Ive been trying to avoid starting a thread about this. Partly because I dont want to make a scene and I just wanted to fade into the shadows and be forgotten about, and also because I dont think I can put it into words properly without sounding like im a big ponce and as amex would say, needs to "HTFU"
I watched the "fellrunner" video again on youtube tonight and It reminded me of how much a miss the sport - the racing, the training, the people...everything and I think its time I looked for some answers.
Ok...where to begin.
In September 2009 I did the Three Shire's Fell Race. I had a good race, but felt quite sick and had horrendous diarrhea in the evening. I thought nothing of it as I know everybody gets the post-race runs.
This gradually got more serve. I did the Langdale Horsehoe the following month, and I was nearly throwing my cuts up after a mile...and felt pretty ill after the race.
Again gradually this got worse, to the extent that over the months I felt sick when ever I tried to run, even just a gentle trot across the fields. I tried to battle through it but It was starting to seriously affect my race results as I was having to back right off in fear that I might either have projectile vomit...or publically diarrhea myself!
To put a cherry on the cake, for about 6 months now I have been feeling sick 24 hours a day no matter what I do, running, sat at my desk....you name it.
On July 13th I did Waughs Well Fell Race and decided enough was enough and I packed in running. I'd had enough of the nausea and any benefits I got from running weren’t worth it.
I went to the doctors and they did a test for gluten intolerance and its not that, and I know if I eat chocolate this makes me feel ill...so Ive packed in all dairy products for a few months now. The doctor was clueless and referred me to specialist.
A date was set and I got to have a camera shoved up my arse because the doctor seemed most concerned that I was feeling like I might shite myself at any minute during the day - which you would...but that came up clear.
Since then, ive started a full-time work placement as part of my degree, as well as holding my part-time job at sainsburys, so im working between 54.5-58.5 hours a week. So I dont have time to go back to the doctors unless I book a day off work.
My mum said it was all nerves and possibly abit of stress and its basically locking up my stomach and bringing on the nausia - She knows me well!...and I am an anxious person so I can see where she's coming from but Im not convinced its that.
Our next thought, which Im currently sat on is that its acid related. I dont know why but the doctor never suggested putting a camera down my neck and looking in my stomach?
Alexandra said in another thread "There are many medicines for reducing stomach acid, but I guess you must have tried them already"
Other than stuff like gaviscon I havent to be honest.
So………
The obvious answer is that I need to go back to the doctors….but Ive not got a lot of holidays left – and my boss is somewhat fierce and I don’t want to get on the wrong side of him trying to nick days off work to sort out my namby-pamby issues which will probably go on and on and on.
Ive dreamt of doing so much in this sport, to win the English u23 fell championship, all the Lakeland classics, the ben…id even planned a secret half-bob graham for this coming summer.
Im not very optimistic Im going to find an answer and I’ll just be playing a waiting a game – Maybe I’ll grow out of it in a few year….but I cant wait that long!
I should hopefully be driving before the end of the year…so I will be able to get to some of the big races to support you all.
So…see you all around sometime!
Al.