Hi All,
I have looked through the threads for the exercise regime prior to a reversal op, as mine is imminent now. I have found a link that Karen had put on but it has not worked, not sure if a broken link or my pc.
Does any one have some suggestions on what i should be doing on the run up to it please..
Also, i know i would have to have a pre-op, what does that consist off?
Thanks in advance
Pat
Hi Pat
Until is able to get back to you with her link, I hope the following will be of interest and help to you
PRE OP ASSESSMENT
What happens before your operation?
You will be asked to attend for a pre-operative assessment. At this appointment a nurse will:
PRE AND POST OPERATION EXERCISES
Your rectum and your sphincter muscles need retraining to help you overcome this problem, it is good to start doing these exercises as soon as your surgeon confirms that you are able to have your ileostomy reversed.
Sphincter exercises
You can do your exercises in any position, it may be easier to start in lying or sitting and progress to standing as your control improves. To find the muscles imagine that you are trying to stop yourself passing wind from your bowel. To do this you must squeeze
the muscle around your back passage. As you breathe out, try squeezing and lifting that muscle as tightly as you can, as if you are concerned that you are about to pass wind. Keep breathing. You should be aware of the skin around your back passage tightening and being pulled up and inward away from your chair if you are sitting. You may feel some gentle tightening in the low tummy, but shouldn't feel any tightening of your buttocks and legs. You should not hold your breath when you tighten these muscles.
Exercise plan
Remember to start lying or sitting. As you breathe out, tighten and pull up the sphincter muscles as tight as you can. Keep breathing as you hold for at least five seconds and then relax for at least 10 seconds. Repeat at least five times. This will work on the strength of your muscles.
As you breathe out, pull the muscles up to about half of their maximum squeeze. See how long you can hold this and keep breathing then relax for at least 10 seconds. Repeat at least five times. This will work on the endurance or staying power of your muscles.
Pull up the muscles as quickly and tightly as you can, then relax, and then pull up again. See how many times you can do this before you get tired.
Do these exercises at least 10 times every day. As the muscles get stronger, you will find that you can hold for longer than five seconds, and that you can do more pull-ups each time without the muscles getting tired. Remember that you cannot hold your tightest squeeze for very long, so it is better to use a gentle squeeze that you can hold for longer.
If you are uncertain about how to do these exercises please ask for a referral to a physiotherapist.
Your control will gradually improve. You may need to exercise regularly for several months before the muscles gain their full strength and continue to exercise to maintain your bowel control.
I hope this helps, good luck with your reversal and keep in touch afterwards and let us know how you are getting on and feel free to answer any questions that you need at anytime.
Ian
