Constipation

[indysteel]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. But I still have to deal with one thing . . . how can one handle constipation during a bike ride?

I'm not sure I understand what's to deal with other than feeling bloated. While I don't like feeling that way, I can't say that it truly interferes with anything. Short of using a laxative (which I don't recommend unless you're desperate), I doubt you're going to suddenly get a terrible urge to go to the bathroom during your ride. Whatever dietary changes you make should be gradual and hopefully will simply return you to some degree of regularlity without suddenly giving you the runs (like a laxitive will).

[westtexas]

I'm not sure I understand what's to deal with other than feeling bloated.

I always get intestinal pain that is difficult to deal with - like heartburn but worse - if I am constipated. I used to have to deal with this ALL the time (since I was 14), but my GI system magically switched over to the other end of the spectrum about three months ago without me doing anything (can't decide which is worse).

Try taking an H2 blocker (famotidine, ranitidine, etc.) or a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) before you ride. I find that those individually, or in combination if things are really bad, really help my stomach/intestines hurt so much less. Makes riding a lot more comfortable. That and I make sure to stand and stretch on the bike as much as possible to help relieve any pressure.

HTH.

[indysteel]

Well, I never feel great when I'm constitipated, but if it's too the point of intense intestinal pain, I'd be inclinded to not ride. I got the sense from the OP that she was more concerned about having to make an emergency pit stop during a ride.

As for your situation, westtexas, I'd be inclined to talk to my doc. To go from chronic constipation to the opposite end of the spectrum isn't entirely normal. In the meantime, you might try taking fiber supplements. Believe it or not, extra fiber can firm up your stools, too.

[westtexas]

As for your situation, westtexas, I'd be inclined to talk to my doc. To go from chronic constipation to the opposite end of the spectrum isn't entirely normal. In the meantime, you might try taking fiber supplements. Believe it or not, extra fiber can firm up your stools, too.

I actually do already That and I eat a ton of fruit and lots of veggies, and generally try to maintain a very healthy diet. I've had a wacky system since I was about 14 so I've just learned to deal with its up and downs pretty well. Most docs I have been to have brushed it off as one thing or another or thought I was some kind of hypochondriac since I'm a veterinarian (apparently that makes me not a "real" doctor). None of it really interferes with my life in a terribly drastic way so I'm inclined to ignore it.

[kajero]

Thanks for all your wisdom and suggestions. You all posted a lot of information I was totally unaware of or just hadn't thought about hard enough. Thanks again! K