Hello all,

It's been three weeks today since I parted with my colon. I feel like a million bucks and am itching to get back to my regular exercise routine (three more weeks to go). Unfortunately, I don't consider walking (which I am doing roughly 5 miles a day) much of a workout. So, I have been using ankle weights to add just a little bit of spice to it.

Anyway, to my question(s).

When I do start physical training again (and I don't push weights, only body-weight stuff) I want to be extra sensitive to what my body is telling me. On this note i would like to know what signs one might be receiving if they have developed a hernia? Would I be able to tell whether I am stressing out the muscle before (and hence prevent) the hernia? I am also assuming that the hernia would develop around the stoma sight, is this true?

Also, my doc said it is just fine to do core training (again w/o weights) such as v-sits, leg-scissors, sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts, body curls, etc. anyone have any advice about this? Should I wait longer than 6 weeks to resume these kinds of abdominal workouts? I don't want to stress my abs too much, so I am wondering how to get in the workout but stay away from a hernia.

Again, my doc said all is well after 6 weeks, however, I am already feeling a bit timid about what I can do and how much. That is to say, I don't want to start with 500 sit-ups on day one, but would 50 be ok? Can anyone with experience speak to this point?

Anyway, all for now.

Thanks,
Z

Z,

After my step 1 surgery, the doc told me to wait at least 8 weeks before heading back to the gym to do any kind of weights. I walked like crazy up until then. Did you have your surgery done laproscopically or were you cut open all the way? This could have a big impact on how soon you are up to doing weight-bearing activities.
As far as the sit-ups go, you may be a bit optimistic. I can't speak for the laproscopic procedure, since my surgery was open, but for the first few months I couldn't even sit up in bed without using my arms! When your abdominal muscles are severed like that, it takes quite some time to get them strong again. Either way, I would check with your doctor about sit ups and things like that. As far as the hernias go, the surgeon just told me to start off slow, increase weight gradually and if it hurts...stop! Pretty much common sense.
Good luck!

Thanks Michelle,

I had my surgery done laproscopically.

I haven't tried to sit up completely without using my arms yet, but I have noticed that I am using them less as time goes by. I don't even want to attempt it until week 6. The doc did say I could resume body-weight exercises at week 6 (I don't lift weights), so I was just wondering if anyone had done so and what their experience was like. In the end, if I can't sit up without using my arms (and also without discomfort) then there is no way I'm going to resume core training. I just don't want to do damage (in the form of a hernia) and not know it until it's too late. So, slow is the word per your advice.



Thanks,

Z

Z