exercise?

I wanted to thank all you wonderful women who created this website. I am in 3.5 week here of everything out but one ovary. Having this hysterectomy is almost like a rites of passage in a way. Its almost like being in a secret club when i talk to other women about their hysterectomies. flowers... pampering.... dinners made.. and of course websites like this is so informative and supportive. I copied and sent on all the mister sister stuff and printed things for my kids and like children... they listen to other people much better than to me. hahahaha! Everything went very well.... and I am so excited to begin this stage of my life! my question is this....... My back hurts and aches a bit... and was wondering where excersising fits into to recovery. i read that i can pull in my stomach muscles in.... but how many.. how often and will that help my achy breaky back? I have always had a bit of a tummy anyways.. but my back was never an issue until now. any ideas? any thoughts?
again.. thank you for making my step into the next stage.... a comfortable... supportive.. and good thing.
love and peace
Bobbie

Hi,

This is just my opinion, but walking is probably one of the best things you can start out doing. I see that you are in Idaho, so your ability to get out and walk may be a challenge. I told my dr. that I have been trying to get a good walk in daily and he said that was a good idea. Also, if you can't get out, there are videos that available that you can walk with. They have music and the instructor guides you through the routine. It doesn't sound like much going into it, but it will make you break a sweat! You can find the videos on the internet by typing "In Home Walking". The instructor is Leslie Sansone. I don't know that I am supposed to put that kind of info on here, but someone will edit it if I'm not.

I'm a little bit over 2 weeks post op and my dr. said it was ok to start on the videos. Of course, I'm going to pace myself and stop if I need to. The sessions on the video I have is for 1 & 2 miles.

Hope this will help.

Donna

Dear Bobbie,

Have you talked to your dr about your back hurting? The aching back is pretty common after a hyst. I have had issues with my back too. I went to a physical therapist who does therapeutic massage and it helped a lot.
Exercise is important, but you need to have the ok from your dr to begin exercising. At 3.5 weeks you are still very early for exercising very much and he/she will know what you can do without hurting yourself. Most drs will agree with Donna, that walking as you can tolerate it is the best place to begin.

's, Rita