Hobbies

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My hobbies are racing motorcycles, skydiving, bungee jumping, and flying. I can drive anything from an 18-wheeler to a unicycle and work on computers when inside.

Never let an ostomy stop you from doing anything you want to do.

Hi Pepper, Welcome to the site. It sounds like you are a pretty active guy and have a great attitude, so good on you! You don't say how long you have been an ostomate or what kind of ostomy you have. My only question is about the 'heavy weight lifting'! I'm sure you know this is not recommended for ostomates, and I would hate for other ostomates to read your post and assume that means it's OK for them to get into weight lifting. Maybe there is a way for some ostomates to approach this type of activity very slowly, with extreme caution, using a hernia belt, but I'm skeptical, and I think you'd have a hard time finding a healthcare professional who would endorse it. My surgeon once told me that all ostomates eventually get a hernia, and although he might have been exaggerating, I'm not sure by how much. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.

Terry

Very good points, especially the heavy lifting. I need more details, but great attitude. It looks good on him. Of course, he had me at racing bikes. 🏍👍

If you build your core muscles, heavy lifting can be done.

I agree. I did a lot of it when I was younger. This is a picture from when I was first starting out. I also spent years in karate, and that helped with flexibility when I was bodybuilding and still helps now.

I've just been reading that some people feel their life will change so much after an ostomy. It doesn't have to. They can continue doing what they like doing. Some things might require a slight adjustment. When I was racing motorcycles, I found that I would dehydrate easier from sweating. I did what I needed to do to stay hydrated and kept racing.

Thanks for the reply. Take care.

Airport Security Tips Living with an Ostomy with April | Hollister

I have an ileostomy and have had it for years. You should be cautious, but I haven't let it slow me down at all. After my surgery, my doctor told me I shouldn't be doing the work I've been doing anymore. My job is very physical. I work 12 to 16 hours a day at times. I can outwork the younger guys and outlift the younger guys at the gym. I think anyone with an ostomy should work into anything slowly and easily, but not give up on the things you want to do. I will say, if you are not well or not in good physical shape, then you should absolutely limit what you do to your ability. I've heard people with an ostomy say they can't work or can't cut their grass. That's a choice they make, and I respect that. I'm just saying they don't have to give up on living the life they want to live. Most people that I worked with for years don't know that I have an ostomy. It's an adjustment, but never let it stop you from being happy.

Thanks for the reply. Take care

That was irresponsible of me to mention heavy weight lifting when other people could get hurt from it. I meant no harm. Do only what your doctor recommends and what you are comfortable doing. There are plenty of hobbies that are not physically demanding. As I've gotten older, I'm looking for a more slow-paced hobby. I meant it as encouragement, not as a risk of hurting yourself. I apologize.

Just want people to be as happy after the ostomy as they were before.

Take care, everyone.

I love your attitude 👌

Good for you, Pepper.  

You are truly an inspiration! Good for you.

Hi Pepper, Well, I for one, would be impressed with the amount you accomplish, even if you didn't have an ostomy! You really are an inspiration, and it's great to hear from someone who doesn't let their ostomy get in the way of living their life to the fullest.

Thanks for clarifying that the particular activity of heavy lifting might not be achievable for everyone and would need to be approached with extreme care and caution. The important thing is to know your limits and be happy with them. When I got my ostomy (emergency surgery), I was someone who already regularly worked out and kept my abdominal muscles and core strong. I was told that this would help me going forward. I still work out, but I have made many adjustments and don't do nearly as strenuous an abdominal workout as I used to.

We've all seen many posts from new ostomates coming on this forum to ask questions about how to deal with their hernias. It's all too common, unfortunately.

As for you, keep doing what you're doing!

Terry

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

I feel you. Happiness is a choice, my friend.