Hey all fellow pouchitis sufferers....

I'm wondering who exercises, what you do and how much?

I've always feel better when I do and we all know about the health benefits. I end up having real irritation in the anal area if I run, my stools become runnier and more frequent so it becomes a real pain in the rump (literally) to do. Coupled with unwanted fatigue, I end up not doing nearly as much as I want to. Anyone have advise or routines they do that help?

Thanks in advance.

I have never been an avid exercizer but I have started going to the gym with my son. I do a fairly gentle routine of either the bike, eliptical or treadmill and then some weights. Not enough to make me all sweaty as I hate that feeling, but enogh to know that i have gotten my heart going a bit.

I find that I can't go far on the treadmill for the same reason, it irritates my bottom but the bike seems okay.

I do
Everyday as a matter of fact,with all the snow we get up here in ontario our power walks are some what grueling,but there awsome hikes.I also use a nordic track 360 weight machine 4 time a week.I have pouchitus,problaby cronic but under control,I do nasty mountain bikeing,Running is not my thing,plus it hurts my joints.I also soak every single night in hot water and enjoy a glass of red wine, because I deserve it.
Go for it Matt

I do every day. I walk 2-4 miles and do strength training. Since I was so sick for so long I lost all my muschle mass. I am now seeing a personal trainer who specializes in people like me who have had a chronic illness for a long time. It is really helping. I feel better and sleep better. I have had to learn to not over do things which is hard for me. On days I don't feel well I don't do much. However, my docs would not let me do anything but walk for a couple of months after my take down.

Every one is different when it comes to exercise, but i've always had a good quality recumbent bike or rowing machine in my basement and use them religously. I figure the cost of these machines is equal to the cost of a club membership, which most people end up using infrequently or stop all together. Nothing like having an exercise machine nearby (but need to have TV or good music to accompany it) I always find that a good sweat lifts my spirits and outlook on life. Never fails. Good luck

I suffer from chronic pouchitis and adhesions. When I am in remission and feel well I can be at the gym 1 1/2 hours everyday, but there are some days when I just can't make it. For me it is a roller coster ride cause I'll build myself up and then bam-I'm out of commission and have to start over.
What I strive for is at least 2-3 miles even if it means walking instead of running. Interval training is the best and I try to change machines every time I go. I also do weights. I try to go in the a.m. after a small binding breakfast as I won't hit the loo as much. Sometimes I'll have a bit of butt burn but find that excercise actually helps it go away.
I love the idea of a trainer cause I really don't know what I'm doing. Have fun and stay strong.
Susan

I lift weights a couple of times a week and swim a couple of times a week. Normally, I'll also do a run on the weekend - I've entered a half marathon in May so I'll need to really start building up my distances for that. I'm also doing a 5km swim in a couple of weeks.

MSW, I know what you're talking about; sometimes when I exercise or engage in anything more active I have runnier stools and even some leakage which is a big pain. I try not to let it stop me but there are days there is no dealing with it. Perhaps, sitting on a bike would be better for us on those days and maintaining pressure down there. My problem is finding the time to exercise since I work two jobs; I know I need to though

The personal trainer is working. I go for 1/2 hour every week. I did not know what to do and she is helping me build up to my pre Jpouch days. It is rather pricey but worth it. I don't plan on going for ever. As far as time to work out-I started at just 5 minutes a day and have built up since then. There are some days I walk in place or around the house for 10 minutes at a time. I think it is that you are moving-not how long each time.

One other thing-my husband bought me a pedometer so I could track how much I was walking-really so I don't over do it. You would be surprised how much you walk everyday and don't realize it. I walk in place while doing a lot of things. It is amazing how many miles I walk!

I swim, but only once a week as my joints are really painful these days and I often feel fluey. When I feel like that, the last thing I want to do is strip down and get into water. I also go for a long walk with my family every Sunday. But that´s it. I miss doing the belly dancing that I started last year before really getting crippled with the UC. I feel the need to exercise my belly, but I worry about overdoing it.

MSW,
I have had the same problems after surgeries. I used to be an avid runner and loved to go mountain biking, but have pretty much given them up due to the same problems you described. However, I'm able to play basketball, tennis, and other sports and don't have the problem. I always attributed it to the constant jarring during running or mountainbiking that caused the discomfort and pain.

adam

Hello MSW,

did you try to take Imodium (loperamide) before sporting?

Greetings,

Roger

PS: I'am not really able to exercise the last 9 years (I started a forum about it lately: exercise-induced diarrhea and pain-the irritable pouch syndrome). My "second opinion doctor" advised Imodium.

MSW,

I exercise frequently and started working out lightly three weeks after my 1- step.I play basketball twice a week and golf about once every other week. I am also a high school basketball official, so I do a lot of running. The key for me is that I empty before I start.

But I do get the symptoms you desribe when I do abdominal work, thus my core is a lot fluffier than I would like.

Don't push yourself too hard, but don't give up too easy. Eventually, you will build stamina. Also, I have found the enrgy drinks like Red Bull, Adrenaline Rush, etc. helps ward off the fatigue factor.

I go for walks periodically throughout the day. Some days i just know i can't push it as hard since i didn't have a good day pouchitis wise. Get tired or had a a rough night. I push it until i feel comfortable.