I want to start running, but I'm a little nervous about it. Are there any runners out there that can give me tips or suggestions?

Susan

Hi Sue...I don't run but I would be sure Dr L has advised if running is ok at this point. If all is healed you should be fine. I just wish I had given myself 3 mos to heal - I was out dancing at clubs at the 6 week mark - not sure if that effected my valve redos.

Running seems light - but it's jarring to me?

other than that, dehydration is the same with a j or k since the colon is gone. drink and drink!

Good for you for staying in shape!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JaniceM,

Hi Sue,
I've had mine for over 30 years and done every sport including hiking, climbing, jogging and sprinting...I never had a problem with the pouch doing any of those things but I didn't start until 12 months post-op. Period. Your abdomen is not fully healed under 12 months. One of the biggest pouch complications is of the pouch falling off of the wall which leads to prolaps of valve etc...an other is abdomenal hernia...not to mention valve problems...by jogging you are not just giggling the pouch up and down but doing it with weight in it (it is never totally empty)..just imagine filling a ballon with a couple of cups of water and then throwing it around...got the picture? That puts major stress on both the abdomenal wall and on the valve...my Dr. informed me that I should start out soft with core exercises (think pilates and yoga) to strenghten up the insides slowly before attacking anything else...
I don't know exactly how far out you are but be carefull until it is all consolidated and really healed.
Sharon

Thanks for the advice ladies. I had emailed Dr. L about this as well and he said "sounds great, let me know how you do"...which I thought was odd, but I figured he'd know best. So I've just been out walking and my head is telling me...I'm not sure I can run yet so that's why I've come here. Who would better know that fellow KP's. I certainly don't want to do any damage and I'll only be post op 3 mos on March 8th, but I've been so tied down for the last 3 yrs that I just want to get out and do things. I've even done the club dancing...LOL! I guess maybe for now I will start with excersizing and set my goals on running for later in the year...thanks Susan

Sue..you can do the marathon with a fast walk method if that suits you. Walking is the best exercise there is!