6 replies to this topic

[Hoolie09]

Firstly, I am fit. Been running for years. Done a few halfs, a 25km, lots of tri's. Fitness not an issue. I'm sorry but I've started a new thread, so serious is this problem! I need an answer!

About 6 weeks ago I got a severe stitch and every time I run it comes back. Severe and to the point of doubled-over, excruciating pain.

My masseur thinks my right side is cactus (hip flexors, rectus abdominus etc) and did some hard work on Thursday. Thought that would fix, but to no avail.

It's derailed a few races now and I finally cracked this morning and burst into tears. Enough is enough.

PLEASE HELP ME!

[Bellthorpe]

There's an extant recent thread on this subject.

I stand by the answer I gave in that thread.

[brizza]

Hoolie09, on Apr 8 2008, 10:12 AM, said:

Firstly, I am fit. Been running for years. Done a few halfs, a 25km, lots of tri's. Fitness not an issue. I'm sorry but I've started a new thread, so serious is this problem! I need an answer!

About 6 weeks ago I got a severe stitch and every time I run it comes back. Severe and to the point of doubled-over, excruciating pain.

My masseur thinks my right side is cactus (hip flexors, rectus abdominus etc) and did some hard work on Thursday. Thought that would fix, but to no avail.

It's derailed a few races now and I finally cracked this morning and burst into tears. Enough is enough.

PLEASE HELP ME!

i know you have probably done this but it worth reviewing anything which may be different,diet,habits,new stress,i developed a sensitivity to percollated coffee,completely out of the blue,any coffee made from beans would give me areal show stopper of a stitch when i ran,it took a while to work out,the latest thing to upset me is any courgette/cucumber in my gut and i'm in troubleagain,but it's not much to give up really.it is part of the problem of getting healthy that you become sensitised to things(my theory).i also think that anyone who tells you-for example-that your whole right side is cactus or the worst they have ever seen can go and get stuffed(s--t,did i just say that)briz

[Hoolie09]

I should start by sticking up for my poor masseur - I *may* have been exaggerating when I said "cactus". Bad, stiff, locked up were perhaps his exact words ; )

Ok Bellthorpe. I am going to do this: run without my group (a twice weekly exercise in hell) and run by myself for a few sessions to get the breathing thing sorted out. Thanks for the tip.

For the record, I run in the morning on a stomach of one corn cake with peanut butter. Hardly a gutful, so I doubt this is the cause!

But perhaps I should try the coffee thing. eek. That sounds like another exercise in hell. But I am willing to try anything.

Thank you, and if anyone still has any other tips I'd be grateful for the help.

[Bellthorpe]

Hoolie09, on Apr 8 2008, 07:40 PM, said:

For the record, I run in the morning on a stomach of one corn cake with peanut butter. Hardly a gutful, so I doubt this is the cause!

For the further record, I often run after a full breakfast ... egg and bacon on toasted English muffins, full pot of strong coffee, and so on.

I don't get stitches these days ...

[Hoolie09]

Bellthorpe - did the breathing thing this morning and worked a treat. Still felt some discomfort running down a large hill and had to slow slightly when I felt it coming on again but overall - great run! (Relief, I was beginning to think that would never happen again).

Also saw Physio for second opinion and there is definitely something funny going on with the tummy muscles, thoracic region which appears to be the cause of repeated stitches.

So I guess, in summary, If I can help just one person ever afflicted with this debilitating occurrence on a regular basis - get it checked out because it could be an injury that you can treat. And practice that breathing!!

[Bellthorpe]

Good news, Hoolie09. Glad it's working for you. Keep up the good running!