Anyone achieved any big sporting feats post surgery?

[Nic02purple]

Looking for someone who has achieved a sporting feat post oesophagectomy, eg. Marathon, half marathon, climbed a mountain etc etc. Need some big reassurance for my 45 year old sporty husband who has his surgery this coming Monday.

[OPA_LarryR]

i'm currently in the USA skiing - my 3rd trip since my surgery. I also got back to scuba divung which was another passion. Assure him that all is possible but he'll need some patience to begin with.

Good luck for Monday

Larry

[seventrees]

I had surgery March 2010 , followed by Chemo etc. Started back at my Gym in the July, Golf in August and Swimming on Holiday in Dead Sea in September, Just pace yourself accept small challanges and always try and be positive, " Life can sometimes be a bitch, but it is still the preferred option"

Good Luck.

[Demon]

Hi

Yes, it is a massive change to your life, but you can adapt your abilities to match your new circumstances. I am constantly evolving and achieving things that at first seemed to be out of reach. There are many hurdles to overcome but you will reach your new normal and grow from there. I use a gym and swim about 3 times a week and just before Christmas I took on a second job driving an articulated truck which is something I thought I would not do again even before I had cancer!

Good luck for Monday,

Steve

[geranium1111]

Hi - had opp November 2011 at age of 71 - played golf through most of 2012 and against younger colleagues went ten games undefeated playing match play - one more to win and I get the trophy we play for annually - that's a big achievement for me.

Things get better gradually and if you are determined enough you can do it - good luck for monday

Mick

[racy]

12 months post op i returned to my passion which is scuba diving. Also back in the gym three mornings a week. I'm 74 years old. Given time hubby should be able to resume his sporty activities. Best of luck to you both.

[sallym]

My biggest feat was to still be here and into my 19th year post op.

I started unable to walk round the bed and to walking 2 miles daily and swimming weekly, now well past my sell by date I shall be swimming tomorrow and thinking of him and remembering you both..Its a slow start but gets better.

Good luck Sally

[yorkshirerose]

Hi, I am lucky enough to live in Cumbria and here there is a gym close by who do a weekly class for post operative cancer care. I joined 5 months post op and it really did help me. My aim after my surgery was to climb a fell within 6 months, I didn't quite make it at 6 months but I did it at 7 months. I did think they may have to get the mountain rescue out to get me down, but after a rest I managed the descent too. I tried swimming but I don't think the chlorine agreed with me, so we all have to find what we enjoy. So, good luck with your progress, and remember 'little steps' and you will get there

Best wishes

Edwina

[Hidden]

Mine was not an oesophagectomy as such - repaired after it split - but I refereed a football match about 6 months after discharge from hospital. You need a bit of reassurance too - there are lots of people who enjoy a good quality of life many years after surgery - but it does take a lot of getting over, and it cannot be rushed.

Being fit is a big bonus to start with. Our thoughts are with you both - all the very best for tomorrow.

Look after each other too. The attention tends to be all on the patient, and carers do have the rough end of the stick. Getting through it all is often about team work, especially after leaving hospital.

[Kiks]

Hi

My op was nearly 11 years ago and I have walked up many mountains since then. Some in Poland some in England and this last summer in the Rockies (Canadian ones). Take your time, build up your fitness - there will be loads to do and enjoy in life just don't expect to do it straight away.

First few months are a challenge, but challenges are what make life worth living aren't they?

Good luck!

[spanner16]

Sorry to jump on this question myself but thank you for the responses, I'm 27 and going to have my op on Thursday and am very happy to know that fitness can be regained once again - my aim is to complete an ironman triathlon after all of this.

[Hidden in reply to spanner16]

All best wishes for tomorrow!

It does seem daunting, but you will be in good hands. We are always interested in when younger people get diagnosed, and whether you had any trouble getting referred for specialist examination by your GP - but you can let us know about that later when you have not got so much on your mind!

My nephew does iron man triathlons - definitely in a different world of fitness from me!

[phil]

3 years after my operation i did a sponsored Bike ride from coast to coast raising £1300 for the OPA.It was difficult at times but we took our time and it was a very satisfying challenge.

I,m sure you husband will do something that suits him when the time is right.

Phil

[Makulit]

I had the Ivor Lewis surgery 5 years ago. Since then I've smashed my all time best swimming and on the rowing machine. I've also been on three, one week live aboard Scuba diving trips in Indonesia and successfully completed a kite surfing course, which was really tough.

He'll bounce back, and if my experience is anything to go by, stronger through sheer determination.