How to exercise after rectal cancer surgery

After the intestinal peristalsis is restored after rectal cancer surgery, patients should start to eat according to the doctor's advice and gradually develop the habit of regular bowel movements. Various nursing exercises after rectal cancer surgery are particularly important and can directly affect the chance of postoperative recurrence. Rehabilitation care after rectal cancer surgery requires patients to exercise appropriately. Appropriate exercise can relax muscles and bones, promote blood circulation, and improve the body's resistance.

1. Leg curling exercise

The patient lies on his back, bends his knees and lifts his legs at the same time, making his thighs close to his abdomen, and then returns to the original position. Repeat this action about 10 times.

2. Leg lifts

Patients with small intestine cancer should lie on their backs, lift both legs up at the same time, keep the knee joints straight, and then put them down. Repeat 10 times.

3. Cycling

The patient lies on his back and flexes and extends his legs alternately, as if riding a bicycle. The movements should be flexible, with as large a range of flexion and extension as possible. Do for 20 to 30 seconds and then stop.

4. Sit-ups

The patient first lies on his back, then sits up with his abdomen flexed and stretched, and tries to touch his toes with both hands, 7 times each time. Some patients give up exercise after a little movement because they feel abdominal pain, unable to tolerate the pain and afraid of affecting wound healing. In fact, it is normal to feel pain. As the body moves slowly, the patient's attention will be distracted and the pain will gradually ease.

In addition, there are anal function exercises, which are not only conducive to the recovery of anal function after surgery, but also can promote local blood circulation, reduce congestion and expansion of hemorrhoidal veins, and treat and prevent hemorrhoids. It should be noted that when doing anal function exercises, you must persevere, but you should not rush for success, causing excessive fatigue, and it is better to feel comfortable. The method is as follows: bring your legs close to your buttocks, tighten them toward the anus, and do anal lifting and anal atresia (anal clamping) exercises while taking a deep breath; repeat this exercise 20 to 30 times, and exercise once every 3 to 4 hours; you can practice standing, sitting, or lying down. For patients with weak constitutions, the number of exercises can be appropriately reduced according to the situation.

We should help colorectal cancer patients adjust their mentality during the recovery period, accept the reality of colostomy, and look at colostomy optimistically, so that they will have a sunny tomorrow. As the patient's family, especially the patient's spouse, the role at this time is very important. The love, warmth, understanding and care from the family are irreplaceable for the patient. Family members should understand the pain and pressure caused by colostomy to the patient's psychology, understand the emotional changes caused by this pressure, give the patient more comfort, support and encouragement, maintain a good mood in front of the patient, infect the patient with a positive, optimistic and healthy attitude towards life, and help the patient get rid of the negative impact of the stoma as soon as possible.