Running with Bob

 There is nothing like a long, relaxing run to feel better emotionally and physically. It reduces feelings of stress, gives me time to myself and creates a great headspace...all this together releases the cobwebs so I am able to think more clearly and am better equipped for problem solving. I also feel the burn in my legs which is a nice reminder that I'm doing something healthy for my body. This is the good burn lol Today was my first actual run this week; it's been raining a lot the past few days and the cold wet weather makes me want to hibernate. Today was a bit warmer, and it finally stopped raining, so was a great time to find solace and a little sunshine through the clouds. I increased my distance from last week's "long run" but also decreased my time by 17 seconds per mile! I will soon get back to my regular long runs which used to be 12+ miles at least once per week. Five miles used to be my quickie daily run during my lunch hour, sometimes a tempo and ot

 I ordered this Nu Hope Hernia/Support belt for feeling more secure while working out and running. This is the four inch wide belt with a hole to fit the 2 1/4 pouch flange. So far it seems to work well and without feeling too bulky, and it stays in place without riding up or rolling. The material is thick but can feel a bit scratchy if it moves around [fitting it so it's snug and not loose helps]. They also have a "cool comfort" material that I didn't know about until after I ordered this one, and I'll definitely try that one next time, as it would probably be great for summer! The pouch cover is because I'm wearing a transparent bag which isn't cute lol  The belt comes up above my support panties and high waisted pants, but my stoma feels more secure without too much bulk.

 Today Spot and I just did a little 30 min fun run.... no time or distance tracking, just enjoyed getting out in the crisp evening air. Actually, I can feel the lack of running in my thighs now that I've started back up again. I forgot what the soreness of getting back into shape feels like, but it's nice to hit the pavement again. I will definitely be working on my endurance, get my distance back up as well as doing some speed work soon. These first few weeks, I'm just focusing on getting back into a routine to get out there consistently and have fun with it! 

 This is an important topic for any runner, as we need high quality nutrition to fuel our runs plus hydration. Also, a lot of training and distance running can lead to a weaker immune system if we're not careful. But for the ileostomate this is even more important, as we need to be careful to get enough electrolytes, vitamins and minerals as we lose so much through the effluent and also may not absorb as much nutrition from our food (especially for those with short bowel syndrome). Also our immune systems may be down for a while after surgery as our bodies are working so hard in the healing process. The amount of water and electrolytes I take in daily may seem excessive to most people, but I am always thirsty and feel dehydrated easily; without a colon I was already thirsty and drank a lot of water, but now with my ostomy I am even more thirsty all the time! I inserted pictures below with captions explaining everything I take. How do you keep up your hydration? Let me know in the c

Well not my first run ever, but the first time I'm running since Bob has been a part of me. And actually, it's been a few years since I had given up running due to the pain that went along with my motility disorders. I did jog a two mile hill interval two weeks ago, but it was on a treadmill (10 minute miles) so I won't count that as a true first run. Early this afternoon Spot and I went on a one hour walk/run around our neighborhood, which we both enjoyed as his daily exercise and for me, a warm up to get the feel of outdoor running again. Being that our winter has been both mild and unpredictable this year, it can be difficult to decide how many layers to wear. It's sunny but the wind is chilly and there's a lot of shade which can be quite cold as well; but I also warm up quickly when I run. So I decided on a short sleeve shirt, light jacket and a vest with my favorite high waisted stretchy leggings. I take Spot's lead and go his pace so that he's able to

 I began swimming two weeks post ileostomy surgery because I couldn't run yet and also swimming is a light core exercise, but mostly because swimming is something my son and I have been doing together regularly for years. It's a great way for us to spend time together while having fun and getting exercise all in one, and I was getting bored with just walking....sitting on the sidelines is a tough thing for me to do! So only a few weeks with Bob and not knowing a whole lot about this yet, I felt I needed something to both conceal and support my appliance. One of my hospital stoma nurses was great and told me I could get a bandeau and use it as an ostomy wrap, and I thought this was a great idea! Bandeau tops are very inexpensive, and I found a two pack of "one size fits all" bandeau tops on Amazon for less than $10! I'll post pics below to show how I use the top under a blousy tankini two piece suit. This works great to support and conceal, and the "wrap"

 I wear Hollister brand two piece appliances which have belt loops on the pouch flange. There is a thin belt that clips onto these loops which helps to support the pouch and hold it in place. I also wear high waisted tummy control undies which further support and hold my pouch in place. Over this I wear high waisted leggings. With everything tucked in, nobody would guess that I have an ostomy, and Bob feels nicely supported. I don't mind having the pouch against my skin, but some people may not like this feeling especially when sweaty. For me, it is all well supported and I don't even feel my pouch. But for those who may not feel comfortable that way, there are Ostomy panties that have a pocket sewn inside so that the pouch is supported and not against the skin. There is also a support belt called Stealth Belt which reminds me of a fanny pack, but it is thin and is held against the body nicely, not bulky at all. The pouch is zipped into this belt and held in place. I'm actu