You need to sign in or join before continuing.

A Question From hessteh About Colorectal (Colon) Cancer

  • hessteh's Avatar  

    Question 3 months ago

    hessteh posted a questionColorectal (Colon...

    I had an abdominal perineal resection April 2011, followed by chemo and radiation for recurrent rectal cancer.

    I had an abdominal perineal resection April 2011, followed by chemo and radiation for recurrent rectal cancer. I have a hernia at the stoma site for my colostomy, and am afraid of making it worse. My surgeon says "go for it" on exercise, but I don't feel much like working out, since I feel fatigued and have little energy. I am currently walking 45 minutes each day, but previously I was in the gym or playing golf every day. I am a long way from getting back to that level of exercise, but want to get there. Any suggestions would be appreciated. What are the chances that excercise will make the hernia worse?

    • cjtigers' Avatar

      Answered Question 3 months ago

      cjtigers answered

      I had the same type of surgery in July of 2010. Within a year I had a pretty good size hernia at my stoma site. It was bothering me, plus it was sometimes noticeable through my clothes. My surgeon and I decided it would be worth repairing. After some research I asked my surgeon if it could be performed laparoscopically. She conferred with some colleagues, did some of her own research and we decided to go for it. It was her first try and the first time a parastomal hernia was repaired laparascopically at the hospital where it was performed. It was very successful, only spent 2 nights in the hospital and healing time was only a few weeks. I walk almost daily, but still have not done any weight training (it's been 5 months since the hernia repair). I've been thinking about seeing a trainer to see what types of exercises wouldn't compromise the hernia site. Let me know how you are progressing.