Core work after abdominal surgeries

Merithyn

Went to a "Personalized Training" class this morning at my gym. It helped in that I'm really worried about building my core and I'm not sure how to do that safely given my history of abdominal surgeries (I've had eight surgeries where I was cut from hip to hip; last one was 12 years ago this summer) and she offered some suggestions. At the same time, it was limited since it was a class of five people in one hour.

She essentially told me to do all of the different strength machines on medium weights (for me) at 3 reps of 12. (I'm not sure I really needed a personal trainer for that, but okay.) Then, for my abs, do the ab circuit twice at very low weights (no more than 10 lbs). She stressed that I be careful, pay attention to how my body reacts to the circuit, and to take it slowly at first.

But she didn't go over when to do what (as in on Monday do this, Tuesday this, etc) nor did she really address the other aspects of my core (as in my hip abductor muscles, lower back, etc). It was a free session, so I can't really complain, but I really do need to figure this stuff out if I'm going to have any chance at building my core.

It doesn't help that the surgeries have effectively killed the nerve endings in my lower tummy area all the way through to the muscles. I can feel them, but not really. In other words, I could pull a muscle and not know, making how I handle this very important and very tricky. It also means that those muscles are seriously compromised and will take a LOT to rebuild.

Before it comes up, I can't afford to meet with a personal trainer one-on-one until my husband finds a job, and I don't have insurance so seeing a doctor prior to working on my abs isn't an option, either. This is why I'm coming to you all.

Suggestions?

MeliciousGibson

Wow - that's a lot of surgeries!

I've only had 4 abdominal surgeries, and also have nerve damage from just below my belly button down my left thigh about half way.

I, personally, started slow and worked my way up to "normal" (I'm a bit above what I would consider "normal"). Some of it depends on what the surgeries were for. Mine were for cancer - removing my "plumbing" piecemeal. I've had absolutely NO problems with pulling anything abdominally, but I have had some issues with my hip flexors, primarily on that left side where I'm numb. I sure can tell when I've pulled something afterwards, though! Hurts like heck when I'm just walking!

Since your last surgery was over 6 months ago, I wouldn't be worried as much about adhesions, which has been a major problem for me since I started training pretty much immediately after being told I was off restrictions.

The best advice I can give other than to go slow is to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! It will tell you when you're pushing too hard - even if there IS nerve damage. Start lighter than you THINK you need to go for a while...see how you do...and increase at very small increments from there. Be patient with yourself - after all, you only have this ONE body...be kind to it!

Best of luck! PM me if you have any other questions you can think of. I can only give you what has worked from my perspective, though.

Merithyn

Wow - that's a lot of surgeries!

I've only had 4 abdominal surgeries, and also have nerve damage from just below my belly button down my left thigh about half way.

I, personally, started slow and worked my way up to "normal" (I'm a bit above what I would consider "normal"). Some of it depends on what the surgeries were for. Mine were for cancer - removing my "plumbing" piecemeal. I've had absolutely NO problems with pulling anything abdominally, but I have had some issues with my hip flexors, primarily on that left side where I'm numb. I sure can tell when I've pulled something afterwards, though! Hurts like heck when I'm just walking!

Since your last surgery was over 6 months ago, I wouldn't be worried as much about adhesions, which has been a major problem for me since I started training pretty much immediately after being told I was off restrictions.

The best advice I can give other than to go slow is to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! It will tell you when you're pushing too hard - even if there IS nerve damage. Start lighter than you THINK you need to go for a while...see how you do...and increase at very small increments from there. Be patient with yourself - after all, you only have this ONE body...be kind to it!

Best of luck! PM me if you have any other questions you can think of. I can only give you what has worked from my perspective, though.

Yeah, I had three C-sections, then had my innards taken out or "fixed" piece by piece, finally yanking the last ovary when cancer was found. So similar to you only with babies in there, too. I ended up with all eight surgeries in a matter of six years, so there was no easy recovery. Adhesions continue to be a problem, but my doc and I both refuse to consider the idea of going in and cleaning them out. I don't want another surgery, and he doesn't want to go in again unless he absolutely has to.

Thanks for the advice. It's helpful to hear from someone else who's gone through it.