TAH Should I do PT?

Was doing some thinking (since there's nothing much else we can do at this point) about exercise, healing & getting into better shape. So I call our Ins. & found out they do cover Physical therapy after a Hysterectomy. Spoke with PT and they said whenever the Dr. clears me I can come in. It's just regular PT not the pelvic floor kind.
So, what are you ladies thoughts on this? Would it be a waste of time? and money? Would just slowly easing back into a regular exercise routine be just as good? I just want to be sure I'm doing everything I can possibly do to heal correctly and get back to my normal pre-giant fibroid & pre - hysterectomy size. I've also had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 24 years so some forms of workouts are off limits to me.

Never have been much of an exerciser, but with all this new found energy & my theroy of a whole new & improved me I'd love to start. Not to mention I have 5 grand-babies to keep up with!
I'd love some input on this.

If I had insurance that would cover PT I would have done it. But I didn't. So I had to just ease into walking and working out at my own pace.

I would do it if insurance covers it...why not. you will get guided excercise help without harming yourself. I wish I could do that . I say go for it.

I should add, that i do not think it is necessary, but I would have done it if the option was available.

AlwaysClassy, I think it's a great idea!

I came out of my hysterectomy period free but with tremendous sciatica pain. My chiropractor has given me great relief and exercises to strengthen my core.

One problem under control, I went to see a spine specialist about ongoing backaches and numbness in my belly- it's spinal stenonis ("not unusual for the aging process") . He recommended PT to strengthen my core.

I just read an article in More magazine about back, knee and ankle pain- the often overlooked cause is weak hip muscles. The recommendation is strengthening the core.

The core used to be defined as the trunk of your body; now they say the core is abs, back and hips. A strong core is essential to avaoiding pain and injury.

I think that after a hysterectomy many of us go out of our way to be gentle with our core, considering we just had major surgery to remove organ(s) it's no surprise. We don't want to tear stitches or cause prolapse. So the rest of our body compensates.

So...it makes total sense to go to PT. I would bet that they would have you do core-strengthening exercises that are post-surgery safe. I say bring it on. And I'll be doing the same.

Good luck!

I had my TAH in August of 2010. I have had left hip issues since about 4 months after my TAH. After seeing my regular chiropractor for some intense therapy it didn't keep the problem from coming back.
I finally mentioned it to my primary doctor and I started going to PT. I was told at PT that anyone who has a TAH should come for PT because the stomach muscles need to be strengthen. My problem is that the weak front muscles caused the hip problems. I am steadily making progress. I should have done this a long time ago.

Loneskier, can you describe what sort of therapy they do with you to strengthen your core? How early can I start getting PT after being released by my doctor (hopefully, at 6 weeks), do you know? I know a great PT place where I work and live... I'm just scared I'll start it too early and then mess something up inside. But I soooo want to get rid of this hanging belly

idg, ask your doctor when you have your post op, i bet he will be able to tell you how soon you could start core exercises.

Thanks so much LovetheOcean... will do

Thanks ladies for your thoughts! Will definitely be takin advantage of the PT offered as soon as I'm cleared.