I'm about 6 weeks post-surgery, and find it very painful to lay on my stomach, for even a second or two. I empty the bag first, of course. Those of you with ileostomies, does this get better over time? It eliminates a lot of yoga poses if you can't be on your stomach.

Hi TAL,

I see no reason why not eventually, once your wounds have fully healed.

I used to do a combination of excersises called bodybalance which incorporated yoga, tai chi and pilates. I was able to do the excersises that required laying on your tummy because you really aren't in that position for very long. The thing that stopped me doing them was that even though I was extra careful with the abdo excersises I still managed to get a peristomal hernia. Now I stick to cardio excersise to keep me fit.

I tend to sleep half on and half off of my tummy. What happens is that as the bag begins to fill during the night I end up rolling onto my back. Not sure how my body knows it is getting full but I have always woken up when the bag needed emptying and have never rolled over onto a full bag in my sleep. Weird.

Good luck.

Shell

I've done yoga on and off over the past few years and have no issue with the stomach poses. You are still pretty fresh out of surgery...give yourself some more time and it should be fine. You may have to ease into it as you get used to the feeling.

Once I wasn't sore anymore I would put a pillow on the side of my stomach opposite the stoma and put my right knee up and I would feel as though I was lying on my stomach. In the beginning I would try but the pain was too much, I think it was at least 8 weeks before I could do it. I can't wait to try again, I sleep so much better on my stomach!

Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement. I'll try to be more patient.

I never did, it just felt too weird. Try your side, that was the best for me.