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I've had UC for about 40 years.  The Asacol and cortisone enemas became progressively less effective, and then I learned that the Asacol has apparently put me in stage 3 kidney disease.  I'm on immuran and sicker than ever.  Predisone is itolerable.  Surgery looms.  Here's my question:  is there anybody out there who is an exercise freak like me (kickboxing, weights, intense cardio 3 to 4 hours per day) who has had surgery and actually got back to a heavy workout schedule?  How long did it take?  I'm a 60-year-old female (in great shape now) and afraid I won't be able to return to my former vigorous workouts (now made occasionally possible only by frequent use of immodium).

 Reply posted for minnie.

Yup.  I have a permanent ileostomy.  I could get reconnected but since they were not able to definitively say whether I have Crohn's or UC, there is a chance that reconnecting could cause issues.  I am doing so well that I have chosen to forgo that for now.

 Reply posted for JE.

Hi, Minnie:

I'm new to all of this... Even though I've probably had Crohn's for over 40 years, until August it had been pretty inocuous and I knew nothing of it.  Then I had an extensive surgery to remove a blockage.  I'm 63 and was told that, had I not been extremely fit (I have been a serious, long distance cyclist) this surgery would have most likely killed me.  I was hospitalized for about a month.  Became infected with MRSA and was on massive anti-biotics.

My recovery was getting back on my bike, although I was barely able to climb stairs.  I used the stairs to start my rehab, going up a flite and turning around and going up again.  I initially did this 5-6 times a day for a few days and built up to 10-12.  That's 24 up cycles.  Then I got on an indoor trainer for about 5 days and needed to be outdoors.  Again, I started with short 6-10 mile rides.  Did that for about two weeks and did some R & R in Hawaii for three weeks, no bike.  The day I came home, I started with a 16 mile ride and in one month rode 360 miles with 33,000' of climbing.

This isn't for everyone... But I want you to know, you can recover to peak fitness.  As an athlete, you are accustomed to suffering, but try to go slow and listen to your body.  Oh, I'd avoid the kickboxing for a while...

Good luck, Michael

 Reply posted for mtmcdaid.

Hi Mike,
May i ask if you have a permanent ileostomy?

 Reply posted for JE.

There is ALOT of life after surgery especially as fit as you already are!  Here's my story:

In 1991 at 26 yrs old, I had a total colectomy.  At the time, I was doing two aerobic classes per day and I was back doing them three weeks post surgery.

Today - get this:  I'm an Ironman athlete!  I've done 3 full Ironmans with the last one just last April here in Arizona.  And . . . I took 5th place in my age group (40-44)!  Since 1991, I've ran over 25 marathons, countless half marathons, 10Ks, etc. plus over a dozen shorter distance triathlons.  I'm a good runner (not just a finisher), I've qualified for the Boston Marathon and almost qualified for Ironman Hawaii.  Forgive me for bragging, I only want you to know that anything is possible. 

Fret no more.  Get that surgery and get on with your life. Contact me if you have questions.  Let us all know how you do.

Anne

 Reply posted for JE.

Hi,

I have been able after both my surgeries to get back to excercise and activity better than normal.  I feel way better now that I don't have UC, and when I had my temp ileo I was really active, and now with my jpouch I do everything I want. 

After recovery from the first surgery, you'll probably need to do some more mellow excercise till you are fully recovered, but you'll be back to doing your thing in no time.  I've documented all my surgeries and my timeframe on getting back to work, golfing, snowboarding, etc...

http://ucstory.wordpress.com/surgery-1/

http://ucstory.wordpress.com/surgery-2-inbetween-surgeries/

http://ucstory.wordpress.com/surgery-3-jpouch-or-takedown-surgery/

http://ucstory.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/mark-9-month-jpouch-update/

Also, you'll find others on our blog, that are now after surgery really active. 

Take care,

Mark

 Reply posted for JE.

I personally have not yet fully recovered from my surgery to tell you my own story (I am a runner), but my husband told me he was watching one of those ultimate fighting shows on TV and one of the fighters on the show talked about his total colectomy, life with an ileostomy, JPouch surgery, and now he's back doing ultimate fighting, which I would imagine can take a toll on a person's body!  He showed his scars and everything.  My husband said it was inspirational and gave him hope that I'll get back to my active self again. 

Good luck to you!

 Reply posted for mtmcdaid.

Thanks, Mike.  That's encouraging.

 Reply posted for JE.

JE,

I had a total colectomy in January, 2007 and did my first international distance duathlon (5K run/40K ride/5K run) in March, 2008.  Additionally, I umpire baseball and referee basketball.  I have had no negative impact on my level of activity since the surgery.  In fact, since I am feeling better, I am probably more active at 41 than I was at 31.

-Mike