Hysterectomy and Rowing

[scotsgirl]

Hi,
I never thought I would get addicted to exercise but it has happened. I am about to go through a hysterectomy (abdominal) and wondered how long before I can get back on the erg. I do intend to listen to my doctors advice but just wondered if anyone out there had gone through the process.

[mfb218]

I have had the same surgery. I recovered pretty quickly and was taking walks around my neighborhood by the second week. By the end of the first month, I could walk over a mile at one stretch. I wasn't in shape at ALL prior to the surgery. I will say there were days where laughing too hard made my stomach hurt. I didn't have a rower at the time but there would have been no way in h3ll I would have gotten on a rower in the first couple of months. Just listen to your doctor AND your body and you'll know when you've had enough.

Good luck with your surgery!

[scotsgirl]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I must admit that I'm scared stiff at the moment re the op. My GP has already stated that he thinks my biggest problem will be not being able to exercise to my current level. However I will listen to advice and just knowing that I will be able to get back to my erg (hopefully soon) helps.

[lizzyb]

Hi, I had a hysterectomy two years ago, it was done laparoscopically so there where no big incisions. I was back to working out with in three weeks, at that point I was doing mainly weight training. It did take awhile to get back to where I was both with the weights and cardio before surgery but it wasn't any where near as hard as I though it would be. Just take it slow in the beginning - my Dr.s orders Best of luck! Liz

[kit44]

Anyone out there still looking at this post? I was a committed rower prior to my abdominal hysterectomy on sept 6th of this year (hit 10 million metres in the spring) and wondering how soon I can safely get back to it. I have a rower at home, but thinking for now, I should just suck it up and go to the gym to go on the bike for a while..... sigh. I love the erg, hate the bike, and would much rather work out at home.

[scotsgirl]

Hi,
I hope you are recovering well after your op. I am amazed that you are already thinking about getting back on the rower. A month after my surgery I was just at the walking stage although I was walking miles. It was a good few months before I considered getting on the rower. I found swimming helped once I was allowed back in the pool and of course remember your pelvic floor exercises.
The only real advice I can offer is to listen to your doctor and to your body.

Take your time in your recovery. You will get back on the rower in time - don't rush things.
Best wishes

[kit44]

Thanks. I think I knew your excellent advice before I asked my question, but thought I`d throw it out there anyway. I am a fitness trainer and instructor in my work, sdo was very fit prior to my surgery, (but unfortunately tend to eat accordingly ) So getting back to exercise is very important to me, and I need to be in shape to resume my teaching schedule next month. I`ve been walking a lot, but find it`s just not enough to keep me feeling fit, limber and pain free (I also have fibromyalgia, which I treat with 30 minutes or more a day on the erg!) But I will take it easy - I do understand that rushing the process will only delay it later...
Thanks for the quick and sensible advice! I will listen (I WILL listen, I WILL listen!! LOL)

[kit44]

Oh, and since you are now my expert.... how long was it before you felt yourself again? I`m assuming you are there now.....