Having a stoma doesn’t have to put the brakes on your exercise routine. Well, mostly. The condition that led to the stoma might throw in a few limitations.

Staying active matters to me, but I’m by no means a fitness fanatic. Figuring out the right exercise routine was like a trial-and-error marathon. Too little exercise and my joints start their nighttime symphony of aches and throbbing, making sleep a distant dream. But overdoing it? Same result.

Today, I will be sharing how I eased back into exercising after my stoma surgery.

Previously, exercise was part of my life without me even noticing. Things like the 20-minute walk to work and back 5 days a week.

But after my career shift post-surgery—swapping my Jpouch for a permanent stoma—my activity levels nosedived. It took a while to realise that losing those 40 daily minutes of movement had hit my overall health hard.

I’d shed weight post-surgery, and then I started gaining, which was totally new territory (except for those prednisone periods). I’d chalked it up to improved health, but the gain train didn’t stop.

Finally, it hit me—I needed more exercise. Given my joint pain, low-impact workouts seemed like the smart choice. Yoga had been on my radar for ages, a plan that had been on hold due to my poor health. I figured I might like it, considering my past enjoyment of Pilates.

My abdominal wound took longer to heal this time. Even a slight wrong move prompted a tugging sensation near my belly button, leaving me sore for days. So, before starting anything, I had to get a hernia prevention belt. These are usually available on prescription for ostomates, and can be dispatched by your delivery company! A lovely rep from CUI Wear came to my home to measure me up for a bespoke waistband. I had to wait a few weeks for it, but it was a perfect fit so totally worth it!

I dipped my toes into yoga via an app, starting from ground zero. It was quite relaxing at first, and didn’t feel too difficult, but I soon realised how challenging yoga can be as I progressed passed the very basic stuff. I stayed on the beginners section for double the recommended time before moving on to the more challenging stuff.

Now, each morning starts with a short yoga practice, followed by a walk around the block with the dogs. I still live with chronic pain due to fibromyalgia, but my body definitely feels the benefit of regular movement.

On social media, you see some incredible strength from fellow ostomates like Zoey Wright and Blake Beckford, smashing stereotypes as they pump iron and rock bodybuilding with their stomas. But for me, it’s about tuning into my body and setting realistic goals. I mean, not all of us can be out there flipping tires, right?