Has anyone exercised too soon after laparoscopy?

[Lyingawake21]

I followed my consultant’s post laparoscopy advice and waited 8 weeks until trying a bike ride, however since then I’ve been having Endo pain at the top of my abdomen every night. I’m worried I’ve slowed down my recovery. Has anybody had a similar experience? Thanks

[Lindle]

It's not necessarily endo pain - you might have strained your abdominal muscles. How long you should wait depends on the extent of the work that was done in terms of the severity of the endo and your individual recovery. Take it slow and listen to your body as there aren't really any standards that apply with this.

[Lyingawake21 in reply to Lindle]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I think I need to rest a bit more and wait for a while before I build up to a bike ride again

[claudia_91 Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hello, and yes, I have definitely been there! Often the first time we do exercise post-surgery it can trigger pain, as our bodies haven't been used to using those muscles for a while. I also find that exercise is a trigger for my endo pain generally. I would suggest trying some gentler exercising such as walking and yoga for the time being... and as the pain at the top of your abdomen (hopefully) starts to ease, you could consider something more intensive?

It is such a tricky balance; sometimes we have to push past our limits to know where they are!

[Lyingawake21 in reply to claudia_91]

Thank you! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s found themselves in this situation. It is really tricky isn’t it. Your advice makes good sense, I’m going to rest for a couple of weeks then try something a bit gentler, and then maybe build up to another bike ride over time. I find it hard not to exercise though as it’s so good for my mental health as well as my physical condition. Hopefully I’ll find the balance that works for me soon 🤞🏻Thanks again

[Chapter73]

I did the same thing! I took my doctor's advice and waited 8 weeks to run, but I got a lot of pain in my left hip and lower abdomen. Listening to your body is key, and try starting with something more gentle. Stretching, pilates, yoga etc – build your strength back up before trying lots of cardio. My doctors told me that sometimes nerves damaged during surgery can take months to heal, and that might be where the pain is coming from. I'm sure you haven't done any damage, but remember how much your poor body has been through! Build your activity up slowly, make sure you're eating well and drinking enough water, and you'll be cycling up mountains in no time

[Lyingawake21 in reply to Chapter73]

Ahh thank you so much, it makes me feel loads better to know that I’m not on my own with this. It’s really knocked my confidence. Yeah I’m definitely going to take your advice and do something more gentle like yoga to try to build myself back up. Thanks again for your lovely reply 😊