Post Op question...

[mtnbikenmama]

Hi, I'm Donna a mtn biker, and I had my appentics out on Sunday. I was wondering if any of you have had this surgery and what the turn around time to getting back in the saddle was for you? Also any hints on reducing the fitness loss during the recovery period? Thanks ahead of time. :)

[MightyMitre]

Hi mtnbikenmama - what a coincidence! My father-in-law had his appendix (sp :D ) out on Sunday too! How are you feeling? He's a bit groggy and still in hospital as he has some other on going health issues which means he might be in for a day or two more but seems to be doing ok.

Don't really know what you can or can't do in terms of exercise. I'm guessing you have to take care not to over- exert yourself, but I'm sure there's plenty of others out there who have more experience of this than me. I suppose my only advice would be to relax and give your body a chance to recover and not rush back to quickly.

Anyway - hope you feel well and heal quickly...

Liz :) :)

[LBTC]

ouch! that must have hurt!!

the only surgery I've had was for a broken shoulder. I took a week to recover from the general anaesthetic, then started on a slow, thorough weight program, involving everything but my broken wing. that won't be possible when you've got a core that needs to heal thoroughly before you stress it at all.

my best guess is....as soon as you're allowed to, walk. as soon as you're allowed to....use the tiniest weights to do arm curls and stuff - I had a one pound, two pound and three pound weight to do wrist curls while my shoulder was still in the sling...

your doctor will have some advise, but see if you can find a physiotherapist. doctors tend to have more of a rest mantra, while PTs tend to have a use it or lose it attitude.

don't go doing too much and setting yourself back. oh, and be careful with your eating. you do need the right nutrients to heal after something like that!!

get the medical advice and listen to your body. good luck!!

Namaste,
~T~

[photosRphun]

hi mtnbikenmama. i had abdominal surgery one month ago yesterday and have my one month follow up with my surgeon tomorrow. i was told no physical exercise until he releases me to do so. i'm eating healthy to heal and just listening to my body. that is of utmost importance at this point and rest is vital! i'm sure i'm not telling you anything that your surgeon hasn't already told you! :)


hang in there. this will be over before you know it!

[bounceswoosh]

Hi, I'm Donna a mtn biker, and I had my appentics out on Sunday. I was wondering if any of you have had this surgery and what the turn around time to getting back in the saddle was for you? Also any hints on reducing the fitness loss during the recovery period? Thanks ahead of time. :)

Hi, Donna!

I really think you need to talk to your doctor about this. You can get ideas from other people, but you should run them by your doctor before risking yourself.

My dad recently had to have a piece of his intestine removed. He's in his 60s and rides 7 or 8 miles on easy, paved roads, I think every other day. His doctor told him that he could start riding when he felt like riding again, and I think it took dad about two weeks. But the riding he does is very easy compared to mountain biking. I'd be hesitant about doing anything technical or steep until you can do road riding fairly comfortably.

[Irulan]

Hi.... nice to see you here.
Your body will really tell you what's ok, and what you aren't ready for. the drugs may really make you feel stupid for a while. I think it's pretty key to not push too hard because then you will go backwards, but to test the waters every few days.... with your doc's permission. I know how this stuff just sucks, ruins all your plans, the rhythm of your life and so on.

Heal fast!!!

Irulan

[mtnbikenmama]

you would catch me here :o Thanks, I see the surgeon next tuesday, I'm not going to do anything stupid, just wondering what others experiences were. I really like this forum, the ladies here are super supportive. It's a nice mix with roadies & us mtn bikers :D Someday if I ever work up the courage I might ride some road bike, but L.A. drivers are the pits :( Thanks again. :)
donna

[mtbstarr]

Boy, I got to this one late, but....I had my gallbladder taken out two years ago and I have heard the appendic usually goes the same way. I am a mountain biker, fast and furious. I got to do an easy ride two weeks after the surgery. At the end of the month I was as good as new. Keep in mind I was 22 at the time. My hubby had the same surgery and it took him a month before he could ride even six trail miles. We have a ten year age difference.

My advice....if you feel any unordinary strain in the surgery area...back off or stop and wait another couple days. Better safe than sorry. Speedy recovery girl. :p

[fixedgeargirl]

I had a c-section 5 years ago, so I know how icky abdominal surgery can make you feel. I was able to ride my fixed gear up and down the road 5 weeks later, about 12-15 miles at a time. I would be wary of mtb, what with the bouncing and the occasional need to hammer up a little rise. That sudden effort could easily strain those healing tissues and cause a setback. I found that just keeping some miles on my legs and getting up the sustained rises on the road helped keep me in some state of fitness, more than if I sat on the couch taking Percosets, anyway!

I would reiterate what PPs have said, listen to your body. You are not wimpy if you back off at the first twinge of pain - that's a signal from some seriously traumatized tissues that need to be babyed for a while. It's good to ask your MD about his recommendations, but a sports physical therapist, especially one familiar with abdominal traumas, is a specialist with knowledge and resources your MD may not have. A PT may also better understand your drive to return to sport and be able to help with the psychological aspect, too.

Take care and recovey quickly!!