Training during recovery from surgery

[han-grrl]

When i was recovering from my ruptured ulcer surgery my surgeon actually told me to exercise and move around, but NO BIKING OUTSIDE. So i sat on the trainer. First for 10 minutes at 60 watts. I was so excited. then i built up on time and power. It was all i can do to keep my sanity. I also have my little core routine from my athletic therapist to keep things healing properly.

Anyway, my surgeon did say that my comfort will dictate what i can or cannot do. She doubted the stationary bike, but i actually found it ok for me.

good luck!
H

[Pedal Wench]

Well, the trainer got put off for another night. I had to work late, and by the time I got home, I didn't want to deal with changing wheels and saddles, so I just walked on the treadmill for an hour. Felt great, but my legs kinda were weird - gave out on me a few times. Guess even just a few weeks of taking it easy takes its toll. I kept the heartrate very low, so everything felt okay.

[LBTC]

Felt great, but my legs kinda were weird - gave out on me a few times. Guess even just a few weeks of taking it easy takes its toll.

Your legs giving out on you sounds more like post-surgery stuff than like a loss of fitness. Don't be worried - you will lose less fitness than you think, and, once your body is ready, you will gain it back faster than you think. The wait for your body to be ready will be the harder part.

Hugs and butterflies for a complete recovery as quickly as is good for you,
~T~

[Pedal Wench]

Thanks, LBTC.

It was troubling, and I was glad I had the handrails. It sucks, but I know I went into this at peak fitness (just came back from Ride The Rockies and a few centuries) so I know I won't lose much. But, having your legs just collapse while walking at a blazing 2 mph was a bit discouraging.

I'll try the trainer tonight and see what happens. At least I can't fall off

[LBTC]

Pedal, how long ago was your surgery? I've heard that the anesthetic can stay in your body (and have strange effects like your legs giving out) for up to a month or longer. Blame the drugs, and don't be worried, and hang on!

Hugs & butterflies,
~T~

[Pedal Wench]

Pedal, how long ago was your surgery? I've heard that the anesthetic can stay in your body (and have strange effects like your legs giving out) for up to a month or longer. Blame the drugs, and don't be worried, and hang on!

Hugs & butterflies,
~T~

Ahhh! Maybe you're onto something. The surgery was exactly two weeks ago today. And, I was under for almost 3 hours (really complicated little nose!) so that might be it! Thank god for handrails, and I will definitely try the trainer before I try the road!

As a hi-jack of my own thread, I can't wear sunglasses for 5 more weeks. Any ideas of how to protect my eyes once I do go back on the road? I'll break out my mountainbike helmet with visor, and I'm thinking I'll just tape my sunglasses to my helmet.

[Pedal Wench]

Update!

I slowly started back on the trainer. It's actually not bad if you watch the Tour at the same time. I started on Wednesday keeping my heart rate under 100. Felt fine. Thursday at 110, and then Saturday, I watch the whole TT stage of the tour, 2.5 hours, at around 130 bpm - wanted to keep it lower, but it was hard to do while watching those boys riding so fast!
Then, yesterday, I finally got on the real bike. I took it slow and easy, and I felt great. My breathing wasn't great, but it's because my nose was running as it does when I ride, and I still can't blow or even wipe it. If it hadn't been raining, I could have gone all day.
Thanks everyone for the input!

L-