How many of us had Physical Therapy after surgery?

PT sounds like a good idea. What sort of things did your PT sessions include?  How many did you have?  Of course it would probably help if the physical therapist had a clear view of what one's activity level was pre-op. 

I'm at a bit of a loss at the moment, trying to figure out what exactly is getting back into being active but "not twisting" and "no heavy lifting." Pre-op, I could easily sling two cases of water bottles (at once) into the back of an SUV. Post-op, I had to try to convince the wee dog that he could certainly hop up on the bed, etc on his own because all of his 12 pounds was a bit more than I could handle.  This week, I pulled the garbage bag out of the patio trash can, cinched it up, and carried it out to the front yard wheelie bin. Huh. Nice to know that the innards are knitting themselves together nicely, but I don't plan slinging cases of anything or twisting the night away for a while yet. 

Too bad I'm not still working out with a coach. The last one was good at getting me to do an amazing workout, but not in a damaging way.  I guess I just need to pay attention to what my body is (and isn't) ready to do, then do it (or not).

I didn't have PT nor did it ever come up in conversation during my appointments with the surgical team. 

Stub

I hever had PT perscribed post surgery but I did start walking right away.  I started walking a mile a day the second day home from the hospital, it was the longest mile of my life, and my doctor and wife jumped on me about it since I was not real stable and I had an 11 inch scar healing on my left side, but I was bored so I went walking, it felt great to be out and more importanlty it empowered me mentally, that is to say I was not going to be defined by cancer.  Since I have been on chemo I have not walked hardly at all but I just started again and made it a mile yesterday for the first time in a year, and man did that feel good, even though the CABO is messing with my esphogus and breathing, as well as my energy level, I felt like I conqured another roadblock and I plan on working my way up to three miles a day in a month and a half and eventually five miles a day.  By walking like I did and am now doing a gain I can see where PT would acomplish a lot towards recovery as well as mental strength.

As told before my first surgery was lengthy and extensive; and after 3 weeks the activities of daily living were not the most effective.  Then I went to ER with a Pancreaitis attack, which set me back a week or so.  But at 6 weeks post surgery, when I was released after the incision was healed, I headed to the pool at least 3 days a week or more.  As a PE teacher, I knew how to isolate groups of muscles, but started easily just walking in chest deep water. then added jogging, high knees, arm resistance for shoulders-pecs-biceps, wall push-ups and a variety of things that worked all of the hip flexors and extensors.  Then I took the foam noodle into the deeper water and worked on my abs and back both for flexibility and strength.  Finally, I worked on endurance by doing flutter kicks-1 minute hard and 30 sec. slow.  I continually added 5 minute blocks and alternated front to back until I was up to 30-45 minutes solid. 

I had been going to work 1-2 hours a day once I was released.  After a couple of months, I was able to work pretty much a full day.  I used this same type of pool exercise with each abdominal surgery, and other than some mildy droopy skin around the incision, I can still wear a size 10 pant.

And in the midst of all this-between 1st and 2nd surgeries for cancer, I fell an broke my ankle (tri-maleolar fracture on tib-bib, and dislocated my foot 90 degrees.) That put me in a cast for 7 weeks and then a walking boot.  Crutches for 7 weeks caused a trigger thumb and grew a large nodule on the the tendon, which needed surgery to give me about 40% motion on my R. thumb.  No PT, either.

Here on the west coast, I haven't heard of any cancer patients being prescribed specific PT.  Lung cancer patients may be sent for respiratory treatments to learn how to inhale and exhale more deeply.

Whatever you do, just get well, and keep on being tough.

Hugs,

donna_lee

i just wanted to put this all behind me like it never happened.

within hours i was walking a few steps and resting. within 2 weeks I went out to dinner with my wife leaning on my new fashionable cain.

5-6 weeks later I climbed a deer stand and made a killed and cleaned it.

I think you just have to do stuff. If a structured PT prgram helps direct you thats great. Just know youll get tired and sore and need lots of naps and tylenol and after your next nap just get up and do more stuff. It aint easy but in the long run its good i think

I have been seen by two physiotherapists.  They seemed to be checking my progress rather than advising.  I don't remember anything they said except that one showed me how to use the breathing exercise thingie. Certainly nothing like what fox described. 

Steve.Adam said:

In this hospital

I have been seen by two physiotherapists.  They seemed to be checking my progress rather than advising.  I don't remember anything they said except that one showed me how to use the breathing exercise thingie. Certainly nothing like what fox described. 

I remember the breathing thing. It was annoyning and i didnt like it. I know it is very important and people who dont do it well get pnemonia at a higher rate but i kind of felt like if i could show them i could hit the blue line then i was good. I would practice a little to make sure i was ready to show them when they asked.

Walking was more of a challenge I was eager to take on. Everyone told me the sooner i could walk I would heal faster. I "HATED" how cancer made me feel like a victim, so each few hours I would set a goal a little further out (with my walker of course....lol) and i would try and make a point of stopping by the nurses station and talking and trying to be cheerful.....just to kind of prove that I had cancer but it doesnt have me!