You can do core exercises and cardio without doing exercises that strain the abs.

Jan

I'm trying...most of my workout consists of stair climbing (real stairs, not stairmaster or other machines)... have worked up to 1000steps or more a workout (around 40-50xs 20 stairs) plus arms and the swissball but on Sunday I got a pain in the lower abs...around the stoma...more just under the surface than deep inside. Reminicient of my hernia pain and that stopped me cold.
Less so over the last 2 days...been taking it easy...but still there. Terrified that I have done something to myself again.
I will take it easy for another day or 2 and see if it goes away...I think that I did it during stretches on the swissball. May have over-stretched a bit.
I am not in the mood to rip a hernia apart again. Now that I am working I don't have time to fall apart.
Isn't the zone 'sturdier' once it has been reinforced with mesh repair?
Sharon

Yes, mesh is stronger than tissue, but that can mean that what the mesh is attached to is under increased strain. So, best not to add to that strain. Remember that now that you are working, you are out running around more, so you are getting extra exercise that way. Stretches should be OK, as long as they are slow and do not cause pain. You should never stretch beyond the pain.

Jan