Intestinal Distress While Running - Warning - Gross

[michelem]

Thank you all so much for your kind words of encouragement. Saw my pcp and she pulled some strings to get me in to see a gastroenterologist tomorrow. My bloodwork came back with an elevated wbc (last two blood draws I've had, my wbc was low so this is not normal for me). She said this might indicate infection, in which case it will be treated with the antibiotics I'm on. However, I don't have a fever or anything else that indicates infection so . . .

I suppose I'll find out more tomorrow. Hopefully I don't have to get a colonoscopy!

Again, I so appreciate your kind words. You've helped calm my fears for the time being.

[Zen]

Even if you do have to have a colonoscopy, it's no big deal. I've had that procedure twice, the worst part is the preparation the day before.

[LBTC]

Zen is right. The colonoscopy isn't terribly pleasant, but it sure is a good thing to have to rule out some pretty scary things The prep was uncomfortable, but there's a thread here somewhere with some excellent tips, should you need to check it out. Some people have a bit more discomfort after than others...I'm quite a wimp and two days later I don't think I could tell that anything had happened!

You do want to know what's going on, and we're here to help any way we can.

Hugs and comforting and healing butterflies,
~T~

[michelem]

Colonoscopy is scheduled for next Wednesday at 8am. I'll check out the thread - thanks for the tip!

We have a Tahoe ride scheduled for that Saturday . . . hopefully I'll be recovered enough to participate! The doc seemed to think it would be okay as long as they don't find anything during the test (he said that if he finds anything, such as polyps, he'll go ahead and remove it/them right then and there, which will add to recovery time). I'm not looking forward to the prep. I remember having to take mag-citrate for something or other way back in jr. high and I couldn't keep it down! This time I'll be using phospho-citrate, so hopefully I tolerate that better.

Thanks again for everything - especially the hugs.

[LBTC]

I've asked the butterflies to be there for you on Wednesday morning. You will be fine. Provided the procedure is unremarkable, as the docs say, you'll be able to ride by Saturday for sure. Be easy on yourself no matter what, though. No pain, no gain is a lie.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[michelem]

LBTC - I appreciate the butterflies.

Can you point me in the right direction for the prep thread? I'm not finding it . . .

[anakiwa]

This sort of thing is extremely common with running- I've had many experiences running for the woods on longer more strenuous runs. I've never had bleeding, but I know other people who have.

That said, there are a number of other problems that can cause blood in the stool and it's a very good idea to get checked out to make sure there isn't something more serious going on.

I'm confused though- are you saying your problems start before you are actually running? This might imply something else is going on as well. Before races my nerves get going and I'm in the bathroom several times (I actually find it kind of useful to empty out), but in general you can't blame the running entirely if it starts before you run. Irritable bowel could make you need to go more frequently but it shouldn't cause bleeding. There are some other colon conditions (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis etc) that could do this as well.

If we assume you get checked out and everything is okay and it's just related to running- here's what's worked in marathons for me:
-Hydration
-Salt tablets (I'm currently using lava salts)
-Pepto- bismol (I've known other people who use Immodium, but Pepto seems to work better for me)
-Avoid fiber (salad etc) the night before

Basically on an intense run, most of the available blood flow is going to the legs. The colon isn't getting it's share and it gets irritable (or in some cases down-right angry). Avoidance of dehydration will help keep from aggravating the problem.

I hope everything works out okay!