When you find out that an ostomy is going to be in your future and surgery is scheduled or it just happened lots of questions come to mind. We all feel the same fear and worry and strait up shame. That may be something that is more prone to my generation, but shame is the first thing we feel and then fear comes from it. But one thing to know is that it's ok to feel that way, but that it also lessons as your experience with your ostomy grows. Most people are able to do the exact same things they did before they had an ostomy and without much difficulty. The great ostomy supplies that are being produced allow people to get as active as they want for the most part and running is still possible!
There are some people with an ostomy that have even done an Iron Man competition! That is a wild accomplishment for any human being on earth and yet to do it with an ostomy is incredible. So that is a quick answer and yes you can run with an ostomy. Now if for some reason your doctor tells you specifically not to do it then I wouldn't do it. Not everyone is the same and we all have different reasons and capabilities. But in general most things can be done with the right ostomy supplies and the gear that exists is really cool.
I was told to use some bags that had tabs on them to get an elastic belt through it. I thought that would be uncomfortable and would be a big issue with me personally, but I ended up trying it. I tried it and picked up a belt from my local pharmacy and it worked really well. I ended up being able to run without all the movement that would have happened before and also having a good pair of running shorts also helped out a bunch.
Now if you just had surgery I am sure you were told to take it easy, but even if its a year later and you want to get back into running there are a few things to keep in mind. You are more prone to a hernia now. So don't jump back in full force. I like to tell people to start way slower than they would think they need to just to be safe. There are also some good apps that help start slow when getting back into jogging. Just ask your healthcare provider first and get back into being the you, you want to be!
