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Exercising

Wed, January 07, 2009 1:00 AM

I have a colostomy and have begun to exercise more regularly. Right now my focus is on light weights, push ups and sit ups. I seem to have gotten over feeling awkward doing sit ups but am concerned I may cause myself to cause a hernia or damage the colostomy area in some way. My doctor has not limited me to anything except not to do heavy lifting. I want to get into a more aggressive exercise routine including weight lifting, cardio work and abdominal work but don't want to compromise the colostomy, stoma. etc. Any suggestions on what I should do or not do? What should I be conscious of as I expand my exercise routine.

Julio B

julio b
Joined Dec 1, 2008

Sat, January 10, 2009 1:00 AM

Reply posted for Julio B.

one more thing, take it slow with the sit-ups. It hurt for a while, but it gets better. I suggest using the "bonding" glue when you change the bag and I used the convex wafer with the detachable bag. The convex wafer is great for active people. Get your mind right and stay focused, you can and will get back in shape and you will lift more weight than you did before because you now have a new challenge to overcome. If you are like me, you love challenges and you love when someone says "you can't" do something. Go out and DO IT!

mikeoprandy@yahoo.com

juiceman
Joined Dec 21, 2008

Sat, January 10, 2009 1:00 AM

Reply posted for Julio B.

Julio B,

I know exactly how you feel. I was in great shape before I was diagnosed with CD and in the hospital for 3 months. I was doing weighted pull-ups with 25#, dumbbell bench press with 100#,etc. I was in really good shape, 180lbs of muscle with low body fat.

I got the colostomy bag during my ordeal in the hospital. I literally had to learn to walk again because I had lost so much weight and muscle mass from being in the hospital for so long. I will never forget the day I walked into the gym after being away from it for six months. I was now a scraggly 139 lbs!! I will never forget this day, it is etched in my mind. I walked over to the dumbbell rack, lifted up the 40lbs (barely) and put them back and then picked up the 25 lb dumbbells. I laid on the bench a and could barely do two or three reps of presses. I couldn't do a single pull-up, so I walked around the gym for a little while, and then I went home and cried! I was so devastated. However, I was so determined to get back in shape that I was at the gym the next day and never gave up. I sucked it up, and little by little I was able to get back to my pre CD physique. I remember not being able to do sit-ups for quite a while after the colostomy. it hurt, and I was worried about it popping loose. I was very careful at first, but everyday I could feel myself getting stronger and the colostomy became an afterthought.

I didn't let the colostomy stop me from ANYTHING. I am a career fireman, and I was at the time of my colostomy. I can remember going back to work on the rig and going into my first fire with the bag, I was nervous, but never really thought about it until after the fire was out. I have also been SCUBA diving, sports, etc.... My advice is take it slow, but be consistent. email me if you have any questions

mikeoprandy@yahoo.com

juiceman
Joined Dec 21, 2008

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