Hey all got a question, I am 5 weeks out from surgery. Next week I am "released from light duty" my concern is that I still feel tenderness in all of my scars nothing to bad but enough that it stops me in my tracks. I know there is scar tissue that needs to be broken down but do I have to worry about hernia after the 6 weeks are over? I am not going to go crazy pushing it but I would like to be able to work out again, even if it's just push ups and sit ups...
Any and all help is going to be appreciated...
Thanks again
John
Dear John,
Hi. From the experiences that I have read it appears that most donors can safely get back to exercises at 6 weeks (unless you doctor has advised otherwise.) But it is wise to get back GRADUALLY. Don't plunge in all at once. And "listen to your body". Some donors recover faster than others. With regard to the incision(s) my surgeon recommended stretching to the point where discomfort/pain starts, holding that position for a few second and then relaxing. Each day I could do a little more. So if in doubt proceed gradually.
best wishes,
Fr. Pat
Hey John,
I am really into working out as well, and totally understand why you want to get right back to it. Personally, I started riding my bike maybe three weeks post surgery, and I started running again at 6 weeks post surgery. That activity seemed to be fine. Weight lifting on the other hand I have had to stop. I started very gradually at 3 or 4 months post surgery, but I found that I was just tired all the time. I didn't even want to go lift, which is something I've never experienced before. After several months I stopped weight lifting, and feel much better. Obviously, I don't know how it will work for you, but just something to consider as you get back into your routine.
I think for those of us who really push our bodies before and after donation, we can notice some differences that you might not see if you aren't running marathons or weight lifting extensively. If someone wants to tell me that's untrue, I'd love to compare notes, but that has been my experience.
_kdub
If your scars are closed then I would suggest just rubbing some coco butter and vitamin e oil on your scars to assist in the healing, it seems that just your rubbing motion is enough to assist in the healing of your scars. My scars are barley visible at all and it has been 5 months since the surgery.
Dear John,
I thought the scars would be an issue for ever, but after a year I forgot about them.
Start with light weights, not just because of the surgery, but also becuase you have had a long break. You should recover strength quickly! I also thought I would never wear a weight belt again because of the scars, but I forgot about that too.
Maybe you want to include some cardio exercise as well.
Love, elephant