Posted by David - UK on 14/5/2008, 11:13 am

I know slightly off topic for the site but if you dont ask... Its 10 weeks today since my operation and 3 weeks since I got out of hospital and Im feeling great (although I realised very sad last night that I have nickname for stoma so I can discuss with wife in quite a rubbish code!!) I can bend and lift ok but my stomach muscles are still very week when twisting, which is a problem for playing golf. Hoping to return to playing next month, and was wondering if anyone had any exercise tips for building the muscle strength back?

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Posted by emma aka iceybun on 14/5/2008, 2:10 pm, in reply to "Building stomasch muscles back..."

heya david we all have names for our stomas, makes it kinda easier to deal with i guess. i know a fair few peeps with names for their stomas! just ask im sure they will tell you! my stoma is called.....Farty McFart!! hope that helps!! hugs Emma xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Posted by David - UK on 14/5/2008, 2:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Building stomasch muscles back..."

Im afraid mine is called Tremor as it looks like the giant worm off the film!!!!

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Posted by hi David on 14/5/2008, 6:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Building stomasch muscles back..."

just to warn you, people with stomas can get hernias around the stoma VERY VERY easily, i'd warn against doing any specific stomach exercise for at least the first 18 months, let nature build them up gradually. It'll be worth avoiding the golf for a wee while in the long run - then further along you'll have no problems. Don't go rushing things

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Posted by David - UK on 15/5/2008, 1:01 pm, in reply to "Re: Building stomasch muscles back..."

Cant say Im particulary happy to do that. Im having my reversal in October so will be even morefrustrated if thats the case post reversal. Consultants never said anything about laying off the exercise, so if true I'm gutted.

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Posted by milll on 15/5/2008, 9:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Building stomasch muscles back..."

lol david , very good , donna x

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Posted by Kathy from England on 16/5/2008, 12:42 am, in reply to "Building stomasch muscles back..."

Hi David, I'd have a word with your stoma nurse. There are plenty of ostomates who play golf and don't have any problems. But I'd advise caution because it's so soon after surgery. Ostomates are prone to hernias, unfortunately. But that doesn't mean you have to be a couch potato. The nurse might say it's ok, but suggest wearing a belt to give extra support, for example. Kathy

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Posted by Raymond on 16/5/2008, 2:38 am, in reply to "Building stomasch muscles back..."

Hi my friend: Just take it easy, one day at a time. Good Luck. Raymond.

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Posted by hernias and stoma care on 16/5/2008, 8:36 am, in reply to "Re: Building stomasch muscles back..."

A surgical incision creates an area of weakness in the abdominal wall, where a hernia may develop. Extra care is needed while the stomach muscles heal There are well known complications for a stoma - the surgeon will always weigh up the benefits of surgery over the negatives: Here is the list - What are the complications of a stoma? Early complications may include: Inadequate blood supply (ischaemia) Retraction of the bowel back into the abdomen Separation of the bowel mucosa from the skin (dehiscence) Infection Bleeding An undesired passage between the bowel and the skin (fistula) Prolonged paralysis of the bowel (ileus), which if not treated may cause a swollen abdomen, vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure Later complications may include: Prolapse of the bowel out onto the skin Scarring and narrowing of the stoma (stenosis) Leaking of bowel contents onto the skin resulting in irritation, erosion and digestion of the skin Bowel obstruction Excessive protrusion of bowel under the skin surrounding the stoma (hernia) Persistent infection Skin disorders (see below) Varicose veins around the stoma High output of fluid from an ileostomy, causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance Constipation or diarrhoea Self care is important to future health so for example learning how to avoid infections, learnin how to thicken output and avoiding potential risks - exercise should not be avoided - in fact exercise is crucial to good health but gentle exercise is best as there is a weakness in the stomach wall post op and always a potential for hernias so specific stomach exercise should be avoided in the first 18 months of surgery.

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