6 Mths Post-Op and Exercise

Hi,
Hope someone out there can tell me if this is normal. I had my hyst. on Jan. 17 and 2 months later joined "The Gym". I started out very slowly, walking 2.5 miles per hour. Now I am now up to running 5 miles an hour for 20 minutes and doing weight training. Most days I come home feeling fine, and the next day is great. Other times, however, I have major pains in my sides. Is this normal. Also, my vertical incision is constantly itchy. IT'S EMBARRASSING!! I am always gently rubbing my stomach. Am I overdoing it, or is this just normal with the healing process. Please help. I want get on with my life, tighten up those muscles and be able to wear jeans again. Thanks!

Hi,

I had my TAH/BSO 9-27-00, and sometimes my incision (horizontal) still gets itchy. I usually just rub lotion on it, and that seems to help. Once in awhile after I do abdominal exercises, I do have some belly soreness, but I think that is just using muscles that have been neglected for awhile, but that is just my opinion.

Hi Debi,

You mention that you want to "tighten up" those muscles...are you still swelling? Does the swelling fluctuate? I'm asking this because even though you are 6 months post-op, you may well still be healing inside. A gyn has stated that it takes at least 6 months to a year to heal TOTALLY.

It sounds like you've really tried to work up to your current regimen very gradually, which is good. However, if you are still having swelling or major pains in your sides in reaction to your exercises (which can be VERY normal as you're still healing), then you might need to take your exercising down a level or two.

Try doing less, and see if those reactions disappear. You want to heal properly first and foremost before you think about getting totally in shape again.

Also, you might want to discuss this with your Dr.

My very best to you...

Linda