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pre/post-op exercise
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05-23-2004, 07:24 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 639
Hysterectomy: June 6th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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pre/post-op exercise
Hello Ladies,
Happy Sunday to everyone. I have not yet made a decision regarding hyster, but have a question. Is there any exercise to do BEFORE surgery that makes recovery easier? Like situps and crunches, pilates, or anything to strengthen the abdominal muscles?
Also, do they ever prescribe physical therapy afterwards? Are post-partum exercise videos allowed?
I'm a planner - I like to have all the scenarios in place before I make a decision (a bit neurotic, I know!).
Thanks for any advice. This board is a WEALTH of knowledge!
~Jo
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05-23-2004, 07:53 PM
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Posts: 4,793
Hysterectomy: April 22nd, 2004
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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pre/post-op exercise
JoRaeMi,
Good thread.
I guess in my case...I feel my 13 years of going to the gym regulary really paid off. I just kept doing my normal routine up until a day or so before surgery.
I am 4 1/2 weeks post-op and I went to the gym today for the first time. Just took it slow. My Dr. said a light bike and light stairmaster until he sees me at my 6 week post-op. I am not doing machines or stomach crunches...which I LOVE... until I talk to him.
Your post did not mention what type of surgery you are contemplating?? I know with LSH (Laparoscopic SupraCervical Hysterectomy) Sisters they can start back at a normal routine generally a little faster than TAH Sisters.
I do not know if TAH Hyster Sisters have post-op exercise plans given to them. Hope someone posts for you.
My suggestion?? Get fit before surgery. Whether it is walking, running, swimming, the gym, etc. My weight is in a normal range and I can honestly say that has helped me in post-op.
And please - before everyone gets on my boney a** case, I have lost 100 pounds slowly in the last 25 years and kept it off!! So, I think I know what I am talking about when it comes to my body's well being!!
Good Luck. Ask your Dr questions too. I know my Dr. is a gym freak like me and he happily took my exercise questions.
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05-24-2004, 07:45 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 639
Hysterectomy: June 6th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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pre/post-op exercise
Thanks for the reply Historylady -
I don't yet know what type of surgery it would be. I have a cyst that they are watching, which may well prove to be nothing, but time will tell, I guess. It has a few septations in it, but radiologist says she thinks it's functional. More importantly is I am waiting for genetics testing to be completed to check on the BRCA1 and 2. My aunt was tested first and we should have her results in a week or so. Then I will go for mine. Dr. already said that if it's positive I'd be foolish not to have ovaries and uterus removed. Showed me all the studies and stats, etc. I was so overwhelmed with numbers/information, etc. I didn't think to ask if he would go abdominal, vaginal, or lap. I guess I am leaning toward abdominal. Even though I know recovery is more difficult, I have read about cases where they thought they were taking out healthy tissue, it ended up being cancerous, and they had seeding at the trocar sites. I don't know - I guess I will have to discuss this at length with him when the time comes, IF it comes.
My abs seem to have never recovered from my three pregnancies. It seems no amount of crunches do anything to tighten them back up. Of course, I never stick with it very long because it never seems to be working! Any suggestions? I am in a healthy weight right now - probably at the top end of my range - I have an eating disorder, so I try not to focus on the numbers too much, but I do know that I am OK where I am now in terms of actual pounds. In fact, part of the reason I sought treatment for my ED was that I wanted to be healthy if and when this time came that I may be contemplating surgery or worse yet, actually facing a cancer.
SO any suggestions you have for strengthening my abs would be greatly appreciated. I have a pilates video that I do from time to time, just bought one of those exercise balls, and recently bought rollerblades (which I haven't gotten to use yet becasue it has been RAINING all the time! :O( ). I guess my thoughts are along the lines of your suggestion to get in the best possible health while I can, but I'm not sure how to do it.
Thanks again.
Jo
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05-24-2004, 12:46 PM
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Posts: 4,793
Hysterectomy: April 22nd, 2004
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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pre/post-op exercise
JoRaeMi,
Gosh...girl..it sounds like you are on a good exercise track!! Pilates...crunches...exercise balls...rollerblades!!
I had one biological daughter (vaginally) so this was my FIRST surgery. I have always had complete respect for moms who gave birth to more than one. Wow...you ladies are WonderWomen
As far as ab exercises, I do only stomach crunches at the gym. I do not do stomach machines since I have a weaker back. So..the crunches are it for me in the ab dept.
I know my stepdaughter "swears" by the "total ab" videos you can rent and buy. She loves them. And - I can see a difference in her stomach area - when she does them.
I just think "overall" fitness just really helps in pre-surgery and it sounds like you have that.
I was - or I am - a compulsive overeater. My last binge was in Oct. 1984. I went to OA and it really helped me out. I stopped crash dieting and started counting calories. I started walking and then I started at a gym. It has just been day to day for me!!
As far as your surgery, you may ask your Dr. if you could keep one ovary?? I have seen a number of Hyster Sisters who opted for that. If both ovaries are removed, surgical menopause takes effect. And, that is okay too when it is needed. Also, if you decide to have a TAH, I have seen some Hyster Sisters who decided to have a tummy tuck with their surgery. So, just some possibilities??
I was where you are. I felt so overwhelmed with decisions. I woke up AND went to bed thinking about my fibroids and a hyst. It ran my life 24/7.
So...please...just realize you are going through very normal Hyster Sister feelings right now.
This web site is full of ladies like you and me - who want to help.
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05-24-2004, 02:10 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 639
Hysterectomy: June 6th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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pre/post-op exercise
Wow - Historylady -
I have compulsive overeating disorder too! My last binge was in March, but prior to that rough spot it had been since last August. Considering I have only been in treatment since October of 2002, I think I'm doing pretty well! It's nice to see someone who has been in recovery as long as you have.
I would definitely have to have both ovaries removed as part of my risk is family history of premenopausal stage 4 ovca. But he said they would most likely use low dose HRT, and then Tamoxifen also at some point (which is why they want my uterus too).
I never thought of a tummy tuck. Can they do that if your muscles are all stretchy??? Maybe that's the point?? I don't know much about it. Huh - something to think about, I guess.
I had to laugh when you said that about having more than one kid vaginally - my first two were both right around seven pounds, but my third (the boy) was 9lbs 9 oz! Whoa-nelly! The nurses couldn't believe how big he was and how quiet I had been during delivery. Kudos to the guy that put in my epidural, eh?
Well, I will keep you all posted on the genetics testing. I hate waiting!
Hope everyone is doing well - check in again Historylady - it's nice to meet someone on the boards who REALLY knows where I am coming from!
JoRaeMi
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05-24-2004, 08:36 PM
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Posts: 4,793
Hysterectomy: April 22nd, 2004
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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pre/post-op exercise
JoRaeMi,
Thank-you for your wonderful reply. Please...keep me updated on your tests. I want to hear your progress.
As far as a tummy tuck, I might suggest you type it in the "search this forum" line on both the pre-op and post-op boards. Hyster Sister information should come up.
You have a very positive outlook - and that is something that a Dr. cannot give you before surgery.
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05-24-2004, 08:50 PM
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Posts: 4,793
Hysterectomy: April 22nd, 2004
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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pre/post-op exercise
JoRaeMi,
There is a forum on the post-op board Monday night that is called "Tummy Tuck with TAH", posted by iamimagine.
You might want to check it out. Several Hysters Sisters have replied to the forum. You could always private message them if you have any further questions.
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05-25-2004, 07:25 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 639
Hysterectomy: June 6th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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pre/post-op exercise
Thanks for the tip, History lady - I checked out the thread last night.
Jo
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