3-incision laproscopic technique–very clean and was able to (comfortably) ride yesterday–5 days post operation. I’m not going to swim until all the dermabond tape (or whatever it exactly is) falls off and the outside of the incisions looks entirely clean (no desire for infection). No bowel problems of note. I’ve taken 2 tylenol (not sure the dose) the night after the surgery to sleep and 1, 200 mg, dose of Ibuprofen for the next 2 nights also to help fall asleep. Nothing since, nor any need (not even sure I needed anything the second night).
By the sounds of it all I am bouncing back comfortably and fast. My worry is ramping up my training too fast and hurting something that I can’t feel. I’m obviously at risk for a hernia while my abdominal wall heals back up again (but also something I should largely be able to feel), so I’m not exactly going crazy hard or anything for a while. I just derive a huge amount of my lifestyle from being active and moving (so the quicker I can resume, the happier I’ll be).
Haven’t run yet. Maybe this weekend. Nor has anyone ever accused me of under-thinking an issue.
My major question is thus: am I largely governed post-operation by my pain levels or should I be worried that I will miss feedback from something not innervated (internal organs)? I.e. is listening to my body (and acting conservatively on that) sufficient to govern my recovery? I’d really like to heal up as fast as possible and maintain as much fitness as I can–definitely taking a long view on this issue. No sense being a penny wise and a pound foolish.
Had the same thing this summer - slowed me down for about a month.
From what I recall, I was back running in about a week/10 days, and the bike after 2 weeks (although not at full speed). Agree to wait on the swimming until the incisions heal up. The Dermabond will flake off soon enough, but watch out for surgical site infections.
As you point out, the main risk is in getting an abdominal hernia if you put too much strain on the incision sites. No heavy lifting for a month to allow the abdominal wall to heal up, and you should be fine (or for however long your doc recommends). Hardest part was not being able to pick up my toddler for the first 10 or 14 days.
Maybe more long slow workouts until you get the one month green light. Not worth getting some mesh as a reward for pushing it too hard!
I raced Ironman 70.3 Raleigh 13 days after appendectomy…not typical but not atypical…saw a guy raced IM Wisconsin to 12 hour finish 9 days after appendectomy. Don’t push it but don’t be afraid to do anything. Listen to your body.
I encourage my patients to do exactly what you are doing. After 48 hrs incisions have fine layer of skin over incisions. Ok to swim in 2 days. I usually like to see patient in follow up and if ok-go swimming.
Start running. As you said, listen to your body. Soreness ok, more than that need to back off. Only area you can get hernia is umbiical incision assuming the other 2 sites are the small incisions.
If there is an internal problem you will know it. Fever, bloating, increased pain right lower abdomen could represent abscess. Occur 7-10 days after surgery. Fairly rare if not ruptured. Sounds like you are doing great.
Genuinely appreciate the feedback. Thanks! Had my post op checkup today (albeit with a different physician as I decided to get appendicitis over Thanksgiving while I was with family…), and everything looks good to go.
Sounds like I can enjoy dusting off those runners legs tomorrow and probably swim on Monday!
I had a lapro. appendetomy on a Saturday, rested Sunday through Tuesday, and was on the trainer in the living room on Wednesday. I started to run again on Thursday or Friday, did a 20 miler on Sunday, and ran a PR marathon 4 weeks post-op. My doctor told me to listen to my body; it would let me know if I was pushing too hard. I was lucky that I had an easy procedure and speedy recovery. Hopefully your experience will be the same.
Like the Dr said in a previous post you’ll know for sure if you have any other internal problems caused by it. Sounds very unlikely in your situation but beware of stomach pains and digestive problems in combination with fever. I had a ruptured appendix for a couple of weeks this year which caused a lot of those internal problems afterwards with abscesses and inflammation. But it was fairly easy to feel when it was coming on after the first time and as long as you don’t wait too long to seek help it’s just very uncomfortable.
I’m beginning to think my surgeon is being a little overly cautious. Laparoscopic appendectomy on 12/30. No running or swimming for 4 weeks, no bike/trainer for 3 weeks. I can start walking on the treadmill Tuesday. My incision points were atypical due to other complications but that shouldn’t prevent me from light exercising. Anyway, it’s killing to literally do NOTHING. I’m pretty sure his office is sick of me calling on an almost daily basis begging if I can do SOMETHING, the answer is always the same, NO. :-((
