Laporotomy recovery

[RoseMe]

Hi,

I had a laporotomy recently (last week) and wondered if anyone had any useful info re recovery? I am off work for 4 weeks and have been told not to lift anything too heavy and not drive or exercise for 4-6 weeks but it all seems a bit vague.  What does 'too heavy' mean? Can I lift a saucepan of water? A container of milk?

Also, I love doing exercise and want to get back into it asap. I know I can't do anything for 4-6 weeks, but after that what can I do? I usually run, swim and cycle, but all of these are quite intense on the abs.

Any help would really be appreciated.

Thanks,

RoseM

[RoseMe]

Thanks everyone for your help, it's really appreciated. I had my laparotomy to remove dermoid cysts on both ovaries. Luckily the op went well and they saved my ovaries! I'm quite impatient with getting better but I do know that I need to take it easy. Thanks for the encouragement. Rose

[gma718]

Tiredness was my worst symptom!! But you defintely need to take it easy..unfortunately I had 3 surgeries 2 with the hysterectomy and 1 a week later but my incision took 8-10 weeks to heal...the norm is 4-6 but I know the insides need to heal alot longer..just when you feel good and do too much than you realize your quite not there yet..so please take this time to recover rather than end up doing something that can cause more damage..the Doctor will give you the clearance to exercise again..Good Luck..Gia :)

[cirella]

Hi, SimplyStar is right about the 10# lifting and the easing into everything else.  I would add that your body will let you know when you need to stop or slow down.  After my hysterectomy, I found that it was the fatigue that got me first.  You will notice that the time in between will get longer but it does take some time.  Don't go off of the standard 4-6 weeks, either.  If you are tired, you're tired.  I pushed myself a little at a time and found as the weeks went on I could do more and more.  Not sure what you've had done but if you've had a hysterectomy an excellent site is hystersisters ******* for recovery tips.  Good luck with your recovery!

[SimplyStar]

most doctors will say 10#  should be the limit, it takes at least 6 weeks for the internal surgery to heal,  go to the health pages and read  the page  for open surgery, some you have already been through but there is a lot of good info there   I would ease into the exerise  gently, swimming  would be the best, walking, running might take a little longer, cycling only when you are cleared by your doctor.  driving short distances  can be done safely in about 2 to 3 weeks if you feel like it.