Rowing After Surgery

[[old] gorow9]

I just had to have a large cyst removed and had surgery on wednesday... they let me out of the hospital on Friday- which is a lot sooner than I had planned on but now I'm stuck at home only allowed to walk around.<br /><br />I really don't want to rush my recovery and complicate things at all does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do and such. I have a nice four inch incission on by lower abdomonin and I know I can't row for at least three weeks. The Dr. says usually six weeks but since I am so healthy maybe three. <br /><br />Anyway any advice on what to do to speed up my recovery and stop complications. And please don't tell me to take my pain meds.<br /><br />Thanks

[[old] slo_boat]

<!--QuoteBegin-gorow9+May 18 2005, 03:10 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(gorow9 @ May 18 2005, 03:10 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--><br />I really don't want to rush my recovery and complicate things at all does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do and such.  I have a nice four inch incission on by lower abdomonin and I know I can't row for at least three weeks.  The Dr. says usually six weeks but since I am so healthy maybe three.  <br /><br />Anyway any advice on what to do to speed up my recovery and stop complications.  And please don't tell me to take my pain meds.<br /><br />Thanks <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I had sinus surgery last June and a knee scoped in October. From my experience, I think the wisest thing to do is to accept that you need some time to heal. I later realized that even when I thought I was better, I was still recovering. It would have been a better use of my physical and mental energy to concentrate on recovering from surgery rather than trying to get some exercise. What I'm getting to in my typical long winded fashion is that the best single thing you can do is to take it easy and let your body heal. If you are going crazy with cabin fever, then take advantage of the oportunity to read those books you've always meant to read or to view the movies you have always wanted to see, but never found the time. I'm not saying avoid exercise; by all means get the blood flowing; just don't pretend that you are further along with your recovery.<br /><br />Good luck to you.<br /><br />

[[old] Steve_R]

I had three surgeries last fall. I agree that you need time to recover, especially since you don't want to open up the wound. For three weeks, you will need to be careful not to get your blood pumping really hard or you could force your internal scabs to open. Before my surgeries, I used to row about 45mins after having blood drawn for tests on the inside of my elbow. Even with that little needle hole, I always had bruises from blowing open the vein. Not nearly as severe as opening up your belly so be careful. I started hemorraging from one of my incision sites about 9 days after surgery and had to go to the ER so it isn't something to mess with. That being said, I did start doing slow workouts (2:45 split for about 2k total) after three weeks, just to keep all the joints moving. That was before my Dr. cleared me for exercise. You will always think you are ready before you really are so give it some time.<br /><br />If you are healthy, get plenty of rest, and good nutrition. Your body needs good, lean protein to rebuild. Supplementing with Glutamine and Arginine (with ornithine) are helpful to healing and reducing the stress of surgery. Also EPA and DHA (fish oil) will help your body recover. Arginine should not be used if you have cold sores or are infected with the herpes virus. If you are diabetic, consult your Dr about fish oil use as some people respond with an increase in blood sugar.<br /><br />Take it easy, take care, and welcome back.<br />Steve

[[old] Mackem]

I had abdominal surgery 2 years ago, my advice would be follow what the doctors say and don't push it because trying to gain 2 days may put you back 3 weeks. I was told 3 months, tho my incision was a little bigger. (15x1 inch)!!

[[old] gorow9]

Dang it... listen to the Dr. Oh well, I think rowing builds a high pain tolerence which is usuallly a good thing but I feel like I'm ready to row again and the surgery was a week ago on Wed. I had 5liters of fluid removed from my abdomen (I had a large cyst) and they are shocked that I couldn't feel any symptoms so I probably have a high pain tolerence and I don't want to loose two weeks of rowing for two days. <br /><br />Anyway my new question is I was signed up for Navy rowing camp in June 10 or so almost a month to the day after the surgery. I'm thinking that's probably a "no no" what do you think?<br /><br />Thanks<br />~Sara~

[[old] sailorgirl]

[quote=gorow9,May 20 2005, 10:44 AM]<br />Dang it... listen to the Dr. Oh well, I think rowing builds a high pain tolerence which is usuallly a good thing but I feel like I'm ready to row again and the surgery was a week ago on Wed. I had 5liters of fluid removed from my abdomen (I had a large cyst) and they are shocked that I couldn't feel any symptoms so I probably have a high pain tolerence and I don't want to loose two weeks of rowing for two days. <br /><br />Anyway my new question is I was signed up for Navy rowing camp in June 10 or so almost a month to the day after the surgery. I'm thinking that's probably a "no no" what do you think?<br /><br />Thanks<br />~Sara~ <br /><br />/quote]<br /><br />Hi Sara,<br />Your "gut" instinct can be your saving grace. I feel compelled to respond, more from a personal aspect, than from a medical standpoint. I had two ectopic surgeries, the last was quite a bit more extensive and required more recovery time. I "over did it" with the last, and one of the sites dehiscenced. The edges were already beginning to heal = could not be stitched back together, so.... I not only extended the healing time of the wound (could not get back to exercising as quickly), placed myself at furthur risk for infection, but also caused a larger scar to occur than normally would have if I had listened to my Physician. In addition, NEVER ignore pain. I instinctually knew the pain and sharp twinges I felt when I did Pilates, etc... were not normal, but felt they were not severe enough to seek medical attention. That stoic pain tolerance just about killed me!!!! My Physician was really mad at me for letting my ectopic fester for so long. I may be wrong, but it seems one is likely to valsalva a bit when pushing the limits on an erg = this can place you at risk for herniating your site, etc.... - contingent upon how deep your surgical incision actually is. It just doesn't seem worth it to place yourself at risk for sequelae and for a longer recovery secondary to impeding adequate healing after your initial surgery.<br />Just my thoughts.....Best of Luck to you.....<br />