Steps to recovery #8 – Rebuilding the core

Back to a physical recovery topic. This is related to the surgery and my stoma (SpongeBob). As a result of these they had to cut away through the muscles in the stomach. So until the body fixes this my core muscles are weakened and there is a risk of me getting a hernia around the stoma.

Reading the booklet it talks about a 10-50% chance of a hernia happening. Give that range I am assuming they don’t have solid data! 📊 Maybe it’s under reported like people who admit to voting for Trump 💨

As it is, there is a risk so needs managing

Some of it is silly stuff. Coughing and sneezing put pressure on the tummy area. So rather than holding my nose 👃 I have to cover the stoma to protect it! So watch out if I sneeze as I won’t be managing the spray 🤧🤪

Then I have to avoid lifting. Initially it was not lifting the equivalent of a full kettle (luckily we have a boiling tap so not an issue at home 🚰😁). But the principle means in the early days there was lots of needing others to support me – and of course I made the most of it. Now it is slightly easier but I still have to be careful. I can put the washing on the line but can’t carry the basket down the garden. Remembering is key and not being the hero. Accepting that maybe after 12 weeks post-Op I can do the heavier lifting again but right now isn’t the time 💪. For someone who is naturally a doer that has been hard to accept!

Luckily jobs like the lawnmower, emptying bins and vacuuming (like I ever did that anyway) I have the family to take over. I will miss the excuse though!

And before exercise there is being careful as I move around. Using a rucksack if I do pick up stuff in town. Being careful how I get up and move – not straining the core stomach area. Again, remembering that’s what I need to do as I start to feel better

Then there is exercise. I have booklets showing 3-4 core exercises for my tummy. Similar to Pilates and yoga – small movements such as leg bends. Unfortunately they start with me lying on my back which (a bit like sitting) is just not happening yet. I am slowly having 1-2 minutes on my coccyx cushion but will be another few days before I can be comfortable.

So on Friday I have my first physio session to find some core muscle exercises that don’t strain my stoma and don’t need me to lie on my back. Hopefully the physio will help me with some ideas on posture until I can sit up straight. Both leg stretches and my neck and back.

And finally – there is a stoma belt. Who knew these existed! These cover the bag and provide support for the muscles. Once I am ready I will use these for running and similar exercise. Will also help hold things in when I go out of an evening!

The challenge is I can’t see how I am doing. I think the stoma area looks ok. I should get a check from the nurse when she visits in 2 weeks. So maybe right now that nagging fear of getting a hernia is what I need to keep doing the right things! 🤨