View Full Version : Stomach Diseases and hiking.
RockStar
10-16-2007, 17:00
I have a friend who has a Stomach Disease. She found out about 5 years ago and had to have part of her stomach removed. She can only stand to eat 1 decent meal a day. otherwise she is in a lot of pain. I can't remember the name of the disease but, I can ask her.
This friend wants to do some overnight hiking with me but, I am unsure of what kind of diet or things to recommend as far as food. She can eat most foods except fried foods, which you wouldnt eat hiking anyway. I am looking for something that will get her a decent amount of calories with the least amount of stomach irritation. She is tough and can deal with pain but, I don't want her to lose hiking enjoyment due to stomach issues. I already prepared her for the usual hiker stomach issues. However, she is only going to start with overnighters, so I am optimistic as far as finding a solution.
I can sympathize with your friend. I was diagnosed with colon cancer when I was 12 and had my colon removed when I was 13. I have to watch what I eat on the trail as well as purify all of my water.
I eat a lot of rice and pasta dishes. I keep my meals simple and on the bland side - definitely nothing spicy. Peanut butter is one of my favorite snacks on the trail as well as GORP, both provide a lot of calories.
I wish you and your friend the best of luck on your hikes. I hope it works out well for her and she has a great time!
Appalachian Tater
10-16-2007, 17:24
RockStar, she should probably stick to what she normally eats. Find out what that is and try to spot the backpacking items. She may have to eat several small meals.
shelterbuilder
10-16-2007, 18:28
RockStar, she should probably stick to what she normally eats. Find out what that is and try to spot the backpacking items. She may have to eat several small meals.
Yes, Appalachian Tater's right. What does she eat at home? Concentrate on some of those items; try to build her menu around some of these things, preferably the higher calorie items. And if she must eat "strange" foods on the trail, she should definitely try them at home first, where a bad reaction will be easier to handle.
You say that she can't eat fried foods - I take it, then, that she has trouble with fats. Is it ALL fats, or just some of them?
would it help if she didn't eat a big meal, simply grazed all day. When I hike, I find myself eating small meals, and constantly grazing in between.
Perhaps liquid diet through the day, like tea with milk and honey, if she can do milk, and solid food at the end of the day, and perhaps watery oatmeal at the start of the day also. She would have to experiment on some 1 day, 2 day hikes to see what works, but a lot of calories might come from drinks.
RockStar
10-16-2007, 19:05
I eat a lot of rice and pasta dishes. I keep my meals simple and on the bland side - definitely nothing spicy. Peanut butter is one of my favorite snacks on the trail as well as GORP, both provide a lot of calories.
I wish you and your friend the best of luck on your hikes. I hope it works out well for her and she has a great time!
Thanks. I thought about the gorp and "grazing" idea. I prefer to graze myself.
RockStar, she should probably stick to what she normally eats. Find out what that is and try to spot the backpacking items. She may have to eat several small meals.
She eats the same as any normal american, she even eats mexican. Spicy doesn't bother her as much as heavily fried foods. It may be the fat in it I am not sure. She has IBS of course, and so I am sure the fatty stuff is really hard on her. She doesn't eat too much spicy stuff and not more than mild spice.
Yes, Appalachian Tater's right. What does she eat at home? Concentrate on some of those items; try to build her menu around some of these things, preferably the higher calorie items. And if she must eat "strange" foods on the trail, she should definitely try them at home first, where a bad reaction will be easier to handle.
You say that she can't eat fried foods - I take it, then, that she has trouble with fats. Is it ALL fats, or just some of them?
Maybe we will tyr her on a few freezer bag meals including the soups and rice or pasta dishes.
would it help if she didn't eat a big meal, simply grazed all day. When I hike, I find myself eating small meals, and constantly grazing in between.
I will mention all of this to her. I appreciate all the responses! Im gonna post what it is when I talk to her again.
musicwoman
10-16-2007, 19:05
My brother has Crohn's disease and is missing a good portion of his small intestine as a result. He has found, as your friend has, that only very small meals (for instance, maybe some apple, or a bite or 2 of a sandwhich) carry him through the day. Also, like your friend, he cannot eat fried foods, but he can tolerate low fat food, even low fat peanut butter. However, he has huge problems ingesting high fiber foods such as rice, etc, so check w/ your friend first.
She might be surprised how much she can tolerate once she's out on the trail and burning calories. My brother is a police officer, plays softball and basketball on his off time, and has a normal life thats pain free as long as he keeps his food intake to a little at one time. He eats 8-10 times a day, but it works for him.
I am sure you can come up with a food plan that works for her. I agree with JAK also, she needs to experiment on some short overnights to see what works and what doesn't.
There is another hiker on this board (I cannot remember his name) who is hiking with a feeding tube. If he can find a solution, I am sure something is workable for your friend.
Good Luck!!
Appalachian Tater
10-16-2007, 19:14
She eats the same as any normal american, she even eats mexican.
LOL.
Here's a nice overview of IBS from a reliable source:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/112.html
She should know what foods she can and can't eat and the freezer bag stuff may be the way to go. For instance, she may not be able to eat cheese or beans. She may have to be careful to get plenty of fiber and dried fruit might help with that.
Be creative: if she can eat pasta but it's a pain to cook on the trail, use cous-cous instead.
Remember ramen is fried and is high fat, as is peanut butter.
It's not going to be as difficult as you might imagine, there are probably just a few foods she will need to avoid rather than some whole new trail cuisine you have to come up with.
shelterbuilder
10-16-2007, 19:15
My brother has Crohn's disease and is missing a good portion of his small intestine as a result. He has found, as your friend has, that only very small meals (for instance, maybe some apple, or a bite or 2 of a sandwhich) carry him through the day. Also, like your friend, he cannot eat fried foods, but he can tolerate low fat food, even low fat peanut butter. However, he has huge problems ingesting high fiber foods such as rice, etc, so check w/ your friend first.
She might be surprised how much she can tolerate once she's out on the trail and burning calories. My brother is a police officer, plays softball and basketball on his off time, and has a normal life thats pain free as long as he keeps his food intake to a little at one time. He eats 8-10 times a day, but it works for him.
I am sure you can come up with a food plan that works for her. I agree with JAK also, she needs to experiment on some short overnights to see what works and what doesn't.
There is another hiker on this board (I cannot remember his name) who is hiking with a feeding tube. If he can find a solution, I am sure something is workable for your friend.
Good Luck!!
The guy with the feeding tube is me. On my last 2 overnight trips, I've taken my regular liquid nutrition, but those little 8 oz. cans are heavier than I would like to carry, so I'm about to run an experiment at home with powdered baby formula. More later as the experiment progresses....
Creek Dancer
10-16-2007, 19:16
How about instant breakfast made with Nido (dried whole milk). Lots of nutrition, calories and hydration.
musicwoman
10-16-2007, 19:28
Shelterbuilder,
Sorry I forgot your name!!! I wanted to ask how that was going? Did you figure out a way to keep the tube from clogging??
shelterbuilder
10-16-2007, 19:51
Shelterbuilder,
Sorry I forgot your name!!! I wanted to ask how that was going? Did you figure out a way to keep the tube from clogging??
It's going to take LOTS of water! Fortunately, this may not be a problem.:D I had a doctor's appointment today so I couldn't do much today, but I've done the math on this little experiment, and I believe that I can make it work. I just have to do the at-home testing to see if my system will tolerate a change in diet. The tricky part of this whole thing will be the mixing - the powder MUST be completely mixed with the water, otherwise I will run the risk of clogging up - and we REALLY don't want to go there!:( I bought a Rubbermaid screw-top container that looks like it will work well, fits my hand, and can be field-cleaned easily enough. We'll see....
RockStar
10-16-2007, 20:01
LOL.
Here's a nice overview of IBS from a reliable source:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/112.html
She should know what foods she can and can't eat and the freezer bag stuff may be the way to go. For instance, she may not be able to eat cheese or beans. She may have to be careful to get plenty of fiber and dried fruit might help with that.
Be creative: if she can eat pasta but it's a pain to cook on the trail, use cous-cous instead.
Remember ramen is fried and is high fat, as is peanut butter.
It's not going to be as difficult as you might imagine, there are probably just a few foods she will need to avoid rather than some whole new trail cuisine you have to come up with.
Pasta isn't that hard to cook. I add just enugh water to boil it then let it sit with the lid closed until it absorbs the rest of the water. Then I add in a couple of those Arby's Marinara sauces. They sell them for .25 each or just give them to you when you order Cheese Sticks. MMMM MMM GOOD! Thanks for the info.
My brother has Crohn's disease and is missing a good portion of his small intestine as a result. He has found, as your friend has, that only very small meals (for instance, maybe some apple, or a bite or 2 of a sandwhich) carry him through the day. Also, like your friend, he cannot eat fried foods, but he can tolerate low fat food, even low fat peanut butter. However, he has huge problems ingesting high fiber foods such as rice, etc, so check w/ your friend first.
She might be surprised how much she can tolerate once she's out on the trail and burning calories. My brother is a police officer, plays softball and basketball on his off time, and has a normal life thats pain free as long as he keeps his food intake to a little at one time. He eats 8-10 times a day, but it works for him.
I am sure you can come up with a food plan that works for her. I agree with JAK also, she needs to experiment on some short overnights to see what works and what doesn't.
There is another hiker on this board (I cannot remember his name) who is hiking with a feeding tube. If he can find a solution, I am sure something is workable for your friend.
Good Luck!!
Actually I think Crohns is what she has. Basically while in college here she started having horrible stomach problems including vomitting blood and blood from the other end. A LOT. The Dr at the ER here told her she had IBS and sent her home. She went home to Texas to see her family Doctor and he told her she was weeks away from Death. She is better but, wont be the same.
shelterbuilder
10-16-2007, 20:16
Pasta isn't that hard to cook. I add just enugh water to boil it then let it sit with the lid closed until it absorbs the rest of the water. Then I add in a couple of those Arby's Marinara sauces. They sell them for .25 each or just give them to you when you order Cheese Sticks. MMMM MMM GOOD! Thanks for the info.
Actually I think Crohns is what she has. Basically while in college here she started having horrible stomach problems including vomitting blood and blood from the other end. A LOT. The Dr at the ER here told her she had IBS and sent her home. She went home to Texas to see her family Doctor and he told her she was weeks away from Death. She is better but, wont be the same.
I'm curious - can she handle milk products?
Appalachian Tater
10-16-2007, 20:25
Maybe it was part of her intestines that were removed instead of part of her stomach. Regardless of what her exact disorder, the general advice still stands, and she should know what she can and cannot eat. Your task would be to adapt that to the trail.
On an overnight hike, you could just freeze whatever she would eat at home and then heat it up that night anyway.
shelterbuilder
10-16-2007, 20:31
Maybe it was part of her intestines that were removed instead of part of her stomach. Regardless of what her exact disorder, the general advice still stands, and she should know what she can and cannot eat. Your task would be to adapt that to the trail.
On an overnight hike, you could just freeze whatever she would eat at home and then heat it up that night anyway.
What concerns me more is her caloric intake, because she's going to need more calories on the trail than she would at home, and if she's only able to eat "1 decent meal a day", this could be a problem.
Appalachian Tater
10-16-2007, 20:45
What concerns me more is her caloric intake, because she's going to need more calories on the trail than she would at home, and if she's only able to eat "1 decent meal a day", this could be a problem.
Not on an overnight!!! She won't even feel like eating, just crashing.
RockStar
10-16-2007, 20:45
I'm curious - can she handle milk products?
No.
What concerns me more is her caloric intake, because she's going to need more calories on the trail than she would at home, and if she's only able to eat "1 decent meal a day", this could be a problem.
Tis my concern.
She has GERD she said. Her Doc told her they wanted to keep a close eye on it b/c it could easily turn into Crohns.
Appalachian Tater
10-16-2007, 20:50
If she has GERD, she may have to sleep on her left side with her upper body propped up.
Two Speed
10-16-2007, 20:52
Crohn's is nothing to fool around with. If she can avoid that it'll be in her best interest. Has she voiced any opinion on what might work for her? Might be the best place to start.
RockStar
10-16-2007, 23:10
If she has GERD, she may have to sleep on her left side with her upper body propped up.
THANKS. I'll be sure to tell her! Mind explaining to me? :-? Im curious!
orangebug
10-16-2007, 23:44
The idea of left side and raised is an attempt to avoid reflux of gastric contents up the esophagus. Problem is that the usual recommendation is not to simply raise her head - creating a flexion mid-abdomen, but to tilt her bed with a couple of wood blocks at the head of the bed.
If she doesn't do this at home, I wouldn't worry much about it.
She might be a good candidate for learning how to dehydrate her favorite foods for reconstitution on the trail.
Actually, my concern is how she will do with hip belt and lower abdomen constricted somewhat. Many find this to help colonic purging, which she might not appreciate.
I'd suggest the first backpacking trip be a dress rehearsal with a loop hike and a fairly heavy day pack, or just some bags of rice or sand to provide weight for her. That way, she and you will know you will be close to the car at evening with opportunity for bailout. Most folks have little appetite the first day or so out. It takes discipline to eat the needed calories.
RockStar
10-16-2007, 23:48
The idea of left side and raised is an attempt to avoid reflux of gastric contents up the esophagus. Problem is that the usual recommendation is not to simply raise her head - creating a flexion mid-abdomen, but to tilt her bed with a couple of wood blocks at the head of the bed.
If she doesn't do this at home, I wouldn't worry much about it.
She might be a good candidate for learning how to dehydrate her favorite foods for reconstitution on the trail.
Actually, my concern is how she will do with hip belt and lower abdomen constricted somewhat. Many find this to help colonic purging, which she might not appreciate.
I'd suggest the first backpacking trip be a dress rehearsal with a loop hike and a fairly heavy day pack, or just some bags of rice or sand to provide weight for her. That way, she and you will know you will be close to the car at evening with opportunity for bailout. Most folks have little appetite the first day or so out. It takes discipline to eat the needed calories.
Yes, I hadn't thought about the hipbelt. This loop hike idea is definitely something to do. Thanks.:-?
RockStar
10-16-2007, 23:51
Crohn's is nothing to fool around with. If she can avoid that it'll be in her best interest. Has she voiced any opinion on what might work for her? Might be the best place to start.
She played soccer in high scool then again at college level, until she started getting sick. She was very athletic. She has done no hiking but, wants badly to try it out. She is willing to suffer a little but, I was just coming to you wise elder hikers (hehe) for the best advice.
Appalachian Tater
10-17-2007, 00:41
THANKS. I'll be sure to tell her
She already knows about that, I was just saying you might have to consider that when planning the sleeping arrangements.
Two Speed
10-17-2007, 00:51
She played soccer in high scool . . .My apologies, but I think something may have gotten lost in translation. I'm not questioning whether she should get out; that's a given as far as I'm concerned. What I was suggesting is asking your friend what foods might work for her. If it was me I'd start with the simple stuff and short trips, possibly trying menu items on dayhikes, and work my way up from there.
My idea is to take baby steps so as not to put her health at risk.
FWIW one of my brother's friends has a pretty severe form (case? type?) of Crohn's, but manages to do just fine as long as he's careful.
RockStar
10-17-2007, 02:42
My apologies, but I think something may have gotten lost in translation. I'm not questioning whether she should get out; that's a given as far as I'm concerned. What I was suggesting is asking your friend what foods might work for her. If it was me I'd start with the simple stuff and short trips, possibly trying menu items on dayhikes, and work my way up from there.
My idea is to take baby steps so as not to put her health at risk.
FWIW one of my brother's friends has a pretty severe form (case? type?) of Crohn's, but manages to do just fine as long as he's careful.
We talked about it and she wants to try the freezerbag foods and maybe a dehydrated meal or two. We'll do some kitchen cooking before venturing into the woods! :banana Im hoping to recruit her for that Porters gap situation!!!;)
nitewalker
10-17-2007, 05:22
try cooking some of the trail meals at home. it would be a practice run just not on the trail..you will be able to get a good sense of how your stomach and body will react when digesting these foods...my brother has gerd and a friend has crohns and both of them do as they want when it comes to eating, im not sure where it will lead them in the future. hell they both smoke and drink, go figure...........peace , nitewalker
budforester
10-17-2007, 07:08
Shelterbuilder,
Would baby cereals work for you? I recall mixing baby cereals with formula, early in the weaning phase. That allowed "solid food" to be introduced and it could be fed through the nipple of a standard baby bottle... just poke a slightly larger hole.
The guy with the feeding tube is me. On my last 2 overnight trips, I've taken my regular liquid nutrition, but those little 8 oz. cans are heavier than I would like to carry, so I'm about to run an experiment at home with powdered baby formula. More later as the experiment progresses....
shelterbuilder
10-17-2007, 08:06
We talked about it and she wants to try the freezerbag foods and maybe a dehydrated meal or two. We'll do some kitchen cooking before venturing into the woods! :banana Im hoping to recruit her for that Porters gap situation!!!;)
I'm guessing here, but does she also have trouble with foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli, and onions?
You may want to concentrate on providing smaller, more frequent meals for her. Can she handle any soy products?
Can she eat apples and carrots? It's my understanding that these two foods can often calm acute GERD symptoms.
shelterbuilder
10-17-2007, 08:11
Shelterbuilder,
Would baby cereals work for you? I recall mixing baby cereals with formula, early in the weaning phase. That allowed "solid food" to be introduced and it could be fed through the nipple of a standard baby bottle... just poke a slightly larger hole.
budforester, in my own case, I hesitate to introduce "solid" foods into the feeding tube for fear of clogging the tube - even solid foods that are watered down could cause a clog that could mean having the tube replaced (NOT a pleasant undertaking).
But let's concentrate on RockStar's friend's problem in this thread.
musicwoman
10-17-2007, 09:38
I have GERD but it sounds like her's was so bad, the lining of her stomach actually hemorrhaged. Very small meals is the way to go for her. I think a day hike w/ pack to begin with might be in order so she can see how well she handles the hipbelt. Anything constrictive, even on the lower abdomen, can excerbate the symptoms.
musicwoman
10-17-2007, 09:41
Rockstar,
Meds have not helped her? When mine got really bad (as in hospital stay) they had me on a Nexium drip, and then started me on something called Protonix, which is a Nexium type med, just abit stronger. Did wonders for me.
RockStar
10-17-2007, 10:02
I'm guessing here, but does she also have trouble with foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli, and onions?
You may want to concentrate on providing smaller, more frequent meals for her. Can she handle any soy products?
Can she eat apples and carrots? It's my understanding that these two foods can often calm acute GERD symptoms.
I dunno, Ill ask.
Rockstar,
Meds have not helped her? When mine got really bad (as in hospital stay) they had me on a Nexium drip, and then started me on something called Protonix, which is a Nexium type med, just abit stronger. Did wonders for me.
She has meds and they include Nexium but, her health insurance is high. She works for a church and wants to be a missionary, however she is considering going back to school for a BS in Graphic Design to be able to afford health insurance. As of now she is paying what she can.
musicwoman
10-17-2007, 10:06
Nexium and Protonix are very expensive. However, after 8 weeks on Protonix, my Dr decided to try to maintain me on Prilosec OTC 75mg, much less expensive (12.00 for 2 week supply) and it works!
Appalachian Tater
10-17-2007, 12:05
It's a shame that in the U.S. people are often forced to choose a job or even a career based on health benefits.
shelterbuilder
10-17-2007, 12:11
It's a shame that in the U.S. people are often forced to choose a job or even a career based on health benefits.
Are you advocating for (gasp!) socialized medicine???:eek:
Appalachian Tater
10-17-2007, 12:16
No, universal health insurance independent of employment. Which might or might not inevitably lead to socialized medicine.
shelterbuilder
10-17-2007, 12:22
No, universal health insurance independent of employment. Which might or might not inevitably lead to socialized medicine.
Something needs to be done in this country - I was astounded when the bills started coming in for my cancer surgery in May - by the time everything was tallied up, it cost nearly $250,000.:eek: :eek: :eek: I'm lucky to have the insurance that my employer supplies - without it, I might as well have kissed my life goodbye because there's no way that I could have afforded to pay for it all.
orangebug
10-18-2007, 09:58
I love when people get upset over "socialized medicine."
We've had it for years. The VA is probably one of the best systems in the world, although way underfunded. Medicare has maintained a wage/price freeze for 4 years - and price controls since 1966. Your "insurance" company hasn't substantially changed it's payment rates in a decade, although their corporate officers have seen huge improvements in their standard of living.
But back to the story....
I gather the idea of hiking is for her to see if the dream of missionary work is possible. This is one brave chick on your hands.
RockStar
10-18-2007, 11:53
I love when people get upset over "socialized medicine."
We've had it for years. The VA is probably one of the best systems in the world, although way underfunded. Medicare has maintained a wage/price freeze for 4 years - and price controls since 1966. Your "insurance" company hasn't substantially changed it's payment rates in a decade, although their corporate officers have seen huge improvements in their standard of living.
But back to the story....
I gather the idea of hiking is for her to see if the dream of missionary work is possible. This is one brave chick on your hands.
I think I sold her with my "Hiking is the most awesome thing because..." speach. She had stars in her eyes. ;) And BTW she won't be bringing any religious material to pass out or reciting bible verses or demanding prayer circles. She keeps telling me how much she really wants to try to hike a little, even if just a little. :banana