HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Bicycling after surgery

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/5/2009 2:05 PM (GMT 0)
 

Being a very avid bicyclist (I did about 4,000 miles last year), I'm wondering if there are others who have gotten back in the saddle after having surgery.  I know its early for me to start riding again but I'm wondering what your experience was after surgery riding a regular bike.  I plan to start off easy on a recumbent bike first!  

 - How soon did you start riding again after surgery?

 - Did you have more/less soreness or sensitivity to the seat while riding?

 - Did you have to change your seat to a different style?

 - Any added incontinence issues while riding?  

 - How long after surgery before it felt "normal" down there?

Thanks,

Posted 2/5/2009 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Highwheel,
I am a former avid bicyclist myself, but it took its toll on my knees by the time I hit 40. Yours is a good question, there is someone that posts here that rides a lot, even after treatment. I think the most obvious answer, and I am sure you know what I am going to say, but you shouldnt consider it without a full disclosure of your intent to your dr. and getting his/her clearance and blessing on it. Glad to see you are on this side of your surgery, wow, just two weeks ago. I hope you can heal up well and fast so that you can continue to do what you love. My best to your brother.

David in SC
Posted 2/5/2009 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
 

 hey High, yep' like my bike....nothing close to 4K miles but I do like the bike. My surgeon told me I could get back in the saddle at 6 weeks out, my Uro who is an avid cyclist told me to wait until this coming spring......Sooooo, of course I decided to listen to the surgeon this past fall...My surgery was the last of July, I waited two months.....sometime in Sept I remember. Yep' in my case anyways....my "bike ridin' Uro" knew what he was talking about!  I got out about a mile, one pretty fair incline coming back....never sit back down coming back. Sorta' sore it twas'....had the same problem in the gym straddling the seats on the machines. Just too tender. Now though, I can hit the machines, just have to force myself back into my routine and I'm sure I'll be fine on the bike when our weather gets right come spring.......I know it doesn't take long for those extra pounds to start showing up at this point, at least in my case, but time and patience my friend and listen to your body......Good luck

Posted 2/5/2009 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Highwheel

I guess we will have to get together sometime for a ride! I ride quite a bit (even more than you . . .)

I was back on the bike at 42 days . . . that was the shortest time allowable by my doc, another athlete.

The first eight or so days back in the saddle was a bit weird. Each and every time I hit even a small bump . . . I had funny vibrations on the inside. These did not hurt . . . just felt very, very odd!

Then, after eight days . . . I concluded that we are indeed just like a box of cereal "where some settling may occur." All of the vibrations ceased . . . I think the organs simply need to find their new homes.

I've spoken with quite a few doc friends, after a bit of a laugh . . . all agree . . . that must be what happens.

Most of my doc friends are also riders, not one of them was surprised, or concerned about my seemingly quick return.

First day back was around 50 miles, and riding with a bunch of friends . . . do you think they would give me a break? Of course not.

I was able to get 800+ miles in before the end of the season in Northern Minnesota.

So . . . for what it is worth . . . get back out there . . . what are you waiting for?

Cheers my riding friend,
Rich
Posted 2/5/2009 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe we all need to get together for a ride!

Cheers to the group . . .

Rich
Posted 2/5/2009 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Rich, you did a half century that soon after? Totally amazed. I am sure the mental theraputic benefit would more than make up for any weird feelings. Sounds like you are doing something you love.
Posted 2/5/2009 5:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys, Wasn't Lance Armstrong back in the saddle again almost right away after his testicular cancer? Di
Posted 2/5/2009 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I began to have soreness problems about a year before my cancer was diagnosed.  I tried a few rides about three months after, but it never felt right.  I have since tried out the incumbent.  It doesn't feel right either, but I can ride without any discomfort in the seat.  I was riding about 5000 miles a year before surgery, now probably less than 500.  Part of my problem is severe back pain and gettin older.


Posted 2/5/2009 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Its good to hear that there isn't a really long wait before you can straddle the saddle again. I'm of the thought that I can use the recumbent bicycle early and then change over. Because of weather, I'm going to set the recumbent up on the trainer in the basement. Sitting down on its wide, lawn chair like seat won't cramp anything in my nether region.

As to Lance, he actually never got off his bike and rode between his chemo treatments, not fast but it was a conviction for him to continue riding. If he had had prostate instead of testicular cancer, I think he would have just taken the seat and post out and ridden standing up.
Posted 2/6/2009 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
Highwheel,

Nice to hear you have a recumbent. Use a seat cushion. I'm using a treadmill. Today I walked 4.5 miles. I have three bikes, mountain, road & mountain/tandem. Glad the weather sucks. By the time it's nice, we'll be able to ride again. BTW, we had our surgeries the same day. How are you doing?
Posted 2/6/2009 4:17 AM (GMT 0)

My doc told me to wait 8 weeks before biking.  In my case I have a big bike with a motor on it.  I did wait 8 weeks and have never had a problem with soreness (other than the first few days).  I also ride a stationary bike 5 out of 7 days.  Initially, I rode it sitting on a soft pillow.

I think the real issue beyond waiting a few weeks is to test it out carefully.  You know your body better than anyone else.  Try a little and see how it goes, and ease your way back into it.  Before long you will be back to the pre-surgery riding.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply