HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

How long after surgery did u take walk,drive car,go to store etc

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/18/2018 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Just wondering how much time u allowed after surgery before any of above. Now my incision is 26 staples up and down my stomach so I would think I might need to wait on things more then smaller incisions
Posted 1/18/2018 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Took a short walk about a week after being released from hospital. It was summer time so I was itching to get outside. Also about a week after being home I went to the store but didn’t drive. Doctors orders were no driving for 4 weeks.
Posted 1/18/2018 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
It depends how sick you were going into surgery, that one of the main reasons why everyone’s schedule is different.

It’s also illegal to drive if you’re taking pain meds.

You can walk right now if you’re up to it. Just don’t slip and fall.

I did not enjoy shopping after surgery. It wore me out and was painful. I especially did not like getting in and out of the car.

Use a small pillow, put it over your stomach and between the seatbelt. Also hold it over your stomach as you are getting up, this will help support your incision.
Posted 1/18/2018 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Will take it easy. Get staples out next Wednesday. So road trip into city
Posted 1/19/2018 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
I had a vertical abdominal incision held together by 30 staples a couple yrs ago after pelvic surgery; prior to staple removal by my surgeon 2 weeks later I was advised to walk daily, but to avoid lifting, pushing, & pulling objects over 5 lbs, also to keep the incision dry. When surgeon removed the staples (one-by-one!) she then applied strip bandaids horizontally over the incision & told me to continue keeping the site dry, then to remove the bandaids in 8 days. The rationale for that: incision will heal from the outside-in. Your doc, like mine, may expect that you'll need 6 weeks post-surgery to recuperate before taking on routine tasks that could harm your incision or even cause hernia. So definitely take care! / Old Hat (37 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 1/19/2018 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
I need to go back to work say first week of February to pay my bills. When I don't work I don't get paid. Figure I'll have 3 1/2-4 weeks off since surgery. Remember I did not need emergency surgery. I went into surgery in decent shape. I can always take extra week if needed.
Posted 1/20/2018 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
3 1/2 weeks seems to fast to go back to work, especially being a contractor. I'm assuming you wont be able to lift anything for at least 6 weeks. Did your doc give you any time frames?

Just curious, are you self employed?
Posted 1/20/2018 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Yes self employed. Getting staples out Wednesday. Will discuss going back to work with Dr then. Not a chance in hell am I lifting. I have employees to do that
Posted 1/20/2018 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Well then thats good, if you don't have to lift you might be able to go back to work. Though you will probably be wiped out by days end. But each day wil get better. smilewinkgrin I will be waiting to hear what your doc says.
Posted 1/20/2018 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
I feel good now. I'm taking it easy as far as moving around with incision. Got out just once this week. Going for walk today-short walk. Walked more in hospital then I am at home, so as long as weather is good here in N.Y I will try to get out. My muscle tone is low so I have to get it stronger before going back to work. That shouldn't be a problem
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply