Geez...you Macho men!! I think its great to have a goal..mine was to get up and down the stairs without pausing every two stairs. So we all go at our own pace...but it is important not to injure that new neobladder or create a hernia ..so seriously follow the instructions for 6 weeks and then go out and polish your snomobile and have a talk with it....Here'a a few hints you will probably get anyway on discharge......
Activity
You should continue walking when you return home, gradually increasing the distance. Walking will help you to build strength.
Take planned rest periods during the day. The best gauge is your own body and how you feel.
You may walk up and down stairs when you return home, but take them slowly. Plan activities so you need only go up and down several times a day. Again, you will gradually build up to your pre-op routine as you regain your strength.
Avoid heavy lifting (greater than 5 pounds) or strenuous activity for about 4 weeks. Heavy lifting can cause increased abdominal pressure which can put a strain on your incision and could create a small hernia. If you need to brace yourself to pick something up, it is too heavy.
Avoid bending. This is tiring and also increases abdominal pressure. If you must pick something up, bend at your knees (not at your waist) and stoop to pick up the object.
Do not drive for four weeks or as directed by your physician. A good rule is to not drive till you are pain free. This is because when you are having pain, it will change the way you would react to something. Take car breaks every couple hours for extended trips. Get out of the car and walk around.
Do not drive any motorized vehicle, or sign legal documents while taking narcotic pain medications. The narcotic medication may cause alteration in visual perception and impair judgment.
Personally all i needed was tylenol when i came home..no heavy meds...but everyone is different.
Just be sensible is all.
Pat
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