Running And Side Cramps

[Lisa :) 231]

So, for all you VSG runners out there, have any of you experienced cramps while running right at an incision site? I have been hiking/jogging for several weeks. I'm four months post op and just recently I started getting cramps right around the lower left incision site where my stomach was removed. My first thought was "I hope that's not a hernia" but then I did a little reading on what causes cramps or side stiches during running and it seems as though this cramp is right below the liver which, I guess, is the most common area. I'm going to pay close attention to my breathing during my run tomorrow and see if the techniques I read about help.

[massindex 346]

I've found that most cramps are caused by our lack of having sufficient energy stores, specifically lack of complex carbs, Mine are in my legs and toes but there is no reason that they couldn't be elsewhere. Just keep an eye or it make note of when it happens, how long into the hike/jog and anything else you can think of. There aren't a lot of resources for us as we push our capabilities so we have a small community we bounce things off of here.

[fern 195]

I find I get cramps anywhere between my ribs and my pelvis if I'm not hydrated enough before the run. Try drinking a full glass of Water ( at least) about a half hour before you run. Let me know if it works!

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

The liver is on the right side of the body, not left. So this wouldn't be your liver. Could be your bowel, though, just a little bit of oxygen deprivation causing pain since so much blood is being diverted to your muscles.

I tend to get cramps around my liver when I run. I did some reading on it, there's lots of theories about dehydration, drinking too much, eating too little, eating too much, etc etc etc none of which seemed to have any truth to them, based on my personal experiences. I've had runs where I don't get cramps at all and runs where I almost keeled over within 5 mins.

One theory I read that seems plausible to me is that when you run, you put a lot of strain on a large ligament that supports the liver (ligamentum teres), which results in pain. Some people suggest modifying your foot strike so that you lead with the left foot, rather than the right, so there's a little less pounding on the right side of the body. Maybe try that? I just quit running, it's too boring, anyway, hehehe.

[Lisa :) 231]

Sorry, I meant my lower right side

I must have read a lot of those same articles! Yesterday i worked on adjusting my breathing during my stride as well as piercing my lips when breathing out and it really did help!! I still ended up with a mild side cramp but it wasn't so bad that I had to stop.

As far as hydration goes, I don't think it's that....I drink several ounces of Water in the hour before I leave for my run and I drink small amounts during as well.