discouraged after 7 wks

I had a TAH on 11/25, w/ 7 in. incision. Recovery was progressing OK, taking it slow with some easy bike riding, walking, etc. 6 wk post-op check went well and doc cleared me to resume sex (which is going fine) and skiing. As an avid skier I chose to listen to her instead of my body, and I think I jumped the gun. Skied a couple hours and felt OK, but then that night woke up with abdominal pain/cramping which has continued inermittently for 4 days. Still have no energy and can't even imagine teaching a whole day. Stomach still also very swollen near incision. Losing faith in my doc and looking for input, especially from sports-minded women: runners/ skiers/ cyclists? Wonder if I'll EVER be fit and strong again, let alone pain-free?!

Hey Disco, I feel your pain. I am an avid runner and raquetball player, I also lift weights. My told me I could start distance walking again at 6 weeks and running and lifting at 8. I cheated at 4 weeks and walked (slowly) about .88 of a mile. After the second day I was in severe pain. I have decided now to wait until 6 weeks as was suggested in the first place. I know how frustrating it is. I can't wait to start running again. Good luck to you, and just listen to your body.

Hi Disco,

Please don't be discouraged. While the initial recovery period from this surgery is generally accepted to be 6-8 weeks, and many of our Drs. clear us to resume "normal activities" at the 6 week mark, it often takes much longer to fully recuperate.

I wouldn't exactly say that I'm an exercise enthusiast ....ok, I admit it...I hate to exercise! But, I do walk for fitness 3 or 4 days a week on a walking trail at a nearby park, and it took me about 3 months before I was ready to resume my weekly walking schedule.

Swelly-belly can also remain for a number of months post-operatively, often times after strenuous activity, or even just being on your feet for prolonged periods of time.

I suggest that you contact your Dr. and describe your symptoms to be on the safe side. If everything is ok, then I urge you to try and be patient for a bit longer, even though I know it can be frustrating.

Best wishes and s

Hi disco!
I can remember being VERY discouraged at the 7-8 week mark, that I could not excersize like I used to etc. I'm not what you would call an enthusiast but I do like to do some kind of physical activity 3 + times per week. My surgeon was telling me to do sit ups at 5 weeks post op. I tried it and it knocked me on my behind for 1 week straight! I decided he does not know how this feels...being as he hasn't gone through the recovery. He's a man, how could he KNOW how those sit ups hurt me? I went with what my body told me which was not to do them! I'm now 3 months post op and still have not done 1 sit up. I'm slowly working into some light arm weights and still walking. Some women are able to do it all much sooner...and I'm having some post op complications but....7 weeks seems very soon to be trying to ski, after a major abdominal surgery. Actually, I still have some of the . Mine was very swollen up till 2 weeks ago...so take it easy on yourself. My doc actually acted offended that I was not 100% at 6 weeks, and so I fired him and found another doc for my recovery. I'm sure your doc is going by the normal recovery guidelines, but, I learned the hard way that trying to do it all too soon was just causing me needless pain. Your rules still apply..those are still lurking! Good luck, take care!

Hi disco,
I agree with (((jlculp))) . I was cleared for everything at 6 weeks. And eventho my recovery was swift & easy, I still get pain in the belly if I do to much. I am also a skiing girl, but I'm thinking I will have to pass on it this year. I really want things to be totally back to normal before I attempt anything like skiing. I am just going to stick to the walking for the winter... Best of luck to you !!!

Hi,Disco! I agree with the other sisters. You WILL regain your strength and energy,but at only 7 weeks,you have a lot of healing going on inside. I am now 8 weeks post-op from an exploratory laparotomy w/BSO. I had adhesions on my abdomen, along with ovarian cysts. I am walking,because that's the only exercise I feel comfortable doing at this stage. I am back to walking my dog,even though he's still pulling ME along as HE goes!! I went for my post-op on 12/23/02 and she cleared me for "normal" activities,but I haven't had intercourse,yet. Take things easy,right now,Disco. You will get your energy & strength back. You must find patience with yourself,from within.