So I'm still stuck in between phases 1-2 (out of 3), and I decided that because I only weigh 125 lbs it was time to hit the gym (before the surgeries/sickness I used to be very heavy into fitness and sports)

Turns out it was probably a bad idea... I did a lot of lifting, though not too heavy. The problem I have is that I was doing lower ab exercises, and now the area my stoma is really sore. It's been really uncomfortable for about 2 days now... If I am standing, and I lift my right knee towards my chest, it really hurts.. I have really strong abs, and I'm used to training them a lot, so I know it's not just post-exercise soreness (plus none of my other ab muscles hurt).. Is this anything to worry about?
I'm definitely done with ab exercises until June when I'm all done with TD; I've learned my lesson.. But should I get this checked out, or is it nothing to worry about?

Could be:

1. Scar tissue - the pulling can really hurt
2. Plain old muscle soreness
3. Hernia - there are a number of people who end up with hernias next to their stoma

If you notice any bulging or if the pain continues and is an issue, it won't hurt to get it looked at.

I'd get it looked at. It sounds like you have a hernia.

Thanks Elmer & Mike.. I really want to get it checked, but my surgeon is away for holidays... Should I wait til Jan 1st? It really hurts..

You should definitely check with your surgeon before proceeding with strength training, and involving a personal trainer (who is familiar with your limitations) may be a good idea as well. That's what I've been doing and it's working out pretty well. Take it very slowly...your body has been through a lot.

I had my surgeries back in 2000 and I was told by my doctor no lifting at all between the surgeries. I wasn't even allowed to walk steps. However upon advice I did do as much walking as possible. I am also a athletic person and my 6'2 frame was down to a measly 130 lbs by the time I got done with the surgeries. Fortunately everything went great and here I am over seven years later at 195 lbs and I weightlift and do martial arts regularly. So I would say take it really easy at first.

So I just spoke with my surgeon (so nice of him to call me back even though they're supposed to be on holidays), and he mentioned that the reason for the discomfort is because the ileo comes right through the rectis muscle (I think that's what it's called), and it's created this way by design. He says that it's nothing to worry about... Such a relief!

Thanks so much for all your replies.. Now I'm going to relax for a bit and then do 1000 situps haha j/k.. My situp days are finished til next winter

Hi Sugar Jay,
Just a word from experience-I went into takedown with extrememly hard abs thinking it would help me get up and moving quicker. I was doing 200 situps a day for weeks. I did get up and moved around real fast but I also was in really bad pain at the stoma site after takedown-more than normal and for a longer time-my surgeon told me it was from my tight abs. So do your exercising but don't go overboard in the ab area.
Susan