Health issues getting in the way of exercise...advice?

beaner5314
beaner5314 Posts: 4
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello everyone,
I have been having a lot of health issues over the past 5 months which have kept me from maintaining my usual workout regime. I had my gall bladder out in July and had a very difficult recovery because everything was in pretty rough shape. Since about 6 hours after that surgery I've been having a lot of pain in my abdomen (specifically my bladder...super weird) and when I workout it triggers the pain. Sometimes it's so bad that I had to lay on my couch for about 45 minutes to let the pain pass. I've been to a lot of specialists and found out I will be having surgery again on 11/19 to check for a bladder condition as well as possible endometriosis. I've also seen a GI specialist who had me do an upper endoscopy a couple weeks ago. Nothing significant came up there. So not only have I been having pain, but I've also not been getting any answers, so I have also been struggling with some depression and anxiety as a result. I feel like a mess! :)

But anyway, I don't know if there is anyone who may have had a similar experience. I know I will be laid up again for another two weeks after the surgery which means that I won't be able to workout until the beginning of December (if all goes as planned). I used to do the Insanity workout or run 5-6 miles every day. Oh, and another clincher...I'm getting married in May and I'm so afraid of this hiatus keeping me from fitting into my wedding dress.

Help?
Thank you so much!

Replies

  • Wegottahavethis
    Wegottahavethis Posts: 7
    On my bad days mentally sometimes, I go ahead and do stuff thinking, well, if I really pass out, that proves it's not in my head / it'll show it's real. So far I haven't actually passed out cold. Just rested on the floor a couple times. :laugh:

    But seriously, recovering from surgery is hard to do enough without too much. If your doc doesn't have time for your real concerns, and these are real, find another pro to talk with either instead of or in addition to your surgery group. Don't hesitate to keep asking, no ... Demand help to handle the recovery process properly. Two acquaintances have messed up their surgeries by doing too much or the wrong things. I think they all keep saying to avoid stress too.
  • beaner5314
    beaner5314 Posts: 4
    Thank you for the insight. I have definitely learned to become my own advocate after seeing about a total of 5-6 doctors so far. I am hopeful that this surgery will be the end of it all. I think my biggest obstacle is going to be wanting to do too much following surgery because I get impatient :ohwell: . I think a lot of this is more of a mental challenge for me, to accept what I can and cannot control. I mean, there's nothing I can do to change the situation regarding my exercise routine until after the surgery, but I am not looking forward to having to get back to where I was prior to all of this. I've worked really hard over the past 3 1/2 years to get where I am right now, and I'm just fearful of getting back into old habits.
  • Maia1122
    Maia1122 Posts: 1
    I don't have experience with your type of recovery. I would check with your Dr. and ask for suggestions and what you are cleared to do. Having said that, a couple of suggestions would be doing chair workouts. You do specific exercises while sitting. It might be less traumatic to your abdomen. Pretty sure you can look them up online. If you are cleared for it you might consider working out in water. I love to play in the water. It makes working out feel like play.
  • lindsayvernon
    lindsayvernon Posts: 56 Member
    You don't need to exercise to lose or maintain your weight. You can control your eating and stay within your calorie goal. I know it sucks not being able to exercise due to injury or surgery...been there and know how the depression can really set in. But you have to take it easy or your recovery will be a lot longer than you want it to be.

    If you can't push yourself to extremes (like insanity workouts) go for long walks and try and keep your mind on the positive things in your life. Stick to low impact workouts (again walking) or finding a pool and try swimming (which is an amazing whole body workout). Don't give up!! Even if you maintain your weight for the next few weeks, or however long you need to recover, that is still a victory. You will be able to get back to where you were and it won't take as long as you think.
  • nytrifisoul
    nytrifisoul Posts: 499 Member
    Eat 1200 calories a day and enjoy your exercise vacation while you lose weight and have more time to plan your wedding.
  • beaner5314
    beaner5314 Posts: 4
    Thank you everyone for the supportive words! I will definitely remember all of this while I am recovering. I'll just make sure to watch my diet closely and as soon as I am able to, I'll take short walks. I also never thought of doing chair exercises so I'll look into that and see what would be appropriate. Having abdominal surgery really puts a damper on what kind of exercises would be ok. It's amazing how often you utilize those muscles! :smile:
  • Pedalpush
    Pedalpush Posts: 246 Member
    I've been suffering from back pain that keeps me from my workouts sometimes. Like those above have mentioned, that's when I tighten up the reins on the food diary. Pain meds keep me from drinking my calories. My issue is with the "poor me syndrome" and seeking comfort food. You, my love, have SO much to look forward to! Your recovery times will lead you to better days and you want to heal properly so you're healthy and well for your wedding night!

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