Good evening all,
Warning--major vent coming. I had my 3 month check up with my Gastro today. I'm frustrated!
First of all, he chastised me for not weaning down to 2 Entecort a day vs. the 3 I am currently taking. I explained to him that I am in training for my half marathon right now, and once that was over, I fully intended to try again. I've tried twice, and I just can't seem to keep things "in check" in my gut right now along with the high mileage I'm putting in. I've cut back so much on my diet and watch everything I eat like a hawk now....I think it's just going to take time for this gut of mine to fully heal. Believe me, I don't want to be on this med forever...the sooner I can get off of it the better.
Ok, here's where it got ugly...he told me that I shouldn't be running. He said there is evidence that folks who are runners, especially distance runners like myself, have such good blood flow that they can become ashemic (I'm SURE I am spelling that all wrong..forgive me!) and that this can cause my blood vessels in my intestines to constrict and cause further damage. I started to challenge and question this a bit more, and he started throwing all sorts of medical terms at me.....so of course, I got confused by it all. He saw I was getting visibly upset, and told me he wouldn't push the issue too hard, but still, he thinks it would be in my best interest to give up running.
No way. I feel like I have had to overcome SO many obstacles to get where I am today. Six years ago I was lugging around 100 extra pounds and never DREAMED I would be a runner.
I have found a passion in running....I know this sounds dorky, but it gives meaning to my life, I just cannot describe how it has liberated me. I have fought tooth and nail to get where I am today, and there is no way in heck I'm going to chuck this dream of mine.
Do you think my doc has a valid point, or is he totally full of it???
Guess what I did after my appointment? I came home, laced up my shoes, and ran 6 miles. Hmpf. I'll show him.
Anyway, so sorry for the tirade. I really needed to vent, and any input is most appreciated. I'm confused and depressed by the whole thing to be honest.
~Jill
Gastro appt...UGH!
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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jillian357
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Hi Jill,
I'm sorry that you had such an unpleasant session with your GI doc. As you are probably well aware, I'm not one to agree with many of the viewpoints held by most GI docs. I held back from responding for several hours, searching for a way to phrase this, so that it wouldn't sound too distasteful, (and hoping that maybe someone else would respond), as I don't want to lose your friendship, and upset you even more than you already are. The fact of the matter is that, in this case, I have to say that your GI doc seems to be looking out for your best interest, (as far as your colon health is concerned) . The issue that he was referring to ischemic colitis:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m ... i_98542872
Apparently it's more common than many people realize, but, of course, only the most serious cases ever come to light. That said, runners continue to run, and many of them are aware of this risk. Of course, all of them should be.
I do agree that he was not only a bit heavy handed to lecture you for not reducing your dosage of Entocort, but IMO, he was just plain wrong, for this reason: The treatment is worthless, if it does not control your symptoms, so what would be the point of lowering the dose, if it will not control your symptoms at a lower rate?
The risk of ischemic colitis applies to all distance runners, not just to you, of course. Whether or not you are more vulnerable to it because of the MC, is arguable either way, and a totally un-researched topic. As much as running obviously means to you, I certainly am not going to tell you that you shouldn't run, because I'm not willing to shatter your dream, and besides, only you can weigh the risks against the rewards, and make the decision that is best for you. Please be aware of the risk, though, and seek medical help, if the symptoms should ever appear, especially after a long run. We want to see you happy, and we also want to see you healthy, and we'll support you, no matter what you choose to do.
Love,
Tex
I'm sorry that you had such an unpleasant session with your GI doc. As you are probably well aware, I'm not one to agree with many of the viewpoints held by most GI docs. I held back from responding for several hours, searching for a way to phrase this, so that it wouldn't sound too distasteful, (and hoping that maybe someone else would respond), as I don't want to lose your friendship, and upset you even more than you already are. The fact of the matter is that, in this case, I have to say that your GI doc seems to be looking out for your best interest, (as far as your colon health is concerned) . The issue that he was referring to ischemic colitis:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m ... i_98542872
Apparently it's more common than many people realize, but, of course, only the most serious cases ever come to light. That said, runners continue to run, and many of them are aware of this risk. Of course, all of them should be.
I do agree that he was not only a bit heavy handed to lecture you for not reducing your dosage of Entocort, but IMO, he was just plain wrong, for this reason: The treatment is worthless, if it does not control your symptoms, so what would be the point of lowering the dose, if it will not control your symptoms at a lower rate?
The risk of ischemic colitis applies to all distance runners, not just to you, of course. Whether or not you are more vulnerable to it because of the MC, is arguable either way, and a totally un-researched topic. As much as running obviously means to you, I certainly am not going to tell you that you shouldn't run, because I'm not willing to shatter your dream, and besides, only you can weigh the risks against the rewards, and make the decision that is best for you. Please be aware of the risk, though, and seek medical help, if the symptoms should ever appear, especially after a long run. We want to see you happy, and we also want to see you healthy, and we'll support you, no matter what you choose to do.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Jill
Mary posed a similar question a while back.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... s+diarrhea
Your doctor may not be to far off. It is far more common in runners than anyone would realize. Many runners I have known over the years have had the problem. They are all still running. It can be controlled. With care and attention we can continue all our passions. Or anything else that gives our life meaning.
Happy running.
To your continued recovery
Matthew
Mary posed a similar question a while back.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... s+diarrhea
Your doctor may not be to far off. It is far more common in runners than anyone would realize. Many runners I have known over the years have had the problem. They are all still running. It can be controlled. With care and attention we can continue all our passions. Or anything else that gives our life meaning.
Happy running.
To your continued recovery
Matthew
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jillian357
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Morning Tex,
Thanks so much for your reply--I was hoping you would be one of the first, as you truly are a walking encyclopedia imo!
I do want to say this-- I could never imagine getting upset with you or anyone on this board for being honest. I truly value your friendship and all the wonderful advice you have given me. I knew I needed to post to get some input and look at this all a bit more rationally & calmly.
I certainly don't want to jeopardize my health in any way, but by the same token, what quality of life is to be had if you can't do the things that are meaningful to you? This is a tough one for me, for sure....I read the article you mentioned, thank you for that. One thing I did gather from it is that an iron supplement may be in order? What are your thoughts on that?....I have a hard time deciphering some of the medical jargon in those articles.
I was hoping after this race was over that my next goal could possibly be a full marathon. At this point I'm not ready to let go of that dream, but I also realize it may not be in my best interest. I feel confident that I CAN keep running, but it may not be at the distances I want. That being said, I would rather run shorter races, like 5k's, than not run at all.
If it's a sacrifice I have to make, I guess I will do what needs to be done. I just cannot imagine a life with NO running in it.
Thank you again (and Matthew too!) for the input and advice. I appreciate it more than I could ever express.
Love,
Jill
P.S. I still plan on smokin' it at my half marathon next month!
Thanks so much for your reply--I was hoping you would be one of the first, as you truly are a walking encyclopedia imo!
I do want to say this-- I could never imagine getting upset with you or anyone on this board for being honest. I truly value your friendship and all the wonderful advice you have given me. I knew I needed to post to get some input and look at this all a bit more rationally & calmly.
I certainly don't want to jeopardize my health in any way, but by the same token, what quality of life is to be had if you can't do the things that are meaningful to you? This is a tough one for me, for sure....I read the article you mentioned, thank you for that. One thing I did gather from it is that an iron supplement may be in order? What are your thoughts on that?....I have a hard time deciphering some of the medical jargon in those articles.
I was hoping after this race was over that my next goal could possibly be a full marathon. At this point I'm not ready to let go of that dream, but I also realize it may not be in my best interest. I feel confident that I CAN keep running, but it may not be at the distances I want. That being said, I would rather run shorter races, like 5k's, than not run at all.
If it's a sacrifice I have to make, I guess I will do what needs to be done. I just cannot imagine a life with NO running in it.
Thank you again (and Matthew too!) for the input and advice. I appreciate it more than I could ever express.
Love,
Jill
P.S. I still plan on smokin' it at my half marathon next month!
Good morning Jill,
I knew that you wouldn't change your plans, because even though I'm not a runner, I know enough about it that I have no doubt that running is like MC - no one understands how you feel, unless they are also a runner. So that settles that.
Now onward to the details of planning and preparing, regarding iron. Since runners have special needs, you obviously can't just go by RDAs and that sort of thing. From what I've read, you might need to gauge your needs by how you feel. Here are a couple of articles that address this topic, and IMO, the first one is much better than the second, (though they both say pretty much the same thing). The first article describes checking your hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, and why you need to do that, but as you can see, doctors disagree on how these affect performance. You probably have a recent blood test with those results listed - if not, it might be a good idea to have your GP do one, just to be sure you have fairly current information. Iron levels in the body tend to change rather slowly, as a rule, unless significant bleeding enters the picture, then things can change in a hurry. Anyway, I think this will get you headed in the right direction, regarding iron. You may already be familiar with the information in the following articles, and if so, I apologize for wasting your time.
http://www.pfitzinger.com/labreports/iron.shtml
http://www.marathon-training-program.co ... -iron.html
Let 'em eat your dust!
Love,
Tex
I knew that you wouldn't change your plans, because even though I'm not a runner, I know enough about it that I have no doubt that running is like MC - no one understands how you feel, unless they are also a runner. So that settles that.
Now onward to the details of planning and preparing, regarding iron. Since runners have special needs, you obviously can't just go by RDAs and that sort of thing. From what I've read, you might need to gauge your needs by how you feel. Here are a couple of articles that address this topic, and IMO, the first one is much better than the second, (though they both say pretty much the same thing). The first article describes checking your hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, and why you need to do that, but as you can see, doctors disagree on how these affect performance. You probably have a recent blood test with those results listed - if not, it might be a good idea to have your GP do one, just to be sure you have fairly current information. Iron levels in the body tend to change rather slowly, as a rule, unless significant bleeding enters the picture, then things can change in a hurry. Anyway, I think this will get you headed in the right direction, regarding iron. You may already be familiar with the information in the following articles, and if so, I apologize for wasting your time.
http://www.pfitzinger.com/labreports/iron.shtml
http://www.marathon-training-program.co ... -iron.html
Let 'em eat your dust!Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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jillian357
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Tex,
Thanks a bunch for those two links....I highly suspect I am not getting enough iron in my diet, as I rarely eat red meat. Mostly chicken breast and fish lately.
I'm due to get my thyroid levels checked soon, so I'm going to ask my GP about testing my iron levels as well.
I know liver is a good source of iron.....in your opinion is that a "safe" food for us to eat, provided it is prepared GF?
I'm feeling much better about things today--thanks again for the info.
Oh! I have met a fellow runner in my area who is 56 years old and has overcome cancer.....he's going to run my race as well, and we hope to be able to run some of it together. How cool is that??!!
Love,
Jill
Thanks a bunch for those two links....I highly suspect I am not getting enough iron in my diet, as I rarely eat red meat. Mostly chicken breast and fish lately.
I'm due to get my thyroid levels checked soon, so I'm going to ask my GP about testing my iron levels as well.
I know liver is a good source of iron.....in your opinion is that a "safe" food for us to eat, provided it is prepared GF?
I'm feeling much better about things today--thanks again for the info.
Oh! I have met a fellow runner in my area who is 56 years old and has overcome cancer.....he's going to run my race as well, and we hope to be able to run some of it together. How cool is that??!!
Love,
Jill
VERY COOL. I hope it goes very well for you.........Keep us posted.Jill,
You're most welcome. Are you being treated for a thyroid issue, or is this just a screening test? I recall that in an earlier post you mentioned taking coconut oil to support your thyroid.
A lot of people view liver as if it were a toxic waste dump, but in paleo times, organ meat was preferred over all else, because of it's rich nutrient supply, and those folks were generally healthier, with much stronger bones, etc., than virtually everyone alive today. Sure it's safe, and it's still a healthy food, though it's not as popular as it was a generation or two ago. These days, mostly because of advertising hype, many people seem to prefer to get their nutrition by eating artificially "enriched" foods, rather than to get it the old-fashioned way, by eating food that is already loaded with nutrients, and doesn't have to be artificially "enriched".
I'm glad you're feeling more at ease today. The thing is, the world is full of risks, and all of them can't always be avoided. Certainly, it would be foolhardy to just ignore all of them, and pretend that we're invincible, but If we try to be so security-minded that we do everything we possibly can, to eliminate each and every risk, no matter how remote, then, just as you pointed out, we will find that we can't do most of the things that make life worth living - we might as well be under house arrest.
That's neat, to meet another runner nearby, who also has had formidable health "challenges".
Love,
Tex
You're most welcome. Are you being treated for a thyroid issue, or is this just a screening test? I recall that in an earlier post you mentioned taking coconut oil to support your thyroid.
A lot of people view liver as if it were a toxic waste dump, but in paleo times, organ meat was preferred over all else, because of it's rich nutrient supply, and those folks were generally healthier, with much stronger bones, etc., than virtually everyone alive today. Sure it's safe, and it's still a healthy food, though it's not as popular as it was a generation or two ago. These days, mostly because of advertising hype, many people seem to prefer to get their nutrition by eating artificially "enriched" foods, rather than to get it the old-fashioned way, by eating food that is already loaded with nutrients, and doesn't have to be artificially "enriched".
I'm glad you're feeling more at ease today. The thing is, the world is full of risks, and all of them can't always be avoided. Certainly, it would be foolhardy to just ignore all of them, and pretend that we're invincible, but If we try to be so security-minded that we do everything we possibly can, to eliminate each and every risk, no matter how remote, then, just as you pointed out, we will find that we can't do most of the things that make life worth living - we might as well be under house arrest.
That's neat, to meet another runner nearby, who also has had formidable health "challenges".
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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jillian357
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Tex,
There isn't much food I don't like....and liver is on my list of foods I actually enjoy, but have avoided for years for the many reasons you mentioned. I think it may be worthwhile to try to incorporate it into my diet a little here and there to see if it keeps my iron levels consistent.
I have Hashimoto's disease, so yes, I am under treatment from my GP for that. I guess it's been about three years since my diagnosis, and I've been fortunate that my Synthroid hasn't had to be increased since I started the med.
I supplement with L-Tyrosine and the occasional tablespoon of cold pressed coconut oil as well.
If my memory serves me correctly, don't you have a problem with your thyroid as well?
Love,
Jill
There isn't much food I don't like....and liver is on my list of foods I actually enjoy, but have avoided for years for the many reasons you mentioned. I think it may be worthwhile to try to incorporate it into my diet a little here and there to see if it keeps my iron levels consistent.
I have Hashimoto's disease, so yes, I am under treatment from my GP for that. I guess it's been about three years since my diagnosis, and I've been fortunate that my Synthroid hasn't had to be increased since I started the med.
I supplement with L-Tyrosine and the occasional tablespoon of cold pressed coconut oil as well.
If my memory serves me correctly, don't you have a problem with your thyroid as well?
Love,
Jill
Jill,
I'm one of those unfortunate individuals to whom liver tastes bitter, so I rarely eat it, these days, but I've never avoided it because of any "safety" issues.
Yes, I have hypothyroidism, and I'm pretty sure that it's the main reason why I'm short of breath much of the time, and sometimes can't draw a deep breath. I find that those issues are much less of a problem, now that I've switched to Armour, (which also contains T3). I'm hoping that once I get my dosage rate fine-tuned, (I need to do a blood test in a few weeks), I'll improve some more.
Since you're so athletic, apparently you don't have the shortness of breath issue, or at least your treatment must control it.
For some strange reason, I've never been able to persuade my doc to test for Hashimoto's.
Love,
Tex
I'm one of those unfortunate individuals to whom liver tastes bitter, so I rarely eat it, these days, but I've never avoided it because of any "safety" issues.
Yes, I have hypothyroidism, and I'm pretty sure that it's the main reason why I'm short of breath much of the time, and sometimes can't draw a deep breath. I find that those issues are much less of a problem, now that I've switched to Armour, (which also contains T3). I'm hoping that once I get my dosage rate fine-tuned, (I need to do a blood test in a few weeks), I'll improve some more.
Since you're so athletic, apparently you don't have the shortness of breath issue, or at least your treatment must control it.
For some strange reason, I've never been able to persuade my doc to test for Hashimoto's.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Jill
Sheesh! What a bummer.
My first impression is that you need to find a GI doc who is a runner.
Seriously, though, I know how conflicted this must make you feel. I know you have your heart set on that half-marathon. In an earlier post I think I suggested that you defer the longer races until after your gut is completely healed, which I know you really don't want to do. But.......my hunch would be that anyone with an underlying GI problem might be at greater risk of developing ischemic colitis (i.c.) IF it is going to occur.
The article gave no idea of the incidence of i.c. - or the gender/age groups most likely to be involved - or how many had underlying anemia, or the training regimens utilized, etc., so it's difficult to draw many conclusions. It's not something I would worry about for myself, but I don't run more than 3 or 4 miles at the most now. Plus my gut seems to be working optimally now, especially since I have eliminated eggs in addition to everything else. Also, I am older than you, and I have decided that by running fewer miles, I lower my risk of sustaining an injury.
I can tell you that it is absolutely necessary for me to run, and I know you understand that. It is the best cardio workout for me and it greatly reduces my stress level. Plus it is just darn good for my soul - to be outside every day doing something for myself. If I go several days in a row without my run, I feel like a caged animal. Look out!!! LOL!
I'll be interested to find out what you decide to do. Of course we will support you however you decide.
Love,
Polly
Sheesh! What a bummer.
My first impression is that you need to find a GI doc who is a runner.
Seriously, though, I know how conflicted this must make you feel. I know you have your heart set on that half-marathon. In an earlier post I think I suggested that you defer the longer races until after your gut is completely healed, which I know you really don't want to do. But.......my hunch would be that anyone with an underlying GI problem might be at greater risk of developing ischemic colitis (i.c.) IF it is going to occur.
The article gave no idea of the incidence of i.c. - or the gender/age groups most likely to be involved - or how many had underlying anemia, or the training regimens utilized, etc., so it's difficult to draw many conclusions. It's not something I would worry about for myself, but I don't run more than 3 or 4 miles at the most now. Plus my gut seems to be working optimally now, especially since I have eliminated eggs in addition to everything else. Also, I am older than you, and I have decided that by running fewer miles, I lower my risk of sustaining an injury.
I can tell you that it is absolutely necessary for me to run, and I know you understand that. It is the best cardio workout for me and it greatly reduces my stress level. Plus it is just darn good for my soul - to be outside every day doing something for myself. If I go several days in a row without my run, I feel like a caged animal. Look out!!! LOL!
I'll be interested to find out what you decide to do. Of course we will support you however you decide.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Oh, Jill, I forgot:
P.S. One of the safest and best ways to increase your iron intake is an old-fashioned tip that really works.
Whenever you heat up tomato sauce (or any tomato dish), use an iron skillet. The acid from the tomato pulls iron into the sauce. If you want maximum absorption of iron, drink a beverage with vitamin C in it at the same time you eat the tomato sauce. Do not drink tea - it interferes with iron absorption.
Polly
P.S. One of the safest and best ways to increase your iron intake is an old-fashioned tip that really works.
Whenever you heat up tomato sauce (or any tomato dish), use an iron skillet. The acid from the tomato pulls iron into the sauce. If you want maximum absorption of iron, drink a beverage with vitamin C in it at the same time you eat the tomato sauce. Do not drink tea - it interferes with iron absorption.
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
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jillian357
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Tex,
So sorry to hear about the shortness of breath problem. No fun at all.
I can honestly say I've never had that symptom with my hypo--that is until I was diagnosed with Asthma last year. That changed everything! Luckily, I have that pretty well under control now.
Polly,
I'm so glad you understand the importance of running!
I too feel like a caged animal if I can't get out and run at least every other day! It's a great release, isn't it?
At this point, YES, I still plan on running the half marathon. I'm arming myself with yet more info, and will watch my symptoms closely, especially after long runs. I plan on running 12 miles on Saturday, my longest run yet.
I'm going to keep an optimistic attitude and pay attention to my body, and hope for the best.
Have a great day everyone!
Love,
Jill
So sorry to hear about the shortness of breath problem. No fun at all.
I can honestly say I've never had that symptom with my hypo--that is until I was diagnosed with Asthma last year. That changed everything! Luckily, I have that pretty well under control now.
Polly,
I'm so glad you understand the importance of running!
I too feel like a caged animal if I can't get out and run at least every other day! It's a great release, isn't it?At this point, YES, I still plan on running the half marathon. I'm arming myself with yet more info, and will watch my symptoms closely, especially after long runs. I plan on running 12 miles on Saturday, my longest run yet.
I'm going to keep an optimistic attitude and pay attention to my body, and hope for the best.
Have a great day everyone!
Love,
Jill