Sphincter muscle exercises before reversal

Krim4fun · Postby **Krim4fun** » Mon Apr 14, 2014 11:26 pm

Quick question....
So how many weeks or months before reversal surgery did you start doing the sphincter muscle exercises? Just wondering when I need to start. my reversal will probably be late July, early August if all goes according to plan.

Thanks!

Kim

Jachut · Postby **Jachut** » Mon Apr 14, 2014 11:49 pm

I actually didn't and was fine. My reversal was a failure for a whole lot of other reasons but lack of control wasn't one of them. I really think unless you have a weakness there, its not really going to do a lot, but of course, it's not going to hurt and if it helps you to feel prepared, then why not? I'd say the earlier the better if you feel you have a weakness.

nicola smith · Postby **nicola smith** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 1:27 pm

Krim4fun wrote:Quick question....
So how many weeks or months before reversal surgery did you start doing the sphincter muscle exercises? Just wondering when I need to start. my reversal will probably be late July, early August if all goes according to plan.

Thanks!

Kim

My reversal was a little over a year after the colectomy. I did Kegel exercises pretty consistently for about 10 months before the reversal. I think it was a good idea. I feel it helped me with control and also managing the rectal spasms (tenesmus) which are par for the course for about 6-8 weeks after the surgery before they disappear.

Coppercent · Postby **Coppercent** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 1:35 pm

I never did any prior to my reversal and I had my ostomy 11 months. I had a very successful reversal but I attribute that to an awesome surgeon. I never did them because I never remembered. But if you think about it, it is a muscle so my guess would be they would be very helpful to keep the muscle toned and to do them regularly from now to the reversal.

BrownBagger · Postby **BrownBagger** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 3:55 pm

I was reversed 10 weeks after my LAR, so I wasn't in shape to start stressing that part of my body for at least the first six. So I didn't do anything other than wait. Control was never really an issue. My main problems were skin irritation caused by clustering. The muscles got plenty of workout time then.

chemo sabe · Postby **chemo sabe** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 5:12 pm

I am like Brown Bagger and got plenty of workout post surgery. After surgery, no amount of muscle was going to prevent accidental pooping. I slept on a pad for quite a while and when I was out of town, I brought pads with me. I got past most of my issues but if I eat the wrong thing or drink the wrong thing, muscles are not going to be the difference. But I am not complaining. When talking with my surgeon, I think I said something about my colon not working the way it used to. He countered by saying "but it is working". So my advice is not to be concerned.

I was out of work for over 7 weeks following my takedown and it took almost all of that time to get used to the new me. But it was not a muscle issue.

O Stoma Mia · Postby **O Stoma Mia** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 7:39 pm

Krim4fun wrote:Quick question.... So how many weeks or months before reversal surgery did you start doing the sphincter muscle exercises? Just wondering when I need to start. My reversal will probably be late July, early August if all goes according to plan. Thanks! Kim

Exercises should be started now to improve sphincter control post-reversal:

"...Your control will gradually improve. You may need to exercise regularly for several months before the muscles gain their full strength and continue to exercise to maintain your bowel control..."
Reference: Regaining Bowel Control

"... It takes time for exercise to make muscle stronger. You may need to exercise regularly for several months before the muscles gain their full strength... Reference: Sphincter Exercises for People with Bowel Control Problems

ooooo

lentini66 · Postby **lentini66** » Thu Apr 17, 2014 12:36 pm

Don't worry about it, you'll be fine. Had my Ostomy for 11 months. The first 4 weeks after the reversal are rough, but no accidents, just very frequent and loose visits to the toilet, but it will get better and then be normal after a few months.

teachpdx · Postby **teachpdx** » Fri Apr 18, 2014 9:01 pm

I agree with many about getting prepared. I did some, but kegels can't keep poop back. What I HAVE found is that my gluts are bigger (I'm happy) because if you have to go and you're sitting, your gluts can be quite helpful in keeping things under control. I've had many a cheek squeeze on my way home in the car, hopping that nothing will slow me down. Best of luck.

gtownguy · Postby **gtownguy** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:22 am

I don't think there is any specific timeframe, but of course it never hurts to be prepared. I started maybe 3 or 4 months before my reversal but only every so often when I'd remember. Honestly, the lack of bowel control was never an issue for me. Instead, it was more of an increased sense of urgency. Now when I gotta go I REALLY gotta go! As others have said, the first few weeks aren't too much fun, but you should be fine after that. Good luck with everything!