If you are recovering from ileostomy or internal pouch surgery, it’s only natural if the thought of exercise feels daunting. At the Ileostomy Association and Internal Pouch Association (IA), we understand this, and it can be difficult to know where to get trusted advice to help you regain fitness safely so that you can enjoy an active life again.
It may boost your confidence to know that among our IA community are keen cyclists, endurance runners and swimmers. So, rest assured that with the right information and support—and going at the pace that’s right for you—you can gradually get back to exercise you enjoy, whether that’s some gardening or a leisurely walk, a ‘Couch to 5k’ or even a triathlon!
Start gently
Exercising has many benefits. As well as improving physical fitness, it also helps the mind, reducing the risk of dementia, boosting memory and improving how we manage stress.
While you should not rush into any intensive training programme, which could hinder your recovery after surgery, it is important to regain fitness by getting mobile again once your GP or stoma care nurse has given you the go-ahead.
Gentle walking is a good place to start. Walking is low impact and can help you regain muscle strength that was lost because of your operation. Begin by moving around your house or garden, resting when you need to, until you feel confident venturing further afield. We often suggest just the simple things, such as on day one walk to the first lamppost, day two perhaps the second and so on, just to give you a goal (as small as it may seem) and know that you have achieved it. Don’t be tempted to walk to lamppost 50 too quickly because you still must get back to where you started!
Rebuild core strength
Clinical exercise specialist Sarah Russell, who has an ileostomy herself, emphasises the importance of gradually building core strength and stability post-surgery.
Sarah said: ‘Core exercises are the foundation and should be the priority for everyone, whether you had surgery last week or 10 years ago. So, at some point post-surgery—depending on your recovery—you need to start exercising for your core. This could be as soon as a few days if you’re doing well, or you might feel ready a few weeks or months later.’
Developing a strong core can help you stay well, even if you are not particularly ‘sporty’, which is especially important if you are keen to return to gym workouts, running or cycling, for example.
IA has teamed up with Sarah to provide core rehabilitation classes for our members online, who can then follow the same strengthening exercises in between classes. The classes are suitable for anyone who has a stoma or internal pouch, including those with a parastomal hernia. So, if you’re an IA member, please get in touch to apply for funding for the classes, which will be running again in the new year.
If you haven’t yet joined IA, it’s really straightforward and we would love to welcome you. Please visit our website, where you’ll find information, tips and support for all aspects of living with an ileostomy or internal pouch, from diet and hydration to relationships and travel.