Exercising post op abdominal hysterectomy everything removed

[Leighdorr]

Hi girls, I’m 5 weeks post op in a couple of days, prior to abdominal hysterectomy taking everything I used the gym 4 times a week like body pump/hiit and grit classes, I still get sore and swollen if I do anything other than nothing so not sure when I can start a bit of exercise at home, it’s driving me insane and tbh I’ve trued a couple of exercises and ended up not being able to hardly walk the next day? Would appreciate any advice, thanks.

[luthien]

Ah I know the feeling!

I had excision of severe endo so different to yours. However recovery is still similar, take it easy and go slow first. I started with my basic yoga and stretching to see what feels okay.

Probably start there with the stretches, really focus on the warming up slowly and perhaps just do that and the cooling down stretches for a bit to see how you feel, even if you don't do any actual intense stuff you're still actively stretching. Some things you may find are easy to get back into and others take longer.

The main thing is just to take it easy, listen to your body, and don't overdo anything. It can be frustrating, but you've had lots done on the inside so it'll take a good few months to feel "normal"

I started back at my pole fitness, yoga and core classes 3 weeks after my lap but was under instruction to take it easy, so I just talked to friends in classes so I could stop if things hurt. It took a good 8 weeks after my lap before I felt I could just do stuff and trust my body. Probably about 4 months after to feel like I was back to almost my previous fitness level. Even now about 7 months after my lap I'm working on my back - an area which for me has been really bad throughout my two laps and recovery - core control has gone so it's taken time to bring that awareness back - apparently quite common says my physio.

Hope that helps xx

[Leighdorr in reply to luthien]

Thank you for the reply that’s very interesting and such a great idea yes I will definitely try stretching to start with.

How long did it take to get muscle back, I seem to have lost nearly all mine in such a short space of time, amazing as it takes years to build it x

[luthien in reply to Leighdorr]

I think it took about 3 months to feel like everythings working together in unison again. My core and lower back still aren't up to form yet; it just feels like they're not there or I don't know what they are / how to use them unless they're physically pressed or moved. I'm not sure if that makes sense! The ladies / guys that run my pole and core classes says it's post surgery loss of muscle association, it's common after any trauma - the strength is there just the body has forgotten how to use it and what to do.

Give yourself time - the stretches will let you know what areas are good and what still needs some rest plus areas to work on - I know it sounds weird but a physio may help too, I need to see one for my back post laps, it may be something to consider as they'll do some more specific strengthening too. See my reply to BethanyAnns post "Why do I still have back pain after Endo has been removed?" It may help in the future xx

[Leighdorr in reply to luthien]

Thank you for your reply I really appreciate it yes it makes sense my friend had a c section 18 years ago Sunday and she says the same about that area it’s hard to connect with it but yes I will do some stretching xx