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Hernia belt for sports

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Posted 8/16/2011 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I've read a couple of posts and blogs from active members of this site, but also from others who use hernia belts. As I'm planning to go on holiday in a few weeks and hopefully do some hiking, cycling and swimming, I was wondering if I should get a belt. what type of hernia belt do you use if at all? Do you use it for swimming too? I noticed there are belts of different width and with or w/o hole for the bag. Also I live in the uk and I am aware that I need to be measured by stoma nurse. How quickly did you receive the belt from you supplier? Thanks
Posted 8/16/2011 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi lovetoski.. I'm doing all of those things but not wearing a belt. I'm very conscious of doing my abdominal exercises and core work though but not sure a belt is necessary. Hope you're doing ok! I'm still on the salts bags and even though the wafer disintegrates a bit when swimming, it doesn't seem to cause a problem. Hope you have a lovely holiday! Sarah x
Posted 8/16/2011 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sarah, I just read your blog entry for today and I was joping you'd reply. My abdominal muscles are pretty not there much as any major crunches used to cause me flare ups. Thus I'm a bit cautious starting any exercise. Also what is the best activity to start with? I guess I'll arrange a meeting with one of the personal trainers/physios at my gym to discuss a plan. Monika
Posted 8/17/2011 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
working with a personal trainer is a great way to get back into exercising! I used one for two years and learned the 'proper' way to use weights and machines for my 'new' body.

I am very active (run/swim/bike/kayak) and don't use any type of belt...it's really a personal decision and if you will feel better using one, do!

Have a great vacation:)
Posted 8/17/2011 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon and GI warned me not to do any excercises or work out or anything that involves abs, because having a stoma meansI am super vulnerable to getting a hernia.

Am I understanding right that some of you are doing abdominal exercises?  Are they safe and if they are can you tell me what you're doing?

Posted 8/18/2011 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
I am distance running (up to 8 miles at once so far--9 this weekend woohoo!) with no need for a hernia belt. I do use an ostomy belt which is just the this strip of elastic that goes around your waist and attaches to each side of the pouch. It just makes me feel a little more secure. I'm appliance shopping at the moment and many of these new pouches I'm getting don't have a way to wear a belt with them which has me a little anxious! We'll see how it goes. :-)
Posted 8/18/2011 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
I wear a hernia belt for ostomy support. It makes me feel more secure, and it helps prevent pancaking when I'm sitting forward. It is a 4" belt with the opening to fit over the pouch. Actually you just slip the pouch through it and it rests against your wafer, or the rim around your plate if you use 2-piece system. I like it and it and it seems strange when I don't have it on. It only took my longer to get the belt than my other supplies because my doctor was slow to approve it. I think it's made by nu-hope.
KBD
Posted 8/19/2011 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
I wear a 6 inch Nu Hope hernia prevention belt for all sports I have done since surgery in November, which includes biking, running, snowboarding, hiking and backpacking. I also put it on whenever I lift something somewhat heavy. I am not sure if it is absolutely necessary, but it is totally comfortable so I figure why not be on the safe side. I have a slightly higher risk of an incisional hernia because I had complications with my abdominal incision healing. My hernia belt is the type with the hole and fits specifically with my appliance. I also wear a pair of Comfizz women's briefs over it because otherwise it tends to ride up to the narrower part of my waist. The briefs hold it in place very well. The folks at Nu Hope helped me figure out the hole placement and size for my given appliance and then they gave me an order number to provide my supplier. It took a couple of weeks to get my belt.

As far as abdominal exercises, I have approached them cautiously. Right now I am working with a physical therapist and he has me doing some very mild plank-inspired exercises with a stability ball. He recommended against crunches for now. I asked my surgeon if I would ever be able to do crunches again and he said yes... down the road when I am fully healed up and strong again.
Posted 8/23/2011 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
From what I can work out, it's a very good idea to do some abdominal work especially for those of us who have an ileo.. although I guess it will depend on the individual, the type of surgery you've had and the condition you were in prior to surgery.

I'm NOT talking about traditional sit ups and crunches though, rather more physio based pelvic tilts and stability exercises (planks etc) using a fitball etc - simple engagement of the deep transverse abs and also pelvic floor too. At this early stage post surgery it's very basic and gentle. I'm being very cautious as after 4 surgeries and 16 months out of training, my stomach is in tatters too! It's very important though to take it VERY easy especially at this stage.

Monika - if you get in touch with the IA in the UK they will provide you with a 'post operation' sheet to start some basic exercises.

From what I can see, this is a very misunderstood area and there is very little information for any of us after surgery to get back to health and fitness. I think doctors sometimes err on the side of caution and tell us to avoid exercise when in fact, the right type of exercises will help.

Immediately post surgery it's just about engaging the abdominals and core stability muscles and be very aware of posture, keeping your tummy muscles engaged and strong even when you're just walking about. After about 6 weeks you can start to think about gentle strengthening and to progress a bit more - try a gentle plank on the knees (google it) for 10 seconds, rest, then repeat. It all depends on the individual, the surgery you've had and the condition you were in prior to surgery.. so please be careful.

Abdominal and core work is so important - even more so after we've all had surgery - to not only strengthen the stomach, but also keep the body in balance and prevent back pain and other injuries caused by weak abdominals. There's a big research study in Ireland about back pain in ileostomates and it seems mainly due to lack of abdominal strength.

I like the comfizz pants that blueheron uses too and find they offer more support especially when running. I guess it cant' hurt to wear a belt, so if you find one works for you and it helps you feel more secure then great. Most of my running and cycling kit is pretty tight so offers some sort of support.

Just go easy and get advice from a good physio or personal trainer who knows what they're talking about and perhaps check with your surgeon or nurse first. Of course if I end up with a hernia after all this I shall eat my words ;-)
Posted 8/24/2011 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have tried everywhere to find stuff on ab training for ostomates but nothing appears. So I have been talking to various professionals and agree with Ironmum 100% Would love to get a place to read that Irish study.

Just laying in bed or sitting in chair, try tightening (pulling in) transverse abdominals and holding 5 secs and release. I challenge clients to do it at stop lights. It makes a huge difference to the strength of my back and has kept my abs flat. I do the ball work and planks lots too.

Am talking to some Dr., physio friends about a small book on the subject. Dr.s definitely don't want us to hurt ourselves. I worry about the hernia thing too. It has been 2 years and 2 weeks since my surgery and I am thankful every moment to be back to activity. The belts are good for heavy activity but don't over use them or they could make back weaker, by not allowing muscles to support the way they should. Worth seeing someone who knows something about it.
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