Question on recovery

[akpatti]

ok I had a open surgery 4.5 weeks ago...I had gotten myself down to 40 mg of steroids prior to surgery, after surgery I was put back up to 50 to taper down...now at 20..I know the steroids make it take longer potentially to heal which is why the surgeon said 6 weeks and I would be completely released back to everything...Is that realistic? He said by week 2 I could jog and by week 3 I could run. At week 2 I could not change pace into a trot without tugging. When I called to check I was told to wait 2 more weeks before trying to run and then gradually work back into it...and of course not to do any lifting more then 10 pounds. I am out 4.5 weeks and can jog for a short period, but cannot shift gears to get any kind of speed. My insides actually feel bouncy, but I don't know if that is the muscle or not. If I get jostled because I slipped on the ice or hit a bump while driving I actually feel queezy from the movement. I have been doing misc stuff around the house, but am finding that my muscles are sore more so then trying to run. I had to have a open surgery so my incision extends from my diaphragm to just above my belly button...about 8 inches. Sorry I hate talking to the surgeon because it seems like his answer is for me not to do anything and then I should be able to do everything...this is the same guy that I asked if I would have difficulty bending down to pick anything up after surgery and he asked me why I would...no that I wouldn't have a problem...he was wrong and the forum was right I couldn't bend down. Has anyone had a surgery similar to mine and been on steroids that can tell me what I am looking at in the next few weeks??? I stupidly listened to my doctor and entered a dog trial that more then likely someone else will have to run them because according to him I should have been able to a week ago I am not a slacker, I am trying to do everything I can to get back to being me. Sorry I am a little frustrated right now too.

 

[Samboi]

What type of surgery did you have AKPatti?

 

[akpatti]

bowel resection of the end of my ileum and another at the start of the jejunum.

 

[Spooky1]

when i was young i couldn't get back to joggiing for around 3 months. think your surgeon is unrealistic. did you have your stomach muscles cut down for the surgery? i got back to cycling much quicker, but can't help you're forcing things on to yourself too quickly.

best wishes for the recovery though

 

[Angrybird]

Jogging by week 2, is the guy mad!?!? I was told by week 2 I 'should' be ok to try having a bath instead of having a shower! My nurse said that for up to 6 weeks you do still feel niggles and discomfort, by week 8 they should be mostly gone but if you was then stupid and lifted something quite heavy you would soon know about it. Was not on steroids as I had been avoiding them leading up to the op.

 

[littlemissh]

Blimey, if you had a simple laparoscopic procedure you might think about gentle jogging by week 3 but open surgery! You aren't even supposed to drive until week 5 as you may not be able to do an emergency stop!
I think you should listen to your body and gradually increase gentle exercise.

 

[akpatti]

Well at least I know its not me. They did cut down through the stomach muscles which I think is part of what the recovery issue is. I did ask him time lines before surgery, so I thought I was being realistic because I have done everything I have been told to do. I guess I am impatient to get back to being me again, but at the same time terrified to screw up anything. I'm glad I had the surgery, I just don't want anyone to have to go back in anytime soon.
Thank you...it does help to know it is normal to take this long to bounce back.
It is hard being able to feel it but not see it.