Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
IBS versus IBD
I have IBS. It's different from the disease my daughter has and it can be quite annoying at times of stress. It's one of the reasons I quit running regularly years ago. When I am stressed my stomach and bowels gurgle, become gassy, to name a few symptoms. It's no fun running with sensitive bowels.
In the past, worst case scenarios have included knocking on strangers doors requesting to use a toilet or pulling off the freeway at random exits stalking any gas station or fast food restaurant toilet. I've since learned tricks to cope with this hypersensitve condition and it's something I've learned to live with over the years.
IBD takes bowel problems to the whole next level and a key differentiator is that symptoms don't/can't self correct. They just get worse. Irritation leads to inflammation which leads to constipation, diarreha and bleeding ulcerations of bowel linings. Inflamed and ulcerated bowels lead to malabsorbstion of nutrients, weight loss and general poor health. Steroids and/or immune suppressants are required for healing and left untreated, people can die from complications, easily.
I didn't know much about this until my daughter became ill. Because of her illness, I truly understand the differences between IBS and IBD and am a better person for it. It's a privilege to be healthly. It's a privilege to be well enough to train and run for the benefit of all people fighting IBD today. I look forward to July 18th and our 1/2 marathon run; it's right around the corner.
In the past, worst case scenarios have included knocking on strangers doors requesting to use a toilet or pulling off the freeway at random exits stalking any gas station or fast food restaurant toilet. I've since learned tricks to cope with this hypersensitve condition and it's something I've learned to live with over the years.
IBD takes bowel problems to the whole next level and a key differentiator is that symptoms don't/can't self correct. They just get worse. Irritation leads to inflammation which leads to constipation, diarreha and bleeding ulcerations of bowel linings. Inflamed and ulcerated bowels lead to malabsorbstion of nutrients, weight loss and general poor health. Steroids and/or immune suppressants are required for healing and left untreated, people can die from complications, easily.
I didn't know much about this until my daughter became ill. Because of her illness, I truly understand the differences between IBS and IBD and am a better person for it. It's a privilege to be healthly. It's a privilege to be well enough to train and run for the benefit of all people fighting IBD today. I look forward to July 18th and our 1/2 marathon run; it's right around the corner.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pleasure at Shoreline...
That's exactly what my fortune cookie said last Friday night, "You will experience pleasure at the shoreline." So, Saturday morning, I woke up to head out to Shoreline "Park" for a 10 mile run. I haven't run 10 consecutive miles in... decades. It was already hot at 8:30 AM when I started off at around 10 min. mile pace with Carrie. The breeze off the water was a saving grace and the beauty of the restored marshlands with flocks of large birds, another bonus. The wind wicked the sweat right off so I didn't feel the burn. Unfortunately, stomach was not very cooperative and I was grateful for the restrooms at the halfway marker. Note to self; no more Chinese food prior to long runs.
Danielle finally returned home after finals last Thursday. She will be joining my training this week. Finally, training together, yeah!
Danielle finally returned home after finals last Thursday. She will be joining my training this week. Finally, training together, yeah!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
What the Doctor Said...
Iliotibial Band Syndrome and some hip bursitis as a result. RICE, or rest, ice, compression and elevation and stretching should help alleviate further pain and inflamation.
He said my backing off and resuming strategy was good and I could keep running and walking as long as pain was manageable. He also gave me a referral to their in-house sport medicine specialist if I wanted additional expert advice.
I'll be taking some OTC anti-inflamatories, cross-training and strengthening and massage to the effected area as needed. I was thrilled to run 5.75 miles without pain and found a consistent rhythm and a zone - very slow, but not walking - ha!
A special thanks to Deanna, Katie and Twyla for supporting me along the route yesterday. I love you all!
He said my backing off and resuming strategy was good and I could keep running and walking as long as pain was manageable. He also gave me a referral to their in-house sport medicine specialist if I wanted additional expert advice.
I'll be taking some OTC anti-inflamatories, cross-training and strengthening and massage to the effected area as needed. I was thrilled to run 5.75 miles without pain and found a consistent rhythm and a zone - very slow, but not walking - ha!
A special thanks to Deanna, Katie and Twyla for supporting me along the route yesterday. I love you all!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Managing Hip Pain...
Last weekend we ran 8 miles at Stanford Loop, which is two trips around the campus west-end. I walked the first loop and jogged slowly through the second. Later that day, my hip was quite sore again.
Overall, each consecutive day feels better. Each week, hurts less, is more generalized and the pain passes quicker. So, I believe I am healing slowly. Tomorrow with be the moment of truth where I verify with an orthopedist exactly the cause and best course of action for the upcoming month and half prior to the race. I may have to walk the entire thing.
Anyway, I will do it. Please wish me luck in this recovery...
Harold, this years official CCFA Honoree for Northern California sent me the sweetest message of encouragement to continue on that closed with a lovely quote from a Persian Poet, "In the hour of adversity, be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from black clouds." I know, with help, I will overcome this painful hip.
Overall, each consecutive day feels better. Each week, hurts less, is more generalized and the pain passes quicker. So, I believe I am healing slowly. Tomorrow with be the moment of truth where I verify with an orthopedist exactly the cause and best course of action for the upcoming month and half prior to the race. I may have to walk the entire thing.
Anyway, I will do it. Please wish me luck in this recovery...
Harold, this years official CCFA Honoree for Northern California sent me the sweetest message of encouragement to continue on that closed with a lovely quote from a Persian Poet, "In the hour of adversity, be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from black clouds." I know, with help, I will overcome this painful hip.
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