Coming back after a hysterectomy?

[Pellmel]

After 3 years of solidly building my fitness, I had to take 6 weeks off to have a hysterectomy. Tomorrow is 6 weeks post op and my checkup is later this week.

I was getting pretty tough prior to the surgery - at least I was starting to finish IMAX without having to call 911 and following up with a lot of Nordic Trak time. I also am a mountain climber and my workouts peak during the summer for maximum climbing performance.

I am ready to launch my "Comeback Tour". Any hyster-sisters or women out there who have made a comeback after injury or surgery? Any hints beyond "start slowly"? Anything I should ask my doc at the appointment?

Melissa

By the way....this was my favorite workout quote prior to surgery. This guy is one of the top Alpine climbers in the world and the authority on risk taking and very light climbing.

"The goal of physical training for alpine climbing can be summed up in one phrase: to make yourself as indestructible as possible. The harder you are to kill, the longer you will last in the mountains."
Mark Twight

 

[claridge]

Hi Melissa - from one hyster-sister to another

The first question I would proberly ask you is "what type" of hysterectomy you had?, because it does make a difference in your recovery expectations.

Partial hysterectomy is removal of the uterus, not the cervic
Total " " " " " " " " " " " is removal of the uterus and the cervic
Radical " " " " " " " " " is the whole sha-bang - uterus, cervix, overies etc (usually performed if cancer is present)

Your doctor may have specific exercises for you in reguards to type of surgury you had.

I had a Total hysterectomy about 15 years ago, and like you I was feeling and looking pretty fit before the op - and that is a BIG plus in how fast you recover and can resume normal activities.

After my six weeks checkup, I starting walking at least 45 minutes a day, 3 times a week - intense enough for me to produce a slight increase in heart rate, and combined my walking with abdominal/back work on alternate days. Again to my own limitations.

After about 9 - 12 weeks I started stepping again (no Cathe back then though) and a simple light weight workout

It may sound a long time for anyone who is used to a greater "exercise rush" than that, but please think of recovery as 2 steps forward, not 2 steps forward and 3 steps back because you were in a hurry.

Also remember, hysterectomys are a MAJOR operation - give your body the time it needs to heal, as you would any other operation you have.

The questions I would ask your doctor, would again depend on the "type" of hysterectomy you had, but if needed talk to him/her about hormon replacement therapies or estrogen if your overies have been removed, and any prementrial changes you may exspect if your overies have not been removed.

The most fasinating thing I learned, (true and scientifically proven) and experience to this day, is breast tenderness, and the occasional PMS symtoms such as feeling extremly exhaused once a month. I just dont experience a menstral flow of course.
At least that what I blame my bad moods on once a month to my DH

Im not sure how helpful Ive been to your questions, but take care, and good luck on your check up

Marion

 

[claridge]

Oh..........I forgot to mention

PAP SMEARS - 1 a year at least - still a BIG deal with you still have your cervix or overies, or 2 times a year, if you had a hysterectomy because of cancer

 

[Pellmel]

Thanks Marion - my hyster sister.

I kept my ovaries, but everything else is gone. Good all around, I think - it was an abdominal. I got it for bladder repair. I can't wait to do the plyo-jacks without having to change my pants.

I just started the walking and I am feeling pretty good about it. I walked slowly for an hour today and for once I didn't end up in bed. I have learned about the 2 quick steps forward and 10 steps back enough to keep it slow.

I'm thinking that I will start stepping on late December - just good old Jane Fondue and on the lowest height, plus some light weights. I'm not even going to look at Cathe until the middle of January. I think that is reasonable?

I would really like to be ready for mountain climbing season in May-June. This means that by April I have to be building up to 5 and 6 hour hikes at a pretty good pace. I figure if I keep it slow now and build up using the 10% rule I can be ready.

Thanks for your reply. Any of my gal pals who have had a hyst are not exercisers before, or after and I really don't know anyone in very good shape who has had one! None of them can explain how long it takes from an "I really want to get back to Cathe" perspective!