Nausea = Ive packed in running

[Al Fowler]

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.

[Ady In Accy]

Don't sweat in Al. See what happens after Uni, never say never.

[stevefoster]

Aye, don't give up hope, your still young, life's full of ups and downs, it's hard mate, but don't let it get you down, keep smiling

[LM]

Hi Al

Have you looked into irritable bowel syndrome? My friend had a very similar problem last year and it was wrecking her running completely, every time she went out she needed the loo. Her doctor diagnosed IBS and she was told to cut out all fruit, veg and wholemeal bread for a while and eat very plain white foods such as potatoes, white bread, porridge which went some way to solving the problem, she was then told to introduce fruit etc gradually. Have you thought about keeping a food diary to see what triggers these bouts of sickness? I think you should make time to see the doctor especially as you seem keen to run again and besides you are a very talented runner, it's important that you find an answer - this is ruining your life.

Have a look at this link http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/dietandnu...tablecolon.htm

Linda

[superflyguy]

Don't sweat in Al. See what happens after Uni, never say never.

I agree. Saying you have given up sounds too final, just take a break until you get yourself sorted. From what I can tell, and I'm no expert, you are a decent chap and a decent runner with youth on his side so take it easy and don't shut any doors.

has the possibilty of crohns disease been mentioned? sounds similar to the symtpoms a friend of mine had.

take care.

[stevefoster]

Just a thought Al, how are you if you just run slower? Just take it easier while you get sorted at the docs, do plenty of walking on the hills with that Joss hound and keep cycling.
Sincerely hope your right soon, cos i know how much you love it.
All the best mate.

[Derby Tup]

Al, get to the doctor asap

Some very good advice above. I wondered about IBS too

Please don't give up mate!

Andrew

[ydt]

AF, Don't rely on this forum for answers, see your GP. This problem of stomach acid (if that is what your problem is) can have serious consequences if left, it is quite common and easily controlled with medication.
ydt

[Alexandra]

I sympathise with the difficulty about seeing your GP. How about your local Drop In Centre? We have one here that opens at 7am, at which time there is no queue at all. I think it is also open late into the evening. You don't make an appointment, as the name suggests, and you just refer yourself. The NHS wants you to go to your Drop In Centre to take pressure off GPs and A&E. A friend has used our's repeatedly and has found them very helpful. They can prescribe, and they send a report to your GP. There is a whole range of medicines to reduce stomach acid, but I don't think you should self-medicate without a professional diagnosis.

[mr brightside]

Al you can't let this thing defeat you, you only just glimsed your potential in this sport and the future is waay too rosy to just ignore. If work is getting in the way of treatment there's ways round it without lying to your boss, authorised unpaid absence being one, and sick leave being the other. If you're suffering with it on a daily basis i'd say that's reason enough to sit down with your boss (in the office with the door shut) and ask him how he'd prefer the problem to be tackled from the company's point of view, but make it clear it's gone far enough and explain you don't have enough hols left. You can self certify on sick for 1 week at a time if you go down that route beyond that you'll need a docs note which'll cost £15 but it should be just day or 1/2 day absences for appointments. If you don't get understanding from your boss go straight to the citizens advice bureau.