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IBS and Exercise

Posted , 8 users are following.

emma2018
emma2018

Hi everyone, 

I have had IBS for about 3-4 years now. I was on Mebeverine however this did nothing for me. I am now on Buscopan and it has controlled my IBS a lot, but not always - as I’m sure you all know it can Be quite unpredictable! 

I am a keen runner and I am finding that when I exercise but go running in particular my IBS flares up quite badly and I’m in pain and in the bathroom as soon as I get home, for anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes. I have spoken to my doctor about this and she has said that this is actually quite unusual and most people find that exercise helps their IBS! I just wondered if this is something that others have come across at all? And if so, how do you manage this? Thanks smile 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Til1810
    Til1810 emma2018

    Posted

    Running will make ibs worse, the best thing to do is swim according to my doctor as I had the exact problem you do. Running gets the gut moving. Hope this helps a little.
  • Flik22
    Flik22 emma2018

    Posted

    Hey, I used to do Zumba like a year plus ago!!  but had to stop as it was too bouncy and I was petrified I'd have an accident!!!! I do yoga now, but can't bring myself to try anything cardio still!! Xx

  • diane79126
    diane79126 emma2018

    Posted

    Hi,

    I work out at gym every day and have not had any problems. I haven’t taken any meds I went gluten and diary free and it has helped exponentially. 

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 emma2018

    Posted

    Maybe running is too vigorous for your particular IBS.  Everyone experiences it differently.   Doctors always say something is unusual when they don’t know the answer.  Maybe it confuses them that we are not all the same.  Try light walks instead.  I had the same experience with antispasmodics.  Mebeverine upset my stomach but Buscopan really helped.
  • chris69676
    chris69676 emma2018

    Posted

    I've found that running does make IBS worse and being on my feet for long periods of time such as standing around. I think it's to do with the muscles around the bowels cramping up which puts further on the abdomen area. When I go the gym I have to completely avoid abdomen exercises such as ceunches ect because I'll feel like I've been sucker punched a few times in my guts.

    • emma2018
      emma2018 chris69676

      Posted

      Yes me too! I do abdominal exercises but suffer for it afterwards with pain. 
  • leeniepie
    leeniepie emma2018

    Posted

    yup running is well known form making things move along quicker (ask any runner about 'runners trots' and they will probably know) and that's just in people who don't have IBS! I stopped running because of this. You could try altering what you eat before hand to see if this helps

  • mandy05752
    mandy05752 emma2018

    Posted

    I am a long distance runner and triathlete (currently training for an Ironman 70.3). Running hard or long distance can flare up my IBS. HOWEVER some things have helped, as overall exercise has more pros than cons for me and my quality of life so I am not giving it up smile/. I hvae found that I need to stay WELL hydrated before and during my runs. I have to be very careful what I eat the night before a long run or hard run (not much fiber for dinner or I WILL be having to make a pit stop). I also am careful about my food choices morning of. I have taken immodium before races and that works well, and I keep some in my pocket too just in case I feel a gurgle. THis has helped ease the anxiety of having issue too, which has made my issues much less frequent. I still have occasional stuff but overall its much better. 

    I usually do have to go to the bathroom right after a run, but its not usually D, especially if I've eaten the foods that agree with me. UCAN for my mid-run fuel has also been very helpful 

    • emma2018
      emma2018 mandy05752

      Posted

      Thank you so much for this response. It’s not as often any more that I get it, just on the odd occasion it hits me really really badly after a run, even if it’s only 4Km (I am nowhere near as established as you as a runner haha!) I also make sure I have taken buscopan that day but sometimes it just can’t be avoided unfortunately. I get very anxious about the possibility of it flaring up whilst I’m running so this has really helped, to hear that I am not the only one! 
    • mandy05752
      mandy05752 emma2018

      Posted

      Your welcome! You have to train your tummy too. Anxiety makes it worse; you could try immodium before running too. 
    • emma2018
      emma2018 mandy05752

      Posted

      As I increase my distances and my body generally gets used to it, my tummy gets used to it too so I understand what you mean in that sense! Very hit and miss as to when the IBS will strike after a run though unfortunately. I will try Imodium before I run though for sure, thank you! 
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