When did you start exercising again and what did you do?

I'm so glad you posted this! I came on here today with the intent of posting about exercise as well. I used to do pilates, when I was semi-healthy before my last UC flare and surgery, but I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be the greatest idea right now because it focuses so much on the abdomonal muscles. So... I can't answer your question, Alibee, but I can "second" it! I was thinking some simple yoga sequences might be good?

My surgeon was big on walking post surgery. In fact he makes all his proctocolectomy patients walk a full mile before they are released from the hospital. It's charted on the floor! I continued walking when released and built up the mileage each day.

Sue

Does Pilates strengthen the core so you don't get a peristomal hernia. What is Pilates and how does it work? I am interested. Rosemary

A lot will depend on how much you did before and your physical state before surgery. That - along with your type of surgery and medical issues - will govern how fast you recover and how fast you can get back to exercise.

I don't know the exact stats, but I believe that colostomists are more at risk than ileostomists for hernia. If Dan's statistic is right that 30% of us are at risk of hernia.. that still means that 70% don't get a hernia. I also believe that if you DON'T do exercise and core strength you'll be more at risk of hernia and possible back pain and other postural issues. I'm really interested in this area and hoping to be studying more and writing articles on the topic over here in the UK.

Anyway.. in answer to your question. If your surgery was laprascopic you can get back to things more quickly than if you had an open surgery. But don't forget your stomach muscles have still been cut open so proceed with caution and listen to your body. As far as I remember Alibee, you don't have an ileo do you???

Totally agree with Pancakes - walking is just the best. Start with small amounts and build up slowly. Maintain good posture and try to engage your tummy muscles as you're walking - don't walk all hunched up. Lift your chest and breathe deeply. I was walking about 5 miles 3 weeks post surgery, but then I was an athlete before I got ill, so was lucky in that I could get back to stuff pretty quickly. I was back jogging 5 weeks post surgery - and had been out on my bike for about 20 miles. It wasn't fast or pretty, but I took it very easy and built up slowly.

Pilates and core strength is VERY important. Having a stronger core will help prevent hernia and back problems. Pilates is actually great, but again, you must listen to your body and if you feel any discomfort then stop. Pancakes is spot on - you need to modify the movements until you feel stronger and make sure you tell the instructor. They need to treat you as if you've had a C section. If you can get on a pilates reforma that would be good.

Our posture really suffers post surgery and it's so important to think about engaging the abdominals (underlying Transverse Abdominals) all the time - when sitting, walking and just moving about. Think about good posture all the time and check yourself if you find yourself slumping or your belly hanging out.

I'm now 4 months post ileo surgery and have just run a 10km race and am cycling about 30 miles. To begin with my core was in tatters and I was very weak (I had 4 surgeries over 12 months), but I've worked on it religiously and it's hugely improved. I can now hold a plank for 1 minute. That said if I'm not quite in the right position or my core is tired from doing other stuff, then I can feel a sharp pain around my stoma so I stop immediately. Just got to be sensible.

I think you just have to listen to your body and proceed with caution, but don't use it as a reason not to exercise and try things out. Give yourself a little push and see what happens? It might be a good idea to go with a friend for some company and support.

Start with some basic core strength work at home (email me and I'll send you a sheet) and walking and see how you go from there. When I'm talking about 'core' exercises, we're not talking about doing sit ups. What you need to focus on is glutes, low back and the deep transverse abdominals that act like a girdle/corset around your trunk. Things like pelvic bridges, modified plank and using a swiss ball etc are all good. If you have access to a gym, an exercise bike would be good for cardio work.

If you can get some advice (or a programme) from a sports therapist or physio (or good PT if they know what they're talking about). Your surgeon is unlikely to know!

Please feel free to email me. Happy to try and advise. Sarah x

Hi Diaper man.. (great name!) the problem with golf and the abdomen is the rotation action you need to do to swing the club. You use your core quite a bit.. so you might need to work on that a bit first before hitting the course. Could you try going to the driving range first to knock a few balls and see how it feels? Then maybe start with 9 holes rather than 18? As for the bag staying on.. unless you're having problems can't imagine it won't!? I go swimming and on 3 hour bike rides and mine is fine. If you're worried about it filling up and no-where to empty, then take some immodium before you go for your round and that will slow things down for a few hours. That's what I do before a long bike ride or hike. We climbed a mountain when I was only 7 weeks post surgery and we were out for 7 hours. No loo on a mountain, so I went for 7 hours without emptying. (its fine to nip behind a bush for a wee.. but couldn't empty the bag!) When I came back down it was close to bursting point and very uncomfortable. Interestingly though, when I run or cycle with higher intensity, then the output slows right down and the bag stays empty for ages.

I love walking as first line of recovery. Just working Tranverse abs by doing "pulling in" on them is good. Stability exercises don't move muscles they just fire them to work, to hold a postion. So they are fairly safe.

I agree youshould find someone who knows what an ostomy is before you take all the stuff they might want to give you. Pilates is great for core but there are some instructors who don't even know what an ostomy is!

Water walking is good and pretty safe. Bike riding can be good. No jarring and still works big leg muscles.

Been two and a half years for me. Back at triathlon and am now training for an ironman race in July. There is life after an ostomy, it just has some different perameters.

My surgeon wanted me to walk...and I didn't do it much. I regret it now. I can barely do any aerobic exercise because I get nauseated very quickly - especially swimming or any jumping activities. I've joined a walking group for after the holidays, but I'm going to get started while I'm on vacation in the Dominican Republic. I could really be in shape now and have maintained my weight.