Running

Dear Sisters
I know someone can answer this for me. I also know everyone is different and I know I must ask my DR this question when I see her but I still want to know what others have done. I am a runner , and I want to know if anyone else that had a TAH with vertical incison is also a runner. When were you released to start running again? How did you ease back into it? Im only a 5K runner 2-3 times a week. I also do the treadmill and workout at the Gym. When did some of you start all this back? I am 17 days postop and doing well and following all my instuctions. Just curious about when others e-a-s-e-d back into their routine.

kcm

Hi, I'm not a runner, but I am a daily walker and have been for over 7 1/2 years without missing a day. I walked the day of surgery (with my doctor's blessings) and continued to walk. Now for the first 4-5 weeks after surgery my walks were considerably different than my pre-hyst walks were. It just took awhile before I wanted to push it very far or very hard. I would do 3-5 walks for 15-20 minutes each day. And from there I just would slowly build up as my healing and my stamina would allow. And if you go outside walking, make sure not to get to far away. Some days you get really tired really fast and if you've walked far away, then you still have to turn around and walk back. I went around and around the small block my house sits on (or around and around the inside of the house in bad weather) so I wouldn't get too far. But check with your doctor, get his/her permission and what they think you should start out at.

I was cleared to run at 6 weeks. I didn't lose much fitness at all and really didn't have to ease back into it. As you mentioned, your doctor will determine how healed you are; how much to do will be based on how you feel.

Three days after surgery I walked a half mile and then was up to 3 miles a day by week 3. When I went back to running I thought I would shorten the distance or speed but found I didn't have to. I was 43, had a TAH with vertical incision.

Am an avid runner also, right up til surgery ( on the good days anyway)..Doctor gave me the go ahead at 6 wks to do whatever I felt like..I have, and I do. I have to admit there are still days and I'm almost 4 months out, that running is very uncomfortable still. I take Jazzercise 3 times a week also, situps dont bother me as much as the jarring of running.. so I still have to listen to my body and try not to listen to my mind screaming get out there!! Still have the swelly belly thing going after too much exercise.. so, I guess, ease back into it, and listen to your own body (not your head!!)
Paula

I went to my 6 weeks checkup yesterday, even though technically the 6 weeks it tomorrow. The doctor said I had healed great with no adhesions. No need to wait till Thursday to resume.

I'm a 4 mile daily runner and missed it badly. I could not wait to get out today but thought that I would have to ease in gradually. Surprise! I did the whole 4 miles with ease and it was one of the best runs I've had in years!

Before the hyster I had been flooding with periods and was severely anemic. Postop the doctor put me on iron and it has made a huge difference. I am no longer tired and my concentration seems to have improved too. I don't know if that part has anything to do with the iron, but it happened shortly after starting to take iron. I know the iron made a difference in the energy level I had for running. I have a huge hill at the beginning that used to kill me. Today I was barely breathing heavy at the top of the hill.

My biggest concern before the hyster, aside from the procedure itself, was surviving without running. For anyone still on the other side I can say that the 6 weeks went by pretty fast and it was not a big deal to get back in to it.

I should add that I had the horizontal incision. Don't know if that makes a difference or not. The only vestige of the operation I have left is still that little hump right above the incision. First the doctor told me to rub Vitamin E on it. That did nothing. Yesterday she said that the VitE was to makes the incision itself heal and would not get rid of the bump. She said the bump takes 3 to 6 months to go away! You can't notice it under clothes but I still feel deformed. Guess I should be glad that at least it will go away eventually.

Hi there,
My Dr. told me at my 2 week check to start to increase activities until up to normal at 6 weeks. I went for a little walk run this weekend, (running about .5 miles) at just a day short of 4 weeks. I have also been using my bicycle and swinging a golf club. Good luck to you!!