When can I start exercising after ileostomy surgery?

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8
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3693
Fi Trix
Jul 01, 2018 6:43 pm

Hi

I am 8 weeks post-surgery for panproctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy and just wondering if anyone can tell me when I could start back at the gym? I am currently walking a lot each day and feeling fine.

I was hoping to start cycling/cross trainer/swimming with maybe some light weights.

The last thing I want to do is cause any damage and end up back in the hospital, so would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Past Member
Jul 01, 2018 10:06 pm

Yes, I agree with you. Don't overdo anything. Your incision inside needs more time to firm up. You don't want to get a hernia like me. I laid around for 3 months. This will take years for you to get back into your old life. I got my stoma in 2014. The surgeon told me 6 to 10 years to full recovery. Some sooner, some later like me. I still have a hernia to figure out how to keep me up in me. Like the song says, take it easy.

iMacG5

When I found this web site, I didn't think its name had anything to do with actually meeting an ostomate but I later learned there were some folks who did meet and develop relationships. How good is that? That wasn't my intention. I definitely didn't want anyone to meet me. I felt broken and wasn't prepared to express those feelings. I thought it was a place where ostomates wrote about themselves, posed questions, shared thoughts, told jokes and, sometimes, just vented. I thought of it as a community of folks with similar interests and various degrees of experience. Mostly I found some of the most caring, selfless, wise and understanding people I ever imagined. I was so impressed with some of the writings; not because of their literary value but the way in which they addressed such a very complex environment. I read hundreds of exchanges and admired the way folks cared for each other. I became hopeful with my own situation and looked forward to the next day's offerings. Certainly some contributors stood out with their experience or particular skills in addressing some things but it seemed like a total effort with synergistic results. I felt blessed to have found this site. I still do.
Mike

Bill
Jul 02, 2018 5:42 am
Very helpful

Hello Fi Trix. I would agree with the concept of taking it steadily. Also, when beginning to exert yourself in incremental stages it can be useful to wear a hernia belt for a little extra support. After all, many sports people wear them as a sensible precaution and they haven't had major surgery.

Best wishes

Bill 

Sasquatch
Jul 02, 2018 11:53 am
Very helpful

I agree, ramp it up slowly, giving your body time to adjust. It won't take too much and you should build the core strength you'll need to support the integrity of your stoma. Another thing to keep in mind would be, with physical exertion, to keep an eye on your fluid intake. Remember, dehydration can happen quickly with an ileostomy.

HarleySue
Jul 03, 2018 7:35 am

What's an EDC kit, Sasquatch???

 

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Play
Sasquatch
Jul 03, 2018 10:43 am

It's an Every Day Carry kit. It just has whatever I would need to deal with my ostomy in an emergency situation. I mostly use it for peace of mind at work, being that I'm away from home for 12+ hours. Being from Anderson, we should get together for dinner sometime. Meeting another ostomate is something I've never done, but would like to do.

Fi Trix
Jul 03, 2018 7:21 pm

Thanks to all for your advice. I will certainly take it slowly.

Silveradokid
Jul 04, 2018 2:53 am

Hi Fi Trix. Also, you might want to speak with your surgeon and get their recommendation...

Nagsshan
Jul 18, 2018 1:25 pm

Hi, please continue walking for at least 12 weeks post-treatment.

I went through the same path and can help you.

I was into ballroom dancing, so that kept me going.

Gym light weights. Watch your food.

Avoid cauliflower, broccoli, nuts, shellfish, shrimp to avoid odor.

Add a protein shake in the morning along with berries, the same at 3 pm, and 1 after a workout. This will give you 75 grams of protein. Breakfast omelette with 3 egg whites or 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg + whole wheat bread or 1/2 cup of oatmeal or 1/2 cup of farina. Lunch with 4 oz of protein (chicken or fish) with 1/2 cup of cooked rice and lots of veggies, same with dinner.