Working out after surgery

Yep, you suspect right- no machine work of any kind, except the treadmill. Nothing that will pull, push or strain your innerds (insides), for 6 weeks or whatever your doc says. My doc's regimin was, walk as soon as possible, natural or treadmill, work up as far as I wanted, on flat, not incline, After 2 weeks, could add up to 5 degrees incline. Continue for 6 weeks, at which time I was allowed to begin the bais or simple routines on the machines, slowly building up, at 8 weeks, all limited were removed, and I could continue on at my pace. Discuss this with you doc, or with a knowledgeable fitness trainer and see what they say..

Compiler,

I think the recommendations vary by doc and probably by patient too. My doc had me walking ONLY for a month after surgery, but NO restrictions after that (cardio or weights). Same doc did same surgery on a neighbor and had him walking only for 2 months and no weights, golf, skiing, etc for 3-4 mos can't remember (although he was a bit older, 62 I think).

I was back on weights, free and machines, after 6 wks (waited an extra 2 wks) and am back to same weights/reps as before surgery now almost 4 mos out. I did start very light though but built up surprisingly quickly. On the treadmill, I started building in 1-2 minute jogging intervals 3X during a 45 min session. I'm up to three 5 min jogs at 6-7mph in a 45 min 4 mph stiff uphill (5-10%) walk. I'm working out 6 days/wk (4 cardio, 2 weights). Feeling great. I'm a bit of a fanatic (was before PCa too), but makes me feel like I'm doing my part to beat the beast!

Obviously make sure with your doc, whatever you do, but I think the keys are to 1) start slow, and 2) let your body tell you how much and how fast increases should come.

God luck!

Ralph

   

Hey Mel,


After surgery for about 2 months all I did was walk.. I got up to about 5 miles a day. I then started using the elliptical machine (i like it because it doesn't have an impact on my knees) for my aerobic workout..including a 5 mile bike ride and slowly started pumping iron, both free weights and machines. I am now almost back to pre surgery condition..still have to take off 10 pounds. The only thing my uro told me was not to straddle anything...but he never told me how long so 2 months riding both ATV and snowmobile and of course bike with no ill effects. I find physical conditioning as important for my mental well being as my physical well being.

Ricky

Mel,

I'll comment on something that I can't explain.  My post-op running schedule has been extremely difficult to get back to my pre-op level.  On top of that I continue to struggle with poundage issues, as in, I still have an additional 20 pounds that I didn't have going into surgery.  I have been very active cutting and splitting wood and doing other physical activity and my tolerance with that stuff is back to normal but running is total different subject.

jnm

Hero, I know what you're talking about. I eagerly got back into a walking routine for the first few weeks , considered it needed therpy, but my endurance and dedication had really took a hit. I found I had to force myself to keep up the routine and to add to it. I struggled with it for over a year, lack of motivation or endurnace to keep up a goo long exercise period. Was just wiped out after short periods, for months afterwards. I don't know if it was the after effects of the surgery or just laziness and being a year older that made me that way. It's still a struggle, but not as much now.

Mel......all I did was walk, walk, walk for the first 4 weeks. I was in 10 mile running shape going into surgery, so at 4 weeks, i was able to do an easy 3, then 4, then 5 ,etc. miles when released to do so. I didn't go back to weights until about the 3 month mark, coincidently the same time my incontinence dried up for good. I too knew when it was about 3PM, because my body just said "time for the couch"....eventually it became 4PM, then 5PM, then......well you get the picture. Take it slowly and gradually, or you could just set yourself back even more. Hell it's long enough w/o setbacks------take care.