Have you ever asked yourself questions when facing an important decision in your life? A decision about your love life, a job or a surgery? When I became a collaborator for the ANA&Me blog, I had the chance to meet Andréanne to talk about her lifestyle, her surgery, and how she views her stoma. She unwillingly had to make a decision that changed her life; or maybe I should say a decision that now allows her to live her life. I believe the surgery really improved her quality of life.  Today I'm here to talk about questions you may have concerning lifestyle before and after the surgery. Here are my two conclusions:

•       You decide how physically active you can be.

Disease can heavily limit the type of activities you can do. Maybe there are things that you loved doing in the past that you can't do anymore. Your disease seems to dictate which activities you can do... What if you decide what you can do? As I wrote in my previous article, you can be physically active when you have a stoma. You can run regularly, swim, ride a bike, play a team sport, go to the gym, etc. Your stoma allows you to regain control of your life. Being able to decide what you can do allows you to live fully. If you worry that the adherance of the flange will be affected during an activity, try it once. If you notice that the flange's adherance is affected by your sweat, change your pouch before exercising. It's also possible to wear an ostomy belt to keep the pouching system close to your body and prevent it from detaching. It's important to go slowly at first, but take the time to move. Remember that physical activity is good for both your physical and mental health. And doing it multiple times will help you develop a healthy lifestyle!

•       You have a better quality of life

Lack of sleep, fatigue, dehydration, stress, and getting to and from the toilet are a few examples of why you might not want to do anything. And let's not talk about starting a new project! Your disease becomes an obstacle to overcome when you want to change your lifestyle. Physical activity helps you improve your mood and self-esteem and feel accomplished and proud. Stress management and restful sleep both help with weight management and achieving an active lifestyle. Obviously, the more active you are the healthier you are. Despite the obstacles that may hold you back, take time to enjoy the time you spend with your friends and family. Go outside, take a walk and eat healthy food and you will feel the benefits of your new lifestyle.

The best way of being physically active again is to practice a sport or an activity that you liked doing before the surgery. Summer is almost here. Why not take tennis or zumba lessons, or jog for 20 minutes? You will be able to gradually train longer and more than once a week.

I would like to mention Crohns and Colitis Canada's GUTSY WALK. The 21st Annual Gutsy Walk will take place on June 5, 2016. Funds will be raised for Crohn and ulcerative colitis research. Plus, people also take this as an opportunity to go out and move. Join a team or create your own to participate! 

The best gift you can give yourself is to be active again and do activities you like. If you are forced to do something you don't like and that you don't have enough energy to move, it will be hard for you to develop a healthy lifestyle. 

Make sure you're in the driver seat and not the passenger seat! 

Your coach

Alexandre H.

Sponsored by our partner: Centre de Stomie de la Mauricie

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