Exercising and Your Ostomy:
The thought of taking up a new sport or striving for
ambitious goals in a sport previously enjoyed, can seem
overwhelming. But many have done just that. In fact, they believe
they are fitter and healthier than before the operation.
For many people, stoma surgery creates a renewed zest for
life. Along with that new found enthusiasm comes the desire and
determination to achieve goals they would never before have
considered.
Stoma surgery is a major event that should not be
underestimated. The first few weeks or even months following
the operation may be difficult as you adjust gradually to having a
stoma. However, once fully recovered and settled at home,
returning to the lifestyle you enjoyed before the operation should
be no problem.
As long as you have no complications and your doctor has
no objection, you can enjoy almost any kind of sporting activity.
Contact sports, such as rugby, karate or kung fu, are possible.
Even sports that call for a lot of bending, such as bowling, lawn
bowls and aerobics, have been taken up after getting a stoma.
The stoma is stronger than you think:
The stoma that protrudes
from your abdomen may look
vulnerable. But it is, in fact,
quite hardy. The surgical
incision should be fully closed
just about ten days after the
operation, and, over time,
the scar tissue surrounding
the stoma will reach its
optimum strength. It is not that easy to injure the stoma.
Remember: Caution is key – everyone's body has its own
unique abilities and responses.
Staying Hydrated:
If you have a stoma, particularly an ileostomy, there are
occasions where you may become dehydrated. Care should
be taken to drink plenty of water, unless you have a fluid
restriction.
There are several situations that make you especially
susceptible to dehydration. In hot climates and/or when
exercising, less urine is produced, so it is more concentrated.
And when diarrhea strikes, more fluid is being lost, so more
should be taken in.
To help rehydrate your body, water is the best fluid, as
it is the most readily available. You can also get special
rehydrating solutions from most pharmacies, and sports drinks
can be useful for severe cases of diarrhea.
One good sign of being well hydrated is passing clear or
straw-colored urine throughout the day.
