Doing stretches at the gym

Hello. I'm 3 months post-op and currently have a temporary stoma.

I've been having back pain right around where my hips are and have been seeing an orthopedist. He suggested these stretches I can do, but apart from that, I've been wanting to exercise a little.

The gym nearby offers like 30 minute stretch classes a day. I guess I won't be able to lay down on my tummy but I'm sure it's not like a rough class or anything close to it. Do you think it will be ok to participate in these classes?

Has anybody else participated in something like this?
I just want to start off slow and then maybe increasing time and stuff later on. I'm just worried because I have a pouch so is probably have to cover it with like a tennis skirt or something.

I run now and just wear compression shorts under my work out clothes. I wear whatever works best for the weather....tight clothes aren't an issue with my ileo.

When I used to work with a trainer they took into account by medical history...but I pretty much just did any exercise. Laying on my stomach wasn't a problem but you want to make sure you are comfortable doing it...if it hurts try something else.

Have you tried stretching with those bands? I found them the best for me and could do them at home.

Remember that you will have some aches and pains following a colectomy...it's temporary but could take up to one year to fully subside.

Post Edited (Equestrian Mom) : 2/17/2013 12:33:55 PM (GMT-7)

Penny,

3 months??? Uhhhhhhh.....if you really want to take the class, take it slow, sit in the back, and do one or two of whatever they want you to do at first.....just, take it easy!

God Bless and best regards,
jimmy

no reason you can't lay down on your stomach to do stretches. Having a stoma surely does not prevent that.

Personally, I rarely communicate my multitudes of surgeries or medical issues to any gym instructor. Most have no qualifications to determine what exercise limitations I would have. I just modify exercises that are appropriate for me. You know far more about your body than any generic exercise instructor.

But three months surely seems like a long enough time to be doing exercises. Also stretching and exercising and slowly building core strength will positively help with any hip or back pains.

yoga - restorative or gentle is a great place to begin. Also pilates - but one to one with a teacher that really knows their stuff.. is a good place to help with core strength.

Go slow when you start back into exercising, and just gradually increase things as your body lets you.
good luck.

If you've had a normal recovery and you feel ready....there is no reason not to try the class. I think it would be helpful to meet with the instructor ahead of time. Let them know you've had abdominal surgery and ask them to explain the types of activities that take place in the class so you can decide if it seems appropriate. You can also ask them for any modifications to exercises that might be a challenge right now. You might also want to pick a spot near the door so if you feel like you want to leave early you can slip out. Walking is also a great exercise you could be doing.

Don't let anyone discourage you from trying things because it's only been three months since your surgery. You know your body, where you are in recovery, and how you feel right now. Listen to your body...if something causes discomfort or is too tiring, stop. You can always try that activity again in a few weeks and see if it is better. I was running two miles at a time eight weeks after my first surgery and did a half marathon seven months later. I'm not saying you should be doing that but....it is possible to regain an active lifestyle if you approach it with caution.