okay to use shovel to transplant plants in garden?

Hi ladies.

I am 12 weeks post op Monday I was finally cleared from my TVH last week because of stubborn granulation tissue. It just did not want to go away. Anyway, I transplanted some plants today and used a full size shovel. I dug several holes. I can feel it. I tried not to lift anything too heavy. I finally turned everything over to DH to finish because I was feeling a little achy. I assume it is because I have not used those lower abdominial muscles in three months. I can also feel twinges in the vagina. I was not given any weight restrictions so I assume it was fine. We will see how I fee in the morning. The gardens look great though.

Lori,
Do take it easy. I think the pain can be your body's way of saying "you did too much, time to rest". Glad your gardens look good.

I am 5 weeks post op and asked my Doc how much activity I ought to be doing right now. His advice to me would also work for you.

He said get back into life GRADUALLY. In my case...walking. I am to walk a bit each day, but was told if I was not walking a mile before surgery...DON'T try walking a mile right out of the gate.

In your case, was your activity level before surgery...transplanting things and garden work? Even if it was, digging with a shovel is pretty strenuous work.

It is good you listened to your body and let DH take over.

We have to remember the GRADUAL part... ugh...

I am almost four months post op. I have been gardening since about 10 weeks. I still do not lift heavy things, but I am always careful of that anyway.

If you feel overtired, just listen and do less next time. The main thing is to build up slowly. The muscles slowly gain strength. Just like the others said, gradual.

I am SO happy to work outside again. I bought lots of new flowers today, but hubby will be doing the hard work of lifting soil etc.

I love having a pretty yard too! Happy Gardening!

Iam six weeks post op and I was out yesterday pulling weeds out of my flower bed I couldn't take it any longer ....no one cleaned my flower beds since I had my surgery that was one job no one seemed to want to help out on.......so far so good no pain :~) It feels good to be able to ease back into things ..................I WANT to get flowers next week and plant them .........like mums for fall...........

I got a LOT of mums today! Lots of different flowers. We have a very mild winter, rarely freeze, so gardening in fall, winter and spring is great. Summer is hot. It does feel great to be outside, just go slowly.