Any runners out there? When to start again??

Hi Ladies,
I started running this last January and found that I really enjoyed it. Before surgery I was running 5k easily, albeit slowly. My farthest run was 7k, which went well and I was really excited about up-ing my distance and lower my times.

Then came the trip to the castle and here I sit! I'm 4 weeks PO and wondering when I can start running again. At this point there's no way I can. I'm walking, but sometimes feel sharp pain on my right side just above the incision, at which point I stop and take it really easy until that goes away. I'd like to start cycling at a gym but will wait til my dr. OK's that (probably 6 weeks).

Are there other runners out there who have had abdominal surgery? When did you start running again? Did you still feel the swelly belly when you started running? How did you know your body was OK to start?

I'm going a little crazy here with all the inactivity. I am still afraid to ride my bike even, and in this town that's saying a lot. :-)

Thanks and good luck to all,
Alex

Hi Alex, So nice to hear from another runner. I had my TAH 6 months ago and I am running at the same as I was before my surgery. My doctor released me at my 6 week checkup to begin running again. I had to and still have to wear support underwear to run. You will definitely have to check with your doctor on what he thinks. My doc had me start slow and do a power walk run at first. By eight weeks I was up and running again. I never really had a problem with swelly belly, but everyone is different. I am running around 15 to 20 miles a week. That is where I was before my TAH. I really think it has been the key to my quick recovery. I was really stir crazy during my recovery, but I stayed very active from two weeks out by walking in order to stay in shape. Good Luck with your recovery. Connie

I too can't wait to get back running, and at this point ANYTHING! I am 3 weeks po today and feel like a slug. I'm doing brisk walking at 1.5 miles per day but it doesn't feel that good. I am having lots of swelling as the day goes by. I also had a ftt and muscle repair.

I lost 85 lbs. and have really grown to love physical activities like tennis, biking (80 miles a week) walking, running, swimming and weight lifting. At first I was terrified of not being able to exercise for 6 weeks, but now I've calmed down. I have maintained my healthy eating plan and have lost weight post op.

These beautiful days have made it so hard to not be out doing something active...........but I'll get there.

Thanks for the encouragement on your progress.

Hi Alex,

I am runner and I can not wait to get back out there. I am 3 weeks post and have been working part time for about 2 weeks. I have been doing some walking, and I also get a small sharp pain in my right side.

I am dying to get out there, my doctors appt is Sept 8 and I know I will not be able to run or have sex. But, it can't hurt to ask.

Sharon

Hi again,
Well, this pain in my right side is keeping me on a low profile. I'm still walking with small steps, not my usual brisk walk. Sigh. It's over 4 weeks now and I was hoping for better. I have lots of energy though and don't take naps or get very tired during the day. I just feel things pulling and have to be so careful. When I get up in the morning my belly looks pretty flat (ok, relatively) and I feel good, but as the day progresses the ol' swelly belly comes back.

Connie, what kind of support underwear did you get to run in? Are they something special you have to look for? I wonder if that would be good for just general wear for a little while.

Sharon, let us know how your dr. appointment goes. Mine is on the 9th.

Tacy99 - wow you lost a lot of weight! I'm impressed. That must have taken an incredible about of strength. I'm sure we'll all be back up and working out soon.....

Best to all, Alex