? about cervix removal

My mind is just racing and I am trying to think ahead before I go to the doctor tomorrow. I just read that:

Many women are finding that keeping the cervix may have added benefits if it's healthy and there haven't been abnormal pap smears or disease. The cervix helps support the pelvic floor, is the source for some types of orgasm and may provide other benefits as well.

If I have to have surgery I would probably have to lose the cervix too. I like to jog and was wondering if after losing the cervix and the support to the pelvic floor does that make exercise more of a problem?

Just curious!

Hi porchwork

I did not have a choice, my cervix had to go, but I can say that none of my regular activities are any different after the fact (including the big O - feels exactly the same). I don't jog, but I walk and lift light weights and play golf - and 3 months out I have not had any problems.

I don't jog but I do a lot of jumping jacks and kick boxing and am happy to report I don't have any problems.

To deal with the lose of support to the pelvic floor, I upped my intake of veg and fruit and that solved that problem.

Good luck and best wishes,

Margot

Thanks seegeek and mimny...that makes me feel better. I just want to get back into shape asap and don't want to have to sit around and do nothing. That had me a little concerned.

Did you have trouble very long with swelly belly since it sounds like you are both very active?

I, too, started walking shortly after the surgery and then again after radiation. No cervix, but also no problems that I didn't have before the surgery. My tummy wasn't that tiny before the surgery, but I don't believe it's gotten bigger. When is your surgery?

I totally understand the way you feel but you should take it easy for a while especially if you're having a full hysterectomy. (I'm not clear on what your dx is.) Definitely check with your doctor before you start on a vigorous exercise program.

I was highly motivated to recover as quickly as possible and what helped me out a lot was to walk, walk, walk, walk - even while I was still in the hospital. A couple of times a day, adding laps as I got stronger. I think that's why I didn't have a problem with swelly belly - at least no more than usual!

s

Hi guys

I was quite active prior to my diagnosis, at the gym 3x week. Mostly elliptical, treadmill, rowing, light weights.

Post-surgery, I didn't have any swelly belly to speak of. I lost 15 pounds prior to surgery (stress) so perhaps that helped. My tum has always been one of my "trouble" spots, so I'm pleasantly surprised.

I've been casually active (hiking, golf) since my surgery but am planning on getting back to the gym next week. I could have definitely started back ages ago, but I've been so darn busy with work, holidays. Plus the fact that I've lost weight has given me a bit of an excuse to take a break. That and the nice summer weather, it's too nice to be cooped up inside!

My DH got me a water ski jacket for my birthday last weekend, but to be on the safe side I'm going to wait until next summer to try waterskiing (I'm a beginner and will fall - a lot!).

My advice would be to get active as soon as you feel up to it, but use common sense for the first few months. Don't overdo it, and don't do anything too x-treme where you could fall and bang up your insides. When in doubt, ask your doctor of course.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to a healthy, active life!

Thanks too all. My Gyn/Onc appointment is this morning at 10:00. I have just been trying to cover all issues before I talk with him. I have had two bad paps and a normal coloscopy so my Gyn thinks something is "farther up". So, I really don't have any idea what the GYN/ONC will say or what I have in store for me. But, thanks to you all I have more questions and more information than I ever would have before!!

Thanks a bunch and when I get back today I will give you an update.