Yoga after surgery

((hugs))

You should not be lifting anything for quite a while, what in the world are you talking about?

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Originally Posted by Ellie123 You should not be lifting anything for quite a while, what in the world are you talking about?

Are you referring to Milena's signature line saying never be afraid to lift weights?
If so Milena's not saying to lift anything. Before surgery she lifted weights, and I am sure once she is healed and give the go ahead she will again.

My guess is that is her signature because many women are afraid to lift weights. I can't tell you how many people come to me afraid they will build too much and look manly.

Milena please correct me if I am wrong.

Mileena,

A week is a very short time even if you're in fabulous condition, young and heal fast. It still takes a good six weeks for things to heal well enough to not have to be super careful about what you do. You won't be completely healed for 6 to 12 months. Annoying but true. It will definitely help that you were in good physical condition going in, but a vertical incision nearly always means cutting the rectus abdominis. All efficient movement comes from the center of the body. Until that muscle re-knits, your core strength isn't going to be what it was.

Even without the large abdominal incision, at month 4 I still had occasional, surprise twinges lifting household objects in the 30-50 pound range. The weight wasn't all that much but my body is still reorganizing and I wasn't lifting from an ideal position.

This surgery takes a lot out of you even if it's the less painful daVinci. I was one of the very lucky ones who never needed more than ibuprofen for pain, and could walk and climb stairs (very slowly) as soon as I got home. But I've never been so tired! I slept a lot the first two weeks. When I needed a nap, I needed it NOW not in 5 minutes.

I'm sure it doesn't feel like it, but getting out of bed on your own and moving around unassisted with a big incision is good progress and a big deal. There are also plenty of women who need narcotics for weeks and have to fight with their doctors for getting prescriptions refilled. You have reason to be pleased with yourself! Try to be gentle with yourself -- even though it will probably drive you nuts.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by gingerisnot Are you referring to Milena's signature line saying never be afraid to lift weights? If so Milena's not saying to lift anything. Before surgery she lifted weights, and I am sure once she is healed and give the go ahead she will again. My guess is that is her signature because many women are afraid to lift weights. I can't tell you how many people come to me afraid they will build too much and look manly. Milena please correct me if I am wrong.

Oh, I would NEVER try to lift anything for a long time. That's just my sig. It's frustrating to know I can't do this when I've been so use to lifting heavy for so many years but I just feel accomplishment to get a shower right now.

Yes many women have a very big misconception about weight lifting. The "bodybuilder" ladies are on testosterone and other types of enhancers to make them look like that. The average woman cannot get muscular like men because of our hormones...........they just won't allow it. Being as muscular as my body will allow is what I strive for. Even though mine didn't "poke up", I was pretty freaking strong for my size.

@Keepscats

Thanks for those encouraging words. Today is 7 days post op and I am feeling better every day and I have to keep in mind, I'm not up to freaking running a marathon. hehehehe

It's tough to NOT do anything, especially when I don't feel to much pain.

Just try to remember ladies, DON'T do any thing for many weeks, even if you feel fine. Your internal stitches take much much longer to heal................a minimum of 8 weeks to even dissolve.

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Originally Posted by Mileena ... and I have to keep in mind, I'm not up to freaking running a marathon. ... It's tough to NOT do anything, especially when I don't feel to much pain.

Funny that you mention marathons. I rather like what one woman said a few months back in response to comments about being sooo tired. Can't find the post so I'll paraphrase it:

While you're doing nothing on the outside, internally you're running a marathon to heal.

On some days that helped me feel better about the process. Of course, there were other days when I'd have kicked, screamed and thrown things - if I could have found any energy after my walk.

Just wait until the day when you see the vacuum cleaner and think that using it seems like a fun thing to do ...

I like the phrase of marathon........doing that everyday so far and I'm so tired.

bahahaha @ vacuum cleaner thought !!!

Why do the Doctors say 4-6 weeks? Just curious. I would think they would say longer.

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Originally Posted by gingerisnot Why do the Doctors say 4-6 weeks? Just curious. I would think they would say longer.

I think it depends on the surgery, and maybe the dr. But you shouldn't do anything till they give the go ahead.

I had these weird uncomfortable pains in my left groin area for two years after my surgery. My dr told me it was probably the nerve endings, etc, due to the surgery. I started taping a yoga program on PBS (it's Hawtha yoga style) and I'll be darned if those pains aren't gone. I don't know that the yoga helped with that, but it has helped in so many other ways that I really recommend it. I sleep better (not perfectly, but much better) and I feel better. So give it a try, just not too soon!

Hi Ladies!
I resumed my yoga practice after my 6 week follow-up appointment. When I say resume of course I only mean that I've rejoined my class at the gym for Hatha yoga (so far). Im no where near where I was pre- surgery on the flexibility scale. Forward bends and poses are fine, but even the hint of a backbend ( read cobra) starts a pulling sensation in my abdomen. It's frustrating because with the lifting restrictions over the past few weeks I feel like I've lost a lot of strength in my arms and my balance is still off.
Still after three weeks of classes ( just 1 per week for now) I do feel stronger. The key is to start slow and work your way up. Each of us heals differently but as soon as the doc says go, start experimenting.

Walking a lot is the absolute best as soon after surgery as possible. It relieves so much pain and cramping ( and boredom!).

Thank you Ladies for your support!

Audrey