Get started right after surgery
Even though you may not notice any bulges in the area around your ostomy in the first months after your surgery, it does not mean you can just sit back and relax. In fact, the first 12 weeks after your surgery is the most important time to be careful about doing what you can to reduce the risk of developing a hernia.
If you do develop a peristomal hernia, it makes it more difficult to obtain a secure fit around your stoma which could lead to complications such as leakage and skin irritation. A hernia may also be challenging to conceal underneath clothes. Therefore, there’s good reason to take action immediately, by following these recommendations:
Think about how you move
…and how you sit and stand. In fact, a good straight posture will help strengthen your core muscles, which will help reduce the risk of developing a hernia. It is encouraged to practice good posture while standing and sitting.
In the first weeks after your surgery, you should also think very carefully about how you move to avoid putting unwanted strain on your abdominal muscles. You should avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon jug of water or milk. Remember that this includes everyday activities like carrying shopping bags, doing the laundry or mowing the lawn.
Smoking is discouraged
Research shows that smoking increases your risk of developing a hernia no less than four times, as it reduces the oxygen in the tissues.
If you are a smoker you can seek advice from your local pharmacist or your general physician to help you stop.
Support your stomach when you cough or sneeze
As innocent as it may seem, coughing or sneezing can put internal pressure on your weakened abdominal muscles. If you feel you are about to cough or sneeze, place a small cushion over your abdomen to help support the area and prevent further pressure during a cough or sneeze.
Wearing supportive underwear can also be helpful in supporting the abdominal muscles from the outside. It can also provide additional support to your ostomy pouching system.
Take care when you exercise
In order to build the strength and stability of your core muscles you will need to start gently and slowly with exercising. Just remember not to push your abdominal muscles too hard and too suddenly.
After three months you can gradually start lifting heavier things again, as long as you remember to bend your knees and keep a straight back when you lift. You may also consider use of a support belt while lifting weights.
Things you can do to keep the risk low
All the things mentioned above continue to be relevant for you, months and years after your surgery. It is also helpful to maintain a healthy weight - something that is easier said than done. You can find diet dietary guidelines according to your type of stoma here.
You should also keep exercising, carefully building up the intensity of what you do. Don’t forget that you can do any sport or exercise you like, as long as you take the proper precautions.
Use the Hernia Action Plan to keep the risk low
If you want to make sure that you do what you can to keep the risk of developing a hernia down, you can download the Hernia Action Plan.
The Hernia Action Plan includes exercises from the Core 4 program which are exercises designed to aid your recovery and help restore muscle function in your stomach.
Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations.
You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.
