Cathe please read: surgery/exercise question

[lorax]

Hi Cathe,

Thanks to your workouts I'm in great shape for someone who will be turning 40 in Sept. I'm 5'2" 103lbs with lots of muscle definition. I work out 5-6 days per week. I feel fit and healthy so it was quite a shock to learn I have endometrial cancer. I will be having a total hysterectomy on 8/24 ;( . I'll be laid up for 4-6 weeks provided no radiation or chemo is needed. Of course I'll wait for the o.k. from my doctor before exercising again but my question for you is: how much de-conditioning can happen in 4-6 weeks? My doctor has already told me that I will be able to take walks during the recovery time. She also said swimming is o.k. I'm working out like crazy prior to the surgery so I can be as strong as possible in hopes that being in good condition will help my recovery. I just don't want this disease to take away all I've worked for over the years. Do you think my muscles will bounce back? I've pre-ordered all your new dvds so that will certainly be motivation to get healthy again!

Thanks for "listening" and any advice you may have.

Lorrie

 

[cjbate]

Lorrie: I am obviously not Cathe & can't offer any specific advice on your question but wanted to wish you well on your surgery and I am sure you are going to bounce back fine! You sound like you have a great attitude. I wish you the very best in your recovery!
Jen

 

[dpiglet]

Hey Lorrie...not Cathe either, but I had a hysterectomy almost a year ago(next month). Now although my medical problem was not as serious, and I had no abdominal incision, I was still told no weight lifting of any kind for 8 weeks(nothing, not even a grocery bag...for fear of tearing internal stitches). I was a good girl, did exactly as I was told, and the only workouts I could manage after the first couple of weeks of doing NOTHING was walking. And I am so proud to say that all the hard work prior to my operation (I think I was in the best shape of my life) made recovery very quick and relatively painless. Have no fear...all your hard work will stick with you. I didn't gain any weight...which I was so paranoid about...in fact I lost a few pounds which worried me more. Where is my muscle going??? was all I could think about. Just do exactly what the doctor says, let your body heal, keep that same great attitude you have....and you will come out of this just fine!! It was frustrating when I got back to Cathe again, cause I had to take it slow, go easy on the weight, lower my step height, but with a little work and lots of patience I was back to old self before I knew it. Concentrate on getting well....Cathe will be waiting for ya....she always is....take care, Donna.