Managing nutrition and hydration with exercise and athletic pursuits.

Great questions, @richardu1961. I think you may appreciate these 2 related discussions:
- Ileostomates.. How much water do you drink in a day?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ileostomates-water/
- Diet and Nutrition after urostomy, Re-introducing regular foods
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-and-nutrition-after-urostomy-re-introducing-regular-foods/
I'm tagging fellow ostomates @susanbfoster @patdame @winstonchurchil @fbt217 to offer their thoughts and experiences about exercise and athletic pursuits. Richard, it sounds like you are quite active. What accommodations have you had to make with your preferred physical activities, if any?

Do what you enjoy doing. Also, perhaps consult with your gastroenterologist or GP for the type of diet you should be consuming. My diet pretty much consists of what I enjoy eating. A few items I have had to cut back on, but for the most part I drink lots of water, sometimes flavored with tea with fruit juice and eat small quantities of food.

Hi Colleen,

Thank you for your response. As for your question about accommodations... everything is an experiment at this point. I played basketball and soccer through high school and college but became more sedentary as adult life and work entered the picture. As I mentioned I have multiple concomitant health conditions (as well as some orthopedic problems from when I thought I was an athlete).

I currently am trying to improve the way I hydrate, and I also use some electrolyte enhancers. My consumption of food is poor during the day due to work in the landscaping/hardscaping field; with little access to toilets. For this reason I try to limit what can fill my pouch. Before races I use Gu and gelatin energy blocks for nutritional support. I have also tried to eat a more conventional runner's diet, though I'm not sure that it is what I need as an ostomate. This year I ran two half-marathons... at a manageable pace, with some cramping during the first that I seemed to be able to relieve during the second. My goal is to run 4 in 2024 so I am hoping to fuel and hydrate more completely and efficiently to optimize health and recovery.

Thank you again for your attention to my question.

Kenc,

Thank you! I agree that listening to our bodies is one of the best ways to decide what to eat and drink in various situations. I had a significant revision a few years ago, and am using additional electrolyte supplements (liquid IV, Gatorade) to support increased hydration needs while running long distances or working on hot days.

Thank you again for your assistance and support!

Hi Richard, sounds like you have a lot of experience with exercise, congratulations on the half marathons!

As far as hydration goes I find what works for me is 1/2 to 1/4 strength Gatorade or similar electrolyte powder. Full strength has so much sugar that it seems to just go right through me, but you do need some sugar for optimal absorption.

I do find that wearing a hydration pack makes the biggest difference for me because water is always there. Especially for things like backpacking when you're consistently moving. I'm currently in the Philippines scuba diving, and just drinking a lot of water is keeping me hydrated.

As far as weight training goes, I try to be careful with twisting exercises as I have developed a small parastomal hernia. I'm not a big fan of wearing a hernia belt, but a lot of people find that it gives them security, and it is possible that it helps prevent parstomal hernias.

Susan,

Thanks for your response! I’m sorry I didn’t see/respond earlier. It sounds like your very active/athletic and have developed some good strategies. Your adventures sound great!

Thanks again!