Cross country helps?

[jaedon]

Ive recently started started running cross country and I think its helped with some of my symptoms but then again I dont really know because I was only diagnosed a couple of months ago and it is still very mild for me. But I have noticed that whatever few things have came with my Crohn's have pretty much went away since I started school. I dont know if it's maybe because I eat the same thing every day or it might be both. But has anyone else ran cross country with Crohn's if so can you please share your experiences

 

[Justanothercp]

I used to run a lot, but after 4-5 miles, my guts started to protest. Just couldn't push past that without abdominal pain.
But we are each so different, so if it is working for you, Keep Running!!

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Exercise really helps me in a very broad sense. It has made my depression pretty much completely go away, and it helps with my stress levels too. It's made my body stronger and better able to deal with pain and flares. I've been flaring mildly since about May of this year, but the flare has not gotten worse, and I think that's at least partly due to the fact that I've continued to exercise. And when I'm in the gym, I can forget for a little while that I'm a sick girl, and I can pretend that I'm a healthy, normal person. I feel strong and great when I'm working out! So yes, if it seems to be working for you, definitely keep going with it.

Justanothercp, I cannot jog either, due to joint (hip) pain which worsens when I jog or even if I walk too much. Have you been able to do other forms of exercise? I do okay with riding my bike, and I do great with stuff like yoga and weight-lifting.

 

[Jison0612]

This is awesome guys I really wanna start working out to help with my depression and it only stands to reason that if were healthier we can fight any disease better so this has really giving me a better out look on things thinks so much!!

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Jison, good luck! Remember to start slowly, take it easy at first when you're starting an exercise program, so that you know what your body can and cannot handle. Like I said, I can't jog, but I can do other forms of exercise, so if something hurts or causes issues/symptoms then don't give up, try a different form of exercise instead. You might want to consider starting out with something gentle like walking or yoga, and gradually move up to more intense exercises as your body adjusts to doing exercise. When I started lifting weights, I was going to the gym 2x a week, and lifting very light weights so as to not stress my body too much. Now I've built up to lifting every other day and doing weights that are as heavy as I can manage! So it might take some time, but keep up with it. It's been wonderful for me both mentally and physically.

 

[Jison0612]

I'm excited about this I've always had the thought process I'll live my life and let the meds work but now I'm thinking if I'm healthy and energized it stands to reason that I'll be better fit to fight this disease along with my treatments do U agree with this? I don't wanna go completely off of my treatments cause I've been really sick with Crohn's and I cannot afford to get that way again

 

[Tesscorm]

jaedon - my son is also quite athletic but as justanothercp said, once he did a few kilometres, his gut started to hurt. He thought it was the constant bouncing that did it?? But, he has no problems with the shorter sprints in soccer, basketball and ball hockey and plays ice hockey every year. He also does weights and, when he periodically has back/shoulder pains (old injuries/inflammation), he finds the stretching in yoga helps quite a bit.

And, totally agree with Cat - taking care of your body can only help you get through/minimize flares!

Also, Jaeden, as you're approximately the same age as my son, perhaps this may help you too (anyone, really...). He drinks 1-3 nutritional shakes per day in addition to his regular diet. I think the exercise and nutrition he maintains has helped him quite a bit.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Jison - no, don't go off your medications! I think of fitness as just another component to my treatment. I take meds, I work out, I try to get enough sleep, I take my supplements, I try to watch what I eat, I rest when I need to, etc. All these are facets of my treatment and all are helping me fight my illnesses and become healthier. I know I can't stop taking my medications or I'll flare - likewise, I know I'll feel worse if I stop working out, or if I stay up too late. Just think of it as another component, don't let it be your one and only way of fighting your illness - but as another weapon in your arsenal.

 

[Jison0612]

Thank u so much cat a tonic!!! It seems like there's no middle ground either ur gonna medicate and go the dr way or be completely natural?!? I'm more of a 50/50 kinda person it's so reassuring to find someone shares my same thoughts on it!!