Whether you've had colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgery, your abdominal muscles need time to heal and strengthen, and it might seem difficult to be active again. Your muscles may be weaker than usual, due to the time spent in the hospital but these things can be overcome with gradual training and exercises.
Go for the Gold
As you begin to work out and become active again, take some time to test your current physical state and the limits you might have. Find the distance you can comfortably go when working out, and then push yourself a little further each day. This constant adjusting of goals will allow you to really feel the progress you’re making every day.
Try securing your ostomy pouch with a wrap.
An ostomy belt or an Ostomysecrets® wrap may help to keep your pouch secure and supported against your body, which may help increase wear time and your confidence as you become more active.
Walk around and get a feel for how your ostomy reacts to different movements.
Everyone's body's is different. Try different movements, stretches and exercises to see what feels best for you.
Move more and more each day, building up towards your wanted level of exercise.
Consider setting small goals for yourself, and don't get frustrated if it takes some time to reach them. Everyone's ostomy journey is different!
Do anything you feel comfortable doing.
Running, jogging, swimming, climbing, skiing; when it comes to working out with an ostomy, you shouldn’t be prevented from staying fit with activities you enjoy the most.
Trust the process to progress.
Patience is key and while your muscles may need more time to heal and strengthen, you are making progress with each movement you make.
If you have questions or concerns about your progress or activities, contact your healthcare professional.
"People ask if what I’ve gone through has changed me. In some ways, it’s changed me for the better; I have more perspective and I’m actually grateful for my experience and what it’s taught me. After five abdominal surgeries and a low point where I thought I might never eat again, the simple pleasures in life – such as going for a run or hiking a mountain with my family – are treasured, not taken for granted. I appreciate every step I take."