Fatigue and exercise post laparoscopy

[BryonyB]

Hi everyone!

I had my laparoscopy 3 weeks ago and quite a lot of endo excised (more than previously). I’ve started doing a bit of yoga which I feel has helped but was just wondering what other people have found to be useful exercise / at what point they’ve started doing more strenuous or core exercises?

Even though Im feeling pretty good pain wise and back to myself, I am suffering from fatigue. I feel pretty drained by the end of the day and I’m finding it hard to concentrate. Im back to work next week and feeling a bit apprehensive about the 30 min drive and then full work day (even if I do do shorter hours).

Thanks for reading !

[Cailleach]

My experience with various types of surgery is that your body is using its energy to heal and you will naturally be more tired than usual for some weeks, or longer. I haven’t had excision surgery, but even for people who have, everyone will be different as to the amount/ are of excisions. I would just listen to your body, get plenty rest especially when you return to work and only start more strenuous exercise when you feel your energy levels are back to normal. Wishing you a good recovery x

[BryonyB in reply to Cailleach]

Thank you 😊 x

[M1673402]

Trust your body! Do a little more gradually and see how you feel - I do think exercise is one of the best things to help with fatigue, even if it’s often the thing we least feel like doing. It’s all so personal but at 3 weeks I think most people would be ok to increase the pace again a little but just listen to your body xx

[TealSwan]

Hi

I am 4 weeks after laparoscopy and had a lot endometriosis removed from pelvis and bowel and ovarian cyst. I am still very exhausted pottering around the house. Signed off until the 11th Jan. I haven't been able to drive yet. Going to try again this week. I am getting intense lower abdomen pain. Already had a first period which was intense.

I am very active with fitness classes etc and I had follow up appointment and the endometriosis nurse told me 8 weeks for more core cardio exercises and 12weeks for weights. Gentle Yoga would be ok after 4weeks. I know everyone is different depending on what they have done.

[BryonyB]

Hi! Sounds like we had similar surgeries! I did one 5 minute drive but it was more tiring than I had anticipated. I’m worried that going back to work will be a big shock to the system considering I’m not doing much except pottering round the house and I’ve started doing daily walks but then I come home and lie on the sofa for the rest of the day! Those time scales are good to know, thank you! I have a peloton so enjoy the spinning and Pilates classes but I’m thinking spinning will probably have to wait for a few more weeks. Hope your recovery goes well!