#STOMA66

Just back from day 1 of 66 days of runs!

Colostomy UK want to encourage people who have had stoma surgery to get active for 66 days and help achieve a combined target of 66,000km. Starting today, 16th September (happy birthday Anna!)

Why 66 days?

Research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to form a lasting habit. If they can encourage people to be active for 66 days then there’s a good chance they will carry on afterwards. That’s why it’s Stoma 66!

All money raised through the Stoma 66 challenge will go towards funding their Active Ostomates project. Since its start in 2016 they have delivered over 150 free chair yoga, archery, swimming and art sessions to more than 3,000 ostomates across the UK.

I knew I wanted to raise a few quid for them as I’ve used their resources.

The day Mr B told me about the surgery plans I went a bit numb, but I took my own advice and I did not Google…

I knew soon enough I would see the stoma nurse, specialists who would give me sound advice and the information I would be able to digest at the time. I avoided information overload to stop my brain going into overdrive. Though it was already whirring away truth be told.

It was at my SN appointment I first saw a stoma. Mr J may have had had a sneaky look online but I’d avoided it until I could be with someone who could answer any questions I may have.

After, I was a little more open to learning and Colostomy UK was a great place to go for information and support. They sent me leaflets, keep in touch and have a great community who have hints and tips about ostomates life.

My body was cut wide open and my bits moved here and there whilst they got to the bits that they wanted to chop out. There is a lot of work to be done!

I spent time with Sarah Russell soon after surgery, a clinical exercise specialist. She was fantastic, coming to my home and helping me get on my exercise way. If you’re in need of 1:1 advice, she’s your lady (and works via Skype etc if you’re not local).

I did a 12 week exercise programme with University College London and a personal trainer called Lizzie, who was fab. A yoga weekend away with Scott fit in Edinburgh, and then in August, nine months post surgery I felt I turned a corner.

Slow and steady!

To get my body back into shape, to tone up and get everything a little tidier, I’m up for doing 66 days of exercise.

Also, when you exercise, your body releases endorphins that interact brain receptors that reduce your perception of pain. They also trigger a nice warm positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine, woohoo and I miss my morphine shots!

I still get pain and the mental side of learning to love your body after such surgery is not quick, so if I can boost myself, then I’m all for it.  I suffered depression after my first cancer and subsequent surgery / chemo, so I KNOW I have to do what I can to avoid meeting the black dog head on again. 

So here is the fundraising plug: https://www.justgiving.com/STOMA66

I’d like to raise a bit of money for my 66 days of effort, for a very worthwhile cause!

Feel free to come on a run one day!