exercise/rehab following bladder removal surgery

Good luck with tommorow Swag! Just take post surgery day to day. Everything will go pretty fast. If the docs there are like here, they will have you walking ASAP to start rehab. And again, Good Luck!

Bill

Thanks to everyone who responded to my query. I appreciate your welcoming and encouraging comments .It is fantastic to hear from people who have lived the experience. I have an appointment today with urologist prior to surgery tomorrow . I am starting to feel very anxious/uneasy .I do intend to ask a range of questions in relation to rehab/exercise . It sounds from your comments that rehab varies greatly for each patient and my sights were set a little too high . I will definitely take things slowly , as suggested . I will keep in touch following surgery and hope everyone remains well . cheers for now

You also might want to ask your doctor about using a lifting belt after surgery. It should reduce chance of hernia (I would think).

Hello Swag!

I am just at 8 weeks post op for RC and doing more and more. If you’re not to sure about work, talk to your doctor and let their experience guide you. I was given some pretty light weight restrictions for the first 4 weeks. What was recommended was walking and stairs. After that I was to start doing more and use common sense, if it starts to hurt or not feel right, stop. My doc said 3 months for work; I run printing presses so there is a fair amount of lifting and physical activity. As of now, lifting about 35 pounds can really be felt in the mid section. Also, your new bladder will be more than happy to let you know you’ve gone too far! Day pads only hold so much.

The biggest obstacles for me so far have been nutrition and energy. Getting the new bladder on a night time schedule will be rough just from the lack of sleep, and the tummy getting back up to speed with regular bowel movements throws the appetite all over the place. Expect to loose weight, I have lost about 30lbs. Just about everyone I have talked to has been able to go back to what they were doing just fine, some faster than others.

Good luck with the surgery and recovery and keep everyone here updated.

Bill

Swag

Welcome! Welcome! I know things are going well with you because you are allready thinking about getting back in shape. Congradlations!

I had the same thoughts as I recovered. As I felt better I went to the Y and started on the eliptical trainer and did cardio work First.
I next went on to upper body weights and leg strengthening machines. Note: be sure to empty your bladder COMPLETELY Before attempting any effort. Or wear a WetLook Sweatsuit, you will NEED it.
It was a While before I made any effort with my Core. It was almost 2 months before I attempted a situp. I used to do them by the hundreds at a time. I think I did 2. I slowly built up to about 30 at a time. As for heavy lifting. I was even more careful. This is major surgery and I was taking NO chances with tearing anything.
I guess the best advice is "When in doubt... listen to your body and err on the conservative side. There are plenty of stories on this site from people who started before they healed. I am all for "Getting Going" but you want to "keep Going" so take it easy as you start.

You WILL be able to get back to Full Heavy lifting. I have. But take it up that hill slowly.

Sincerely

George

Swag,

Glad you found us! There are others that will give you more info on their exercise regimes after surgery. I can tell you that it takes quite some time to recover fully. From an energy level and strength standpoint, it can be up to 6 months.

In the beginning, you will need to be very careful in order to avoid incisional hernias. I've had quite a few and the most I really do is lift my carry on bags into the overhead storage on airplanes.

I do know some folks mentioned that they had quite heavy lifting requirements for their jobs (I do consulting work so I was able to work on and off a little the week after I got home from the hospital). As long as I have my laptop and an internet connection I am good to go.

Being a firefighter certainly has the potential for extreme physical requirements so that is certainly going to take some time.

Best of luck on your surgery!

Mike