After undergoing an ostomy surgery, as a patient, you may think intensive physical activity is no longer possible for you, but living with an ostomy with some knowledge and discipline can ensure you can continue to enjoy many of the same activities as before. Here are some tips to carry out and resume physical activity once a reasonable period has passed after your surgery.
Going For A Run
Depending on the specifics of your case, your doctor will recommend you start with a light, short walk, increase it to a brisk walk, and then a light jog. With each step, you should pay attention to your body and how it is feeling and stop if there is pain or discomfort. It is important to remember not to start intensive or considerable exercise at once or to regularly overuse painkillers in order to offset the effects of intensive physical activity.
Extreme pain is usually an indicator that you need to slow down. After discussing with your doctor, buy a device or tool to help you, such as ostomy barrier rings and so forth, that can lessen the chances of the pouch moving too much or leaking. Ostomy belts and similar aiding tools can keep the position of your ostomy bag fairly stable as you jog or go for a run.
Weight Training
Prior to surgery, many people were used to weight training and indulged in it frequently, but after surgery, some caution should be practiced. Consult your physical therapist and surgeon before using large weights and opt for smaller types like wrist or ankle bands and use them for toning exercises. If you were ill for a long time before your surgery, your muscles would have taken the effect of reduced nutrition, so subjecting them straight to heavy weights is not wise. Some muscle wasting generally occurs with illnesses, so it is vital to build up a dietary intake of protein and collagen for weeks before attempting weight training.
In general, it is normal to expect some gut problems and inflammation, and weight training requires a lot of calories as it does cause fat burning. Ensure you have a system of obtaining the nutrients and vitamins you need, so do not attempt weight training if you are on liquid nutrition, for example. Eat fruits and vegetables as well as protein-rich food items.
Abdominal muscles are very important to consider when weight training or carrying out any high-intensity workout. These muscles compulsorily weaken in an ostomy surgery, so always consult your doctor before getting out of the yoga mat.
Swimming After An Ostomy
Swimming is a low-intensity but highly effective type of workout, but with some minor adjustments, you can return to it by wearing appropriate swimwear that protects and hides your ostomy pouch and prevents it from being affected by the chlorine in the pool. Check the temperature of any hot tub or heated pool before getting into it, as very high temperatures are your enemy after the surgery and may interfere with healing. Invest in some barrier pouches and strips to eliminate the worry of getting water onto your pouch. That being said, ostomy pouches are generally waterproof, so they are unlikely to be significantly affected by water, even the chlorinated kind.
Slow Yoga
Yoga has many types and levels; some are more acrobatic and intensive than others. Take a class or learn a slower, more relaxing form of yoga online or through video tutorials and it will go a long way in reducing your stress level after some time has passed since the surgery. It will tone your body, increase the production of serotonin and other feel-good hormones, and prevent muscle wasting. Practicing a type of hot yoga can be very relaxing and rejuvenating for the muscles and cause sweating as well, which removes toxins from the body. As long as you are gentle with your moments and keeping hydrated, yoga can be an enduringly excellent exercise after an ostomy.
When doing yoga or, indeed, most types of exercise, wear multiple layers of specialty clothing that keep everything in one place and facilitate movement without feeling like your pouch is being pulled or tugged at. Strips etc., when applied, can prevent your pouch from being exposed to excess sweat. Use a padded yoga mat on the carpeted floor and take breaks, always ensuring you are not over-taxing your muscles.
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