Looking for experience of Lifting with a stoma!

I  was told by my surgeon after 6 weeks when he saw me that I could start lifting weights again between 5 and 15kg.

The colorectal nurse advised a stoma belt so I am waiting for an appointment to be measured for one before I start.

I had an ileostomy in May and am happily doing shopping and housework.  Only thing I don't lift is the 30kg bags of cat litter!

The thing about lifting is that our stomas mean we have weak abdominal muscles. Really we should all be taught how to strengthen our core after the operation. The Association of Stoma Care Nurses (ASCN) has had some work done by a woman called Sarah Russell who has a stoma and who is also a physiotherapist and who has programmes of exercises to do this strengthening. You can find her online and on U tube. The recommendations are called EXPASS (EXercise and Physical Activity After Stoma Surgery).

I have found a physio who will help me do this work - I had been doing Pilates for 20 years before the operation and want to get that strength back again.to avoid hernias and protect my back. At the moment I am very careful to engage my muscles before lifting anything that feels heavy and will not lift anything that does not feel safe). I have passed on details of the report Sarah has done to Macmillan and am trying to get hold of the physios at the hospital I was treated by to make sure people get to hear about this. 

Meanwhile, I make sure I use supportive stoma pants - I have a Urostomy - and also have a small stoma belt (not a full support but one an inch wide to  ensure that the bag doesn't move too much when I'm active.) I also try to remember to engage my pelvic floor muscles. I prefer to strengthen muscles rather than rely on strong elasticated belts like corsets. but of course I do not have to lift or carry anything heavy or awkward for work.

I hope people find this of interest: it would be great if it becomes better known.

All the best,

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