Exercise

Hi Friends:

I am new to this website and thrilled to have found you. I am having a TAH (new lingo for me) May 12th for large fibroids. Been told by doctors that my uterus is the size of a 19 week fetus. No bleeding (I'm told I am lucky), just BIG tummy and needing to go to the bathroom often. Clothes don't fit and I guess you know the story.

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you exercised more often before surgery to keep your stomach tight. Wasn't sure if that would be helpful in the recovery???? No Dr. to call today since it is a weekend...so thought I would ask you.

Julie
Scared to death....

I exercised more before surgery. Not so much to keep muscles strong, but to reduce stress. I found it helped me get through those last weeks.

Exercise pre op can't hurt, but it's always wise to get your DR's input. The muscles are going to be pushed around during surgery, and it will be at least 6 weeks post op before you can do any type of abdominal exercises (whenever your DR ok's it). Also with the size of your utereus your muscles are kind of stretched right now, and exercising can't do a lot about it til the cause of the stretching is removed.

Best wishes!

I have exercised sporadically but continuously my whole life. I will exercise for 3 months, stop for 1 month, go back for 4 months, etc. I am also very active, always building something or gardening, etc. I had to wait 6 months before my TVH, waiting for the Lupron shots to shrink my fibrods. I took that time to make sure I was in the best shape I could, so that my recovery would be better. I exercised, took my vitamins and ate good foods. I also started yoga, since it was exercise I could do post-op. As it turned out, I had very little "down time", and with my DRs ok, was back to my normal routine at about 2 weeks. I like to think it was because I prepared pre-op, but I know I was also very lucky not to have any complications. Exercise is always good for you, unless you have medical problems, but even then, exercise is good, with a DRs guidance.

Hey Julie, welcome, I had to answer you because we have the same surgery date. I am having a TAH too. I am exercising every day. I consider myself pretty fit for a 41 year oldie, however, I too have a big belly and no amount of exercising has even touched it. In fact, I think it has gotten worse. So, I have been rationalizing with myself that it is probably going to stay that way until I have the hysterectomy. I figure my big old uterus (very picturesque don't you think?) has got to be the problem, right?? I can't be fat! Well, I certainly don't think all this exercise is going to hurt me. It's the only time I find my mind isn't wandering to the surgery. And, it's the only time I don't feel stressed out! Well, good luck to you sister. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow at aerobics class and of course on our special day!

Hugs,

Val