rehabilitation after abdominal surgery , something most of us have in common

pete43lost_at_sea
pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have been seeing a great physiotherapist for the last week.
a week ago I started on static abdominal exercisers to strength core abdominal muscles.

After being pretty focused on these exercises about 30 minutes a day, I have graduated to the machines. I still have a little too much fat to see my abdominal muscles but I can feel them.

What got me going to the Physio was a worry in the back of my mind about some of the exercise classes I am going to like yoga, aerobics and some of the advanced dance classes were to advanced.

I know I am not really ready for these, so I asked the Physion if he had experience with helping patients who had had major abdominal surgery. He smiled and explained it was similar to woman having c sections. The exercises he would recommend were similar. He also notes my lack of flexibility and recommended I stop all classes for the next few months and just do my treadmill.

So I got a good static core abdominal routine that I followed. Basically my stomach and bottom muscles are stronger and more flexible a week into the program. I have graduated to a more intense series of exercises today.

Has anyone else done this type of physio based exercise rehab ??

Has anyone heard of any research that the strengthening of ab muscles may help prevent hernias and or adhesions. ?

I think this course of rehab again could have been suggested by my colorectal surgeon and not been developed by my own enquiries ?

do you think our surgeons should be advising this for our rehab ?

How ironic, at the end of this exercise program , I should have a decent set of abdominal muscles without to much fat as opposed to roles of blubber for the last 25 years.

I will have a few interesting scars to remind me of my crc adventures.

hugs,
pete

Comments

  • lesvanb
    lesvanb Member Posts: 905
    #2
    Exercise
    Hi Pete

    I started physical therapy after I finished my chemo treatments 5/09, 6 mos after my LAR and liver resection, with my oncologist's blessing. I did that for three months and then went to a strength coach. I've been working with him 2 years this September, and mostly we work on core strength. I can't speak highly enough of my coach, as he has worked with me from hardly being able to do any step ups and V-sits (abdominals) to swinging a 50lb kettlebell this past Monday (15 reps on the minute for 5 minutes). I tell him I would not do any of this if I didn't get results. It is hard, though very satisfying, and does not get easier as you get stronger, because, well, then the exercises and weight keep increasing :-)

    I also have used homeopathic preps for scar tissue (both cream for external scars and a spray in mouth for internal scars. My naturopath is very pleased with how supple my scars are (even my old orthopedic scars).

    I don't know of any research as to whether any of this will help prevent adhesions. I've had none to date but know from others that adhesions can appear years later after abdominal surgery. Mostly I do what I do in order to help me survive and to have a good quality of life. I live on a ranch and do lots of "occupational therapy" :-). I also think the stronger core muscles have helped with my bowel movements.

    Being able to cultivate physical strength has been one way for me to realize my potential, especially in the face of other limitations/disabilities I live with (e.g neuropathy in my feet, bowel movements, PTS..)

    all the best, Leslie
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #3
    lesvanb said:

    Exercise
    Hi Pete

    I started physical therapy after I finished my chemo treatments 5/09, 6 mos after my LAR and liver resection, with my oncologist's blessing. I did that for three months and then went to a strength coach. I've been working with him 2 years this September, and mostly we work on core strength. I can't speak highly enough of my coach, as he has worked with me from hardly being able to do any step ups and V-sits (abdominals) to swinging a 50lb kettlebell this past Monday (15 reps on the minute for 5 minutes). I tell him I would not do any of this if I didn't get results. It is hard, though very satisfying, and does not get easier as you get stronger, because, well, then the exercises and weight keep increasing :-)

    I also have used homeopathic preps for scar tissue (both cream for external scars and a spray in mouth for internal scars. My naturopath is very pleased with how supple my scars are (even my old orthopedic scars).

    I don't know of any research as to whether any of this will help prevent adhesions. I've had none to date but know from others that adhesions can appear years later after abdominal surgery. Mostly I do what I do in order to help me survive and to have a good quality of life. I live on a ranch and do lots of "occupational therapy" :-). I also think the stronger core muscles have helped with my bowel movements.

    Being able to cultivate physical strength has been one way for me to realize my potential, especially in the face of other limitations/disabilities I live with (e.g neuropathy in my feet, bowel movements, PTS..)

    all the best, Leslie

    thanks leslie
    it seems you and i are on the path least travelled but you are a bit further ahead.

    i will just have to get used to pushing myself and trying to improve the workouts.

    what i got out of your reply, and thanks heaps, is that i need a coach as well. here they call them personal trainers.

    even your observations that the exercise has helped you survive and your quality of life has gelled with me. i hope we can keep this post going over the months to come. i would be interested in our sharing our successes.

    lookup pete43lost_at_sea on youtube for my next exercise routine.

    hugs,
    pete

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