Training & Exercise

Having a stoma should not prevent you from exercising or from being as physically active as you were before your operation. Talk to your doctor/stoma nurse about contact sports or very heavy lifting; apart from that you should be able to enjoy the same type of physical activities you enjoyed before your surgery.  

Remember, even light exercise is good exercise – for your heart, your joints, your muscles, your lungs, and for your general sense of well-being.  

You will need to allow some recovery time – and walking is a great place to start.  

Thirty minutes of walking every day is very good for you. The benefits of regular exercising are well known – but it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or stoma nurse before starting an exercise programme. 

 There are lots of easy ways of making yourself stronger each day; you must find the one that is right for you. 

 Hints and tips  

• Don’t overdo it and remember to listen to what your body is telling you (do not try to do too much). 
• Most important is to take one day at a time and pat yourself on the back for every accomplishment – no matter how little it might seem!