Pilates anyone?

[annawato]

Ok, here is the problem. Besides being 20 kilos overweight (44lbs), I look like I am 9 months pregnant with twins (and I have been there). I have a very large hernia above and to left of ileostomy and am unable to walk or cycle for exercise as I have 3 fractures in my foot that are not healing (Charcots foot) The muscles in my stomach are non existent after two pregnancies, one was twins, 4 resections, one stoma and reversal, and now another permanent stoma. I thought that at least if I could reactivate my tummy muscles my stomach would not be quite so prominent and i may feel a little more positive about myself. I started doing pre and post natal exercises but found that this led to my wafer becoming unstuck leading to unexpected disasters.
Has anyone with a stoma tried pilates, what success did you have with it? Alternately has anyone any suggestions of what else I could try.

 

[Charlotte.]

I don't have a stoma but I did pilates for ages before my arthritis started and I had to give up every sport I did and started cycling. I loved the effect that pilates has on the muscles, it really strengthens the deep muscles and gives a great posture. For the stoma, I can' t say anything about pilates, sorry!

 

[Grotbags]

I haven't tried it but I have been told Pilates is ideal for ostomates.
I would like to try Yoga, unfortunately my friend who's a yoga instructor has been unwel the past year, so I've never gotten round to doing it.
Have you tried a different pouch ?, I use Coloplast Mio, the wafer is incredibly stretchy and moves which ever way you move.

 

[annawato]

Hi Grotbags, Thanks for your response. I have tried other pouches and keep coming back to my welland one which is very flexible. Although I will try the Mio as if it is as anything near as stretchy as the coloplast elastic tape it must be good. That tape has saved me many a time!
Yoga is a good idea too and another thing I could try. I did it years ago and have some cd's that I could use to do it at home so thanks for the idea.
p.s. I love your dog/husband quote!
Charlotte anything that improved my posture would be a good thing! Its a shame Pilates is so expensive though. But worth it if it improves life!