back problems from lack of activity

Hi ladies,

I am 3 weeks and one day post op (but who's counting..?..lol)
Had a TAH/BSO. I have been feeling pretty good and following the advised frequent resting. Walk a bit but not that much. The past few days my back has been killing me when I sit, which I usually dont have a problem with. I'm sure its from all the lying around and not moving and stretching. What/when can I do yoga moves like spinal twists? or any other advice?

thanks!

Hi (((franni))))

At 3 weeks and 1 day post-op (but who's counting ) you are still very early in your recovery: as you've seen on this site, while we're usually released to resume the majority of our normal activities at 6-8 weeks post-op, it can take as much as one full year... and beyond... for full recovery.

While you're back issues could be due to lack of activity, it could also be due to the recovery itself, due to the current weakness of your abdominal muscles. Remember how pulling in your abdominals straigtens you back?

Finally, before starting or resuming any exercise program, you'll have to get your surgeon's ok: he/she is the only who knows the extent of the work that was done and your particular situation

Walk! As much as your body will let you- and it will let you know. I was walking 2 miles by 4 weeks out- granted it was slow but i was moving and it really helps everything to heal faster.
Most doctors tell you to do this- but of course you could call and ask if you have any concerns.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by fit&ready Walk! As much as your body will let you- and it will let you know. I was walking 2 miles by 4 weeks out- granted it was slow but i was moving and it really helps everything to heal faster. Most doctors tell you to do this- but of course you could call and ask if you have any concerns.

Thanks! I must say I have been super lazy and only walk around the house and maybe 10 minutes a day at the most outside.. But I am motivated now!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by franni60 Thanks! I must say I have been super lazy and only walk around the house and maybe 10 minutes a day at the most outside.. But I am motivated now!

i increased the amount of walking time every day (once i was up to it, which was probably around 3 or 4 weeks) and after about a week, included inclines...i would walk up and down every little hill on my route. we have 40 steps from our ravine up to the street which i would walk up and down twice. i didn't get back to yoga for quite awhile because my abdomen/incision was sore or i just felt vulnerable in that area. eventually you should be able to do back exercises, ie. lay on your back and pull your knees to your chest, then increase as your abs get stronger. it was several months before i did ab exercises...now i'm quite strong again.

as the others have said, get clearance from your surgeon first, and listen to your body. start all exercise gradually and don't overdo it. best wishes for a complete recovery.