Warning from 8-month veteran

I keep seeing posts from sisters just a few weeks out, wondering how soon they can get "back to normal" with their activities. I also see many posts advising them to take things easily and not to rush it. Please let me add to the advice.

I had surgery over 8 months ago. For all practical purposes, I thought I was back to normal. Well, yesterday I had to change the paraments on the altar table at church (DH was busy doing something and couldn't help me). It involved lifting a piece of glass about 48" by 24" from the table to one side, changing the cloth on the table, then lifting and replacing the glass.

I knew as soon as I did it that I felt something pull. Well, during the night I woke up with my incision scar on fire. This morning, the muscles in my abdomen and in my lower back are miserable. I'm headed for a long soak in the bathtub, and I'll be very careful about lifting anything at all the next few days.

Moral: do NOT rush yourself. Even when you think you're healed, there's still some healing left to do. Take it from a very sore and sorry 53-yr-old. (BTW, once the communion elements were on the table and covered by the linen cloths, the cloth I had changed couldn't even be seen! Bummer!)

Thank you for the warning! I know with the hlidays coming trying to help with the tree etc. I will have to watch myself and say no a lot!

I hope that you are doing better and if not will call the doc! Not something to mess with! Take CARE!

Very good advice dear sister!

According to my doc, it can easily take up to a year to heal well enough to do any "heavy" lifting. He warned me that once I return to weightlifting at the gym, that I am to take it very easy for at least a few months.

Listen to your bodies ladies!

Thank you so much for the advice! I am one of those sisters waiting for my new life to start (I am only 2 weeks post-op) and I need these reminders to take care of myself.

I hope that you are OK! Take care and enjoy your bath (I am so jealous! Can't wait for my first bath!)

Cheers,
Angela

I am still ( again) in pain after 6 months. My scar still burns and my right side still feels very sore - the rest of my tummy feels tight and sore underneath. ( Too bad it does't "look " tight!)
I am probably lifting too much - even with groceries or the vacuum cleaner- thought that I would be well recovered at this point!

I lifted things this weekend setting up for a yard sale & I am sore & swollen today. I'm 6 months post op. We really need to be careful. I'm headed for that bathtub tonight too. Soak away the soreness maybe.....

Great Day!!!!! How long does it take to heal? I certainly wouldn't have thought one wouldn't be healed after a few months. Guess I have a lot to learn?
My Dr. told me at 3 weeks that I could go back into my water aerobics class at the YMCA. I haven't gone yet though because I feel like I am to sore...............

Decaon04.
Thanks for the words of wisdom!!! I will try to heed them.
By the by, God saw the clean tablecloth. So your efforts did not go unnoticed, nor will they be unrewarded!

DEACON04,
I am 2 weeks post-op and a ceramic artist taking 3 months off from the studio. I really had no idea that after 3 months I'd need to be so cautious! My uro-gyn mentioned being fitted w/a pessary for heavy lifting so I thought I'd be all set by then. My kiln shelves weigh at least 20 pounds, let alone bags of clay at 25! Well I have all this time to figure it out, but in a new mind set. Thanks for the warning. I'll have more questions to ask at my 6 week post-op visit.
Rest up,
Moi

Ladies - Cath1

Beware of doctors who tell you to go ahead and do things after 3 weeks. Yes, some woman are warriors and really do heal well, no problems at all. Back to their weights, workouts, etc. HOWEVER, the rest of us need to take it SLOW, and try not to compare with anyone or feel guilty. It's hard, but you'll be thankful you did. Hang in there.

Kay