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exercise after lap
I had a Lap done one week ago. One incision at the belly button, one to the lower left. Doctor removed two small areas of endometrial tissue. Doctor's been very unhelpful regarding exercise post surgery, says it'll take four weeks to recover fully and if I want a hernia before then that's my problem--that's almost a quote. I am a fit 38-year old who has to exercise regularly to maintain pain in my SI joint and femur patella syndrome in my knees. It's now been 8 days since I've been able to go to the gym and my back and knees are becoming weak and painful, and my muscles are cramping and uncomfortable.
I have read many documents online from various clinics and hospitals and they all differ enormously in their perception of recover time and recommendation for physical activity. I have been trying to listen to my body but it's speaking a language I don't understand. I am experiencing pain still--my left side where the incision is produces occasional sharp pains and is sore. It hurts there when I sneeze or laugh. Right now I am experiencing a constant pain in that area. Yesterday I lifted some boxes (we're moving) and packed, did some stretches, modified my old basic physical therapy moves for my back--maybe I overextended myself.
I am wondering if anyone else has had similar issues. Should I be concerned about the pain? Should I continue to increase activity? Should I cut back? I am planning to go to the gym today for light activity that engages the muscles in my back and legs. I am planning to go to light yoga and modify it to an even lighter class this evening.
I think it is absolutely absurd that we're expected to not exercise after surgery. It has negative effects on the entire body. I think that we should be given exercises and a program that helps recovery and told more specifically what to look out for pain-wise. I can continue, as so many of my doctors have been insensitive, uninformed, and partial in their care, but I will keep that for another post.
Thank you!
I have read many documents online from various clinics and hospitals and they all differ enormously in their perception of recover time and recommendation for physical activity. I have been trying to listen to my body but it's speaking a language I don't understand. I am experiencing pain still--my left side where the incision is produces occasional sharp pains and is sore. It hurts there when I sneeze or laugh. Right now I am experiencing a constant pain in that area. Yesterday I lifted some boxes (we're moving) and packed, did some stretches, modified my old basic physical therapy moves for my back--maybe I overextended myself.
I am wondering if anyone else has had similar issues. Should I be concerned about the pain? Should I continue to increase activity? Should I cut back? I am planning to go to the gym today for light activity that engages the muscles in my back and legs. I am planning to go to light yoga and modify it to an even lighter class this evening.
I think it is absolutely absurd that we're expected to not exercise after surgery. It has negative effects on the entire body. I think that we should be given exercises and a program that helps recovery and told more specifically what to look out for pain-wise. I can continue, as so many of my doctors have been insensitive, uninformed, and partial in their care, but I will keep that for another post.
Thank you!
It really depends on what was done. if the surgery was minimal the pain is usually gone by the 3rd or 4th day but the insides are still healing. I would recommend walking for now and no weight lifting for a month. Only you know your body. Sometimes we think we are okay then we push ourselves.
If it were me I wouldn't lift anything over 10lbs for 3 weeks after surgery then go from there gradually. I am like you I push myself but I have hurt myself along the way and set me back during recovery.
If it were me I wouldn't lift anything over 10lbs for 3 weeks after surgery then go from there gradually. I am like you I push myself but I have hurt myself along the way and set me back during recovery.
BTW-
I am sorry your doctor has been so insensitive. What a jerk! What did he say about your type of endo? What stage? Where was it? Did he excise it (cut it out) or cauterize it?
Please don't do ANY exercise that engages your core until you talk to a physio. If the pain gets worse you should go to the doctor- you may have done some damage with the lifting and stretching.
I am sorry you aren't getting proper support here.
I'll help any way I can.
Lu
I am sorry your doctor has been so insensitive. What a jerk! What did he say about your type of endo? What stage? Where was it? Did he excise it (cut it out) or cauterize it?
Please don't do ANY exercise that engages your core until you talk to a physio. If the pain gets worse you should go to the doctor- you may have done some damage with the lifting and stretching.
I am sorry you aren't getting proper support here.
I'll help any way I can.
Lu
Honey you REALLY should not lift anything or do any exercise at all for 4-6 weeks. Walking is okay, but lifting weight at all is strictly off limits.
I understand about the need to exercise to help other pain. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is only kept at bay by daily yoga practice. I am having a terrible flare of my Stage 4 endo and am waiting for surgery which keeps getting pushed. My pain is debilitating and any physical activity exacerbates it. I haven't been able to do yoga in 6 months and my RA is really flaring along with terrible back and shoulder pain from not being able to work my core. I also have scoliosis and my curve is super pronounced right now and I know it's because I'm not working out.
I know it Su*Ks but you really have to be patient and not push yourself too soon. A hernia, ripped stitches, scarring, these are all things you DO NOT WANT. They will set you back and make your recovery time even longer.
I would talk to a physio and find some exercises that you can do to help your other ailments that are safe and don't engage your core.
No more lifting okay?
Take good care...
Lu
I understand about the need to exercise to help other pain. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is only kept at bay by daily yoga practice. I am having a terrible flare of my Stage 4 endo and am waiting for surgery which keeps getting pushed. My pain is debilitating and any physical activity exacerbates it. I haven't been able to do yoga in 6 months and my RA is really flaring along with terrible back and shoulder pain from not being able to work my core. I also have scoliosis and my curve is super pronounced right now and I know it's because I'm not working out.
I know it Su*Ks but you really have to be patient and not push yourself too soon. A hernia, ripped stitches, scarring, these are all things you DO NOT WANT. They will set you back and make your recovery time even longer.
I would talk to a physio and find some exercises that you can do to help your other ailments that are safe and don't engage your core.
No more lifting okay?
Take good care...
Lu
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