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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/7/2013 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hope everyone is having a good summer!

I am hoping to get back into swimming, something that I enjoyed immensely before UC came into my life. I haven't been to the pool for a workout in over 18 months for fear of an accident. Anyone have any tips, recommendations, or products that they use when they swim? I'm just not going to let UC reach this far into my life. Swimming makes me happy and healthy, and I have been flaring for a year and a half, so I'm just going to go for it.
Posted 8/7/2013 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I just got back from a swim! I've been on vacation and was really sick a week ago from some kind of stomach bug. It just made my colitis that much worse. I started improving several days ago and this was my first time back in the pool in over a week.

As far as swimming I think it is really good and have done it for years even when flaring like now. I've noticed that with ALL types of exercise (jogging, hiking, swimming, weightlifting, bicycling, etc.) the focus on the gut lessens GREATLY as you get into the exercise.

Sometimes driving to the gym I'll be as nervous as hell, worried about my gut, but as soon as I start swimming the serotonin takes over. That's why exercise is so great! I think the blood starts getting pumped into other parts of your body and is no longer just focused on the gut. After getting home I may need to go again, but that's just from moving the body around so much. It's never happened WHILE I'm working out. I love exercise for that reason.

John
Posted 11/12/2013 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hey John,

Thank you SO MUCH for writing this post when I asked about it. I have since been going to the gym twice a week and the pool twice a week. I feel great, some of the UC symptoms are better, and I find hygiene easier and my general well-being better since 1) I work out some of my frustration about UC while I run or swim and 2) I have lost a good amount of weight and so my body is different.

I would not have been brave enough to do this without encouragement. Sometimes when I first dive in and the water is cold, I'm sure that I'll have an accident and they will have to kick everyone out of the pool. So far, that has not happened and the hour passes so quickly that I am happily surprised.

Take care, and know that you made a big difference in my life.
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