How to manage colitis on the Appalachian trail

[timbo59]

I live in Florida and got diagnosed with UC about 15 years ago. By and large I consider that I got off lightly, particularly when I hear/read of some of the things others have to suffer through. Why I don't know, but by and large all I've had to deal with through the years is the occasional flareup, some abdominal pain in the first couple of years, the obligatory numerous visits to the toilet during the day that I've so gotten used to that I don't even think about it anymore, and the occasional accidents during a flareup, such as when I sneeze and unintended things happen as a result! Only once have I ever noticed blood in my stools. Though I was prescribed Asacol for the first couple of years I stopped taking the medication eventually as I didn't seem to notice any difference with or without, and since then I've taken nothing at all. My last colonoscopy about 5 years ago showed everything was still okay. Diet-wise I've just eaten the same foods I've always had - I only recently discovered that diet plays a significant part in controlling the symptoms. In retrospect I think the doctor who diagnosed me told me zip about the condition or gave any guidance on what I should be doing - I only found out some years later that I needed to get a regular colonoscopy every few years to check for cancer.

So that's my background.

I'm planning to do the entire length of the Appalachian trail next year, and while there's nothing I can do to control the circumstances of when a flare-up might occur I really wanted to try and minimize the impact that UC might have on the journey. The most obvious is to try and minimize bloating and frequent visits to the nearest available bushes, but I also want to stay on top of any additional fatigue the disease may bring to bear - on that score I was going to keep a stock of vitamins, particularly, iron, on hand. I've read that dairy products in particular do not go down well with UC (not that I was planning on carrying a lot of milk and cheese with me anyway!) but is there anything else I should try and avoid during the trip? Or conversely put on my set list of foods to take with me? As noted, I don't take any medications, but if there's any suggestions for either prescription or over the counter medications that might be of help I'd be interested to know.

Other than that it'll be interesting to see how I'll go. My body was made for walking, and I've always been a tireless and naturally fast hiker through most of my adult life, most of it on solo hikes back in my homeland of Australia. At 56 years of age though, and somewhat out of shape, it will be interesting to see how my body stands up to the task of embarking on such a long hike, though I'll certainly not be the oldest to have ever done the trail, maybe not even the first with colitis! All I know at this stage is that I'll have to keep a load of toilet paper on hand, plenty of underwear, and a good shovel!

 

[buttER]

Wow that sounds amazing. That is something to look forward to.

You said you are going next year. That gives you a bit of time to experiment with "good" and "bad" foods (check out the sections here or post a few questions).

I imagine you will not eat the same foods on the hike as you would at home, it's not like you will be taking your kitchen with you. I think my strategy would be to find out what kinds of food are available on the trail (I'm assuming there is not a convenience store every few miles). See if there is anything there that would make you feel worse, so you can avoid them when you are on the trail. Also if you are planning to take snacks like the energy/protein bars then I would also see if I could tolerate them before eating great quantities en route.

 

[timbo59]

The logistics is something else altogether, and one of the reasons I'm planning for next year rather than this one - most people trying for it typically leave in April or even leave it as late as May. The typical diet of a hiker has little comparison to that consumed domestically. You tend to travel light and often take dehydrated foods on longer hikes to save weight.

There are plenty of opportunities along the Appalachian trail to pick up food, while many through hikers also arrange mail drops for necessities along the way.

At the moment though that's not the issue. More a case of picking the brains of people who have some actual knowledge and experience of the kind of nutrition that can help minimize the impact of UC, especially while doing strenuous exercise.

 

[copeland]

Good luck on the trail!

Unfortunately, my Crohn's diagnosis was definitely the end of my AT dreams, but it sounds like your disease is under much better control. I still do weekend trips, but I don't trust my body to leave me alone for the length of an AT hike.

Food triggers vary pretty widely from person to person, so I'm not sure I can help you much there, except to say that you should eat what works for you.

 

[timbo59]

Sorry to read that it hit you at such a young age - and Crohns as well! I didn't come down with UC until I was 40 and yes, it does seem like I got off pretty lightly. I've only been reading of late that there's a variety of ways UC can affect you, so my best guess is that I must have come down with one of the milder versions. I guess I'd have to go back to the specialist to try and diagnose which one, but don't really see much point.

As for the AT, it will be an interesting venture. My body could give out on the first week for all I know, so we'll see how it goes. I figure as long as I can get through the first few weeks and don't push myself too hard initially I should be okay - UC permitting.

 

[buttER]

I have noticed that the stamina builds up so quickly on long hikes: even just 3-4 days and there is a huge difference in fitness level. On the first day after 2 hours I feel like stopping, but a couple of days in I am like a mountain goat (and just as smelly!).
I hope you are good at sleeping in different places, as lack of sleep is also not good for you over a few weeks.

 

[Lisa]

Not much to add in the first discussion, but I'm right along the trail in NY if you make it up this far keep me in mind!