This past weekend I was talking to someone who had recently had a hysterectomy. She was determined to start exercising immediately and excited to get her body back. She is 6 weeks post-op and started full force with Shaun T and T25. It was a bit much for her even with the modifications.
I realized that it seems to some people that I went straight from post-op to running long distances. Nothing could be farther than the truth. So I decided to share my timeline back to fitness after my total abdominal hysterectomy.
Weeks 1-2: RECOVERY – I couldn’t do much more than get out of be, especially in the first 2 weeks. I listened to the the doctor as far as how to slowly resume normal activities. NO exercise whatsoever.
Week 3-5: WALKING – I walked short distances to get moving. Around the block. To the Lake. I didn’t do more than a mile or so at a time the first time. I also started upper body strength training during my 4th week using exercises designed for women who had just had hysterectomies or pelvic floor surgeries. You can read about my progress at that point here.
Week 6: RUNNING – I had my first run exactly 6 weeks post-op. It wasn’t my best run but it felt great to be out there. I still was following doctor’s orders. I could only do 1-2 miles at a time for a while but I stuck with it.
What I’m trying to say is that you should listen to your body as you get back into the swing of things. It has been more than a year since my surgery and I still have issues with my lower abs and core. I work on it and remind myself that I am making progress each day. You will too.
How long was it before you started exercising post-surgery? Did you have any setbacks that caused you to have to build back up your fitness levels?
Jul 03, 2014 @ 12:55:10
I was expecting rehab and recovery from knee surgery or something like that, but actually this is very useful to so many women runners, and quite honestly any runner because we go through so many challenges in life. You can never go wrong when you listen to your body. I like the practicality and honesty. Well done!
Jul 06, 2014 @ 21:38:06
Thank you! Listening to our bodies are necessary. As runners, we tend to push past the pain but sometimes it is necessary to wait until you are healed.