Bad side cramp during ride

[indysteel]

Yesterday, I did the Crane Cyclefest--a Ride to Recovery event to benefit injured Veterans. It was to be mu first long and hilly ride of the year (I just haven't been riding much). All was goingly well, albeit slowly) until about mile 35. We climbed a long hill and about 3/4s of the way up, I got a really bad cramp in my right side. It was far worse than the side stitches I sometimes get running. I got to the top of the climb and flagged my husband to stop. By that point, I was having trouble even just standing up. I wanted to sit down on the side of the road, but the bugs in this area were fierce, and I could take it. So, after a minute or two, I started up again. Mr. B circled back at this point, and we rode at a crawl for a few more minutes. I was pretty concerned about continuing on, so when a SAG vehicle rolled up a minute later, DH and I accepted a ride.

It took a while to get back to our cars, and by that point, I felt more or less back to normal. I ate some lunch and DH and I drove home. As the day and evening wore on, I did have a bit more GI distress. Nothing terrible; just not normal either.

So what gives? I've never encountered that while riding before. I had oatmeal for breakfast and a banana a bit later but before the ride. During the ride, my food options weren't great, as they had green bananas at the stops. While bananas are my usual choice, I opted for some cookies, and probably too many of them at that. I otherwise just had water and a bit of Cytomax.

I'd like to think it was a combination of bad food choices and the climb, but I'm a little freaked out. I'm also disappointed that DH and I didn't finish the ride. I was otherwise really enjoying myself, as it was a great ride for a great cause.

[OakLeaf]

How do you feel now? Do you still have your appendix??

[indysteel]

I do still have my appendix--and that was something that came to mind. I fell okay, but not great now. Sorry for the details here, but I don't know to otherwise answer your question without them. I've had a couple of soft BMs, some burping and gas.

[OakLeaf]

I'd call your doctor. Do they have someone on call during the weekends? I'd say call a nurse line, but my experience with them is that they are going to send you to the ER for anything from acute appendicitis to a hangnail.

[indysteel]

Yeah, I was afraid you would say that. I wanted to avoid the ER, but I might have to head there afterall.

[indysteel]

I don't think it was heat related. I was drinking enough water and it wasn't overly hot. I know how I feel when I get overheated and dehydrated, and this wasn't it. I also don't think I'd be having lingering GI issues if it was heat related.