21 replies to this topic

[Chunderbolt]

I’m having a colonoscopy on Wednesday (gee, I can’t wait).

Can anyone with either experience or knowledge tell me what sort of recovery times are we talking about before resuming full training? Obviously rehydrating is going to be important, but are there any other tips for recovery?

I’m going to have a serious tilt at C2S a fortnight from Sunday and hopefully have a decent crack at Mt Wilson to Bilpin after that. Obviously my training is hampered, but should I reconsider either of these races?

[cheerleader]

hey Chunderbolt - i'm having one tomorrow.. and yep, not that excited!
i've already decided that this week will be recovery and not much running. i havent been able to find much on this topic so will listen to my body and see how i feel on thursday/friday.

nothing to add in terms of experiences yet... but looking forward to hearing frm anyone else.

good luck taking the stuff the night before, i think thats more scary that the procedure!!

Edited by cheerleader, 21 July 2008 - 01:07 PM.

[Bernie G]

I had a colonoscopy last year. Obviously I ensured I re-hydrated correctly, including electrolytes. I followed the following plan;

Thursday: colonoscopy
Friday: rest day
Saturday: 30 minutes easy
Sunday: 1hr

I then resumed normal training with no problems.

[Gronk]

As Bernie G said, down time is only a day or two.

[nando]

Yep, been there done that a couple of times, and was back in training within a couple of days.

[Bellthorpe]

Since I turned 50 I've had one every couple of years.

Impact on running:

Day before procedure ... regular running.

Day of procedure ... no running.

Day following procedure ... regular running.

[Action]

Slight variation on Bellthorpe's response:


Impact on running:

Day before procedure ... regular running.

Day of procedure ... regular running (I run early, procedure was late morning).

Day following procedure ... regular running.


Other than a shorter run on the day, no impact.

[Trick]

Not from personal experience but I can tell you that you will be running regularly the evening before the procedure and probably the morning of as well.

[Kato]

Having been the victim of a colonoscopy, the most important part is really the preparation. The essential thing thing to do is use a really good barrier cream to keep your bum in good shape despite all of the toileting you do. Some vitamin E cream or similar to use after the experience is probably a good idea as well. And don't make your first meal afterwards a fiery vietnamese feast or a good plate of vindaloo.

Rehydration is essential afterwards. Despite some people's misgivings about electrolytes, I think something that helps replenish them is essential to get your body systems balanced again as soon as possible.

Other than that, impact on running is minimal. I wouldn't reconsider either race.

Chunderbolt, on Jul 21 2008, 12:31 PM, said:

... hopefully have a decent crack at Mt Wilson to Bilpin after that...

I didn't know they checked, but you should pass muster.

[cliffold]

G'day Ben

The doctors don't advise strenuous exercise for 24 hours even though you'll probably feel quite up to it. As everyone stresses, the rehydration is the key. It took a few days for my gut to "get back to normal" but I didn't need any emergency toilet stops while training in the meantime.
Good luck with it and also C2S.

[Eckyb]

I would be more concerned about running in the days leading up to the procedure... you never know when you might get an 'urgent message'

[Bellthorpe]

Which doctors?

Here's one saying 12 hours.

Here's another saying 1 week!

Mine says 'do what you feel like'. He knows I'll re-hydrate at the pub after the procedure.

Oh, to the original poster ... don't drive yourself home. You might well fall asleep whilst doing so.

[Phoenix]

I had one last year.

I asked the doctor if I could run that afternoon. He said no.

I then asked If I could run the next day. Hey said yes - so I did - Doctor's orders.

[Chunderbolt]

Thanks for all of your responses.

I'll be running the day after, but I'm not keen enough to run on that morning. Action - that's dedication.

[Trick]

Have fun tonight and good luck for tomorrow Chunderbolt!!

[maryclaire]

I had one a few weeks ago - Sat was my long run; Sunday rest day; Mon - colonoscopy/gastroscopy; Tuesday - regular excercise.

The hardest part was the preparation - I hadn;t read through the instructions, and ran 28k's on the saturday, thinking I could have a big breakfast before starting the fasting. WRONG! I got home, and read through the instructions just to be sure, and found that by that stage, I could only have fruit/juice/coffee/tea/broth - none of which would sufficiently help recovery from a long run. I think this made the next 2 days of slowly starving extra difficult.

Take care and good luck for the results.

Edited by maryclaire, 22 July 2008 - 02:58 PM.

[walshy2]

I felt fantastic after I had mine.
Probably the relief that I was ok after months of worry, coupled with the fact the picoprep stuff flushed my whole bowels clean and I was a couple of kilos lighter
If only the stuff tasted better, I would consider a dose monthly

[EatEm]

I agree with walshy2 ... the fluid drink before hand reallly sucks ...

Since my early 40's I have had three - each time no problem with running within 24 hours ....

But the golden rule applies .... Listen to your body.

Have fun boys ....

[cheerleader]

i agree with EatEm, listen to your body.

i had my colonoscopy on Tuesday and am now feeling normal again, on thursday.
took a couple of days for the bowels to get back to normal so was a bit hesitant to go running.
also took me til today to eat normal foods again, just wasnt hungry after the procedure and feeling very energetic.

i guess everyone is different but i'm glad i took it easy the past few days so now i'm ready to get back into running again. it was also nice to have a couple of days on the lounge, with a good excuse!!

hope everything went well yesterday for you Chunderbolt...

[runninguphill]

I have just received notice that I will be having a colonoscopy two days before I was planning on doing a 10 k race. Anyone have any ideas on whether this would be a good idea or not.

[Bellthorpe]

It shouldn't be any problem at all.

[Tuttle]

Based on my very unscientific sample group of one, I'd guess you'll be fine. But, of course, if your body is telling you not to run, don't. There will be plenty of other opportunities to run.

Hope all goes well,
Chris