weight should not provoke more bleeding. However, carrying anxiety with you could make your symptoms worse. I exercised vigorously with UC except at those times I was hospitalized. Exercise never made my symptoms worse. Since exercise will increase your motility you might consider taking some imodium with you to counterbalance. How far are you hiking per day?

Sue
Posted 4/29/2010 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
I think it will be 10 km first day, 30km the other 2 days, but I am not a 100% sure.
My problem is that I have no good idea what makes my bleeding worse. That is why I am basically afraid of any change in life.

Thank you so much for answering.
I will probably go for the hike.

Inna
Posted 4/29/2010 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
I agree it's not the exercise that ever caused my bleeding, my bleeding came from inflamed ulcerations.
In fact when I was having UC symptoms they calmed down during exercise, weird huh?
But travelling with changes in routine and food DID affect my UC. It was always something...

If you aren't having urgency that's a really good thing.
Posted 4/29/2010 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
I was not worried so much about the exercise part of it, more about the weight of the backpack.

I have urgency at times, but nothing I cannot handle. Bleeding scares me though. I guess, it is just hard to get used to the sight of blood (at least for me).

Thank you so much for replying.
Inna
Posted 4/29/2010 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
I bled for over 2 years straight. I finally got used to it!

Sue
Posted 4/29/2010 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Really? That is horrible. Whenever I see red water in the toilet I kind of become depressed.
I see it as a sign that something worse is coming, medication is not working, etc.
Posted 4/29/2010 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
It is reasonable to be concerned about bleeding, your body is telling you that it is hurt and needs fixing. Rowasa enemas were the best fix for that with me but diet mod. stopped bleeding completely so that I haven't used Rowasa in 4 months.
Posted 4/29/2010 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have an appointment next week and I will ask about Rowasa enemas. Thank you for suggesting it!
Salofalk seemed to work for some time, now it doesn't really help much.
Posted 4/29/2010 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Are you able to stay on your feet for a long time? I get a heaviness in my gut, and I think extra weight would make it worse. If you don't have that kind of discomfort you would probably be OK. You are not worried about facilities on a hike? Hiking is not something I would try, especially with a group. I get anxious if I don't know what to expect in regard to a place to poo privately and as quickly and often as I need.

Don't worry about the blood, your body can make more. I bled daily for almost 25 years, until Remicade.
I never thought it was horrible, it just was. Try to fix it, but don't obsess about it.
Posted 4/29/2010 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Petty, thank you for replying.
I think I can manage long walk and I don't stress too much about stopping for my own needs (just need to bring enough toilet paper and hand sanitizer). I adopted the method of dealing with being anxious by making jokes about me going too often. I don't think people care about it as much as I myself do.
I was more thinking something like: what if the bleeding gets really horrible while I am away from any medical care? Kind of scary.
Posted 4/30/2010 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
I'd go. The worse that can happen is that you will need to turn around. No biggie. Sometimes people have to turn around, because they get injured or just can't complete the hike for some reason or another. It happens.

I also might be doing a backpacking trip this year. It depends on my boyfriend. His ankle has been bothering him lately.
Posted 4/30/2010 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
If for some reason -- be careful what you eat and drink! -- you suddenly get worse, you shouldn't be in danger bleeding more for the few days until you get back to civilization.
I would pack prednisone and start taking big doses if that happened to me... but I have a LOT of experience with using it.
Posted 4/30/2010 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Bring plenty of TP and baby wipes! Oh...and have fun!

Post Edited (wodin) : 4/30/2010 7:33:25 PM (GMT-6)

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