Exercises prior to ileostomy reversal

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I have had a recta tumour removed by surgery and a temporary stoma has been created. this is due to be reversed in about two months and I know that a colorectal nurse/physio will advise on exercises to strengthen my bowel function prior to surgery. I'd like to begin those exercises now and wondered if someone could point me in the direction of a help sheet or Youtube Video please.

Also, would be interested in anyone who has had rectal surgery, how the are finding things, how long did it take to recover.

Kareno62 2 months ago

Hi PeterPandora It’s a good few years since my rectal surgery and I didn’t have the smoothest of recoveries (see my profile) but the general advice is about 5-6 weeks. If you feel up to it try a short walk and build up to a little bit further each day?

Theres some links below about stoma reversal. The exercises are described on pages 24 & 25 of the booklet below

bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/.../RegainingBowelControl_BowelCancerUK.pdf

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/About_Stoma_Reversal_2024.pdf

There’s also lots of advice and top tips on the reversal page on the stoma board?

Living well with a stoma reversal or LARS

Hope this helps and happy to answer any specific Questions that you have

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm