Has anyone come up with a successful exercise plan after surgery. I am scared of weights any type of jumping, running,…causes me dizziness and headaches. I have thought about Yoga, but want something a little but more active??
I'm curious about this too. I workout daily and between running, weights, ploy metrics, I am a very active person. I'm worried about being able to workout after surgery. Obviously it will be a while after surgery that I can begin again, but I was wondering how long after surgery should I expect to be able to start with the basics again? And yes, I know every one is different and listen to the doctors and yadda. Real life experience is more what I'm looking for.
@Beeba, great idea! Great way to get started again. We just moved to Fort Drum and they have a rehab pool that is solely for people recovering from injuries/procedures. I'm going to have to schedule some time in it for after surgery! I bet water yoga would be good too! The water would be good cardio but VERY low impact
Beeba said:
I started treading water for 30 minutes. I can't swim distances because I get too winded so this was a good alternative. Saw all the lifeguards at pool doing it. For an extra challenge hold hands out of water. Good ab work as well. I have a recumbent bike for when it gets cold. We will see how that goes...
My Doctor said pool therapy is the best. Low impact supportive and warm....Perfect. You can make it as challenging as you want or as gentle as you need.
hello neighbor 
I’m having my surgery in Rochester w/ Dr Maxwell. Did you already have your surgery? If somwhere? I lift weights and was wondering how long it has taken others to get back in to weight lifting. Even if it was a much lower weight than per surgery. I’m going to be super anxious to workout again after surgery!
Emmaline said:
I live in Syracuse! Where are you having your surgery? I’m thinking along the same lines, but don’t have access to a pool. Been slowly lifting weights so far.
Lmnembhart@gmail.com said:@Beeba, great idea! Great way to get started again. We just moved to Fort Drum and they have a rehab pool that is solely for people recovering from injuries/procedures. I’m going to have to schedule some time in it for after surgery! I bet water yoga would be good too! The water would be good cardio but VERY low impact
Beeba said:I started treading water for 30 minutes. I can’t swim distances because I get too winded so this was a good alternative. Saw all the lifeguards at pool doing it. For an extra challenge hold hands out of water. Good ab work as well. I have a recumbent bike for when it gets cold. We will see how that goes…
Start slow - I am a yoga instructor and practitioner for 20 years (and a nurse and 15 months post-op). If you are getting dizzy and having additional headaches that's your head telling you not to do that. "active" is a relative term, be in the moment and remember that just because you've had surgery, doesn't mean you're immediately "fixed". It takes time for neural networks to reset, for CSF to flow in the right direction again, tissues must regenerate, etc. Listen to your head. Anyone here will tell you that an exercise plan that worked for them may not feel good for you. Your brain is unique and special, so start with an exercise program that nourishes it - don't beat the crap out of yourself with weights and jumping...the percussion to the brain and spine will not be helpful. Try swimming, and, yes, yoga (but not ashtanga or hot yoga, no headstands! maybe yin yoga would work, explore different types), ballet, pilates - anything that lengthens the spine and muscles. Ride a recumbant bike. The important thing is to do what works for YOU. If it hurts, don't do it :)
I haven't had surgery yet and am still mostly bedridden. My husband bought a set of resistance bands so I can sit and yank away happily! lol Before my symptoms flared up in June, I was walking up and down the alley with the dog. Now I can barely walk to the restroom... Sigh. Hopefully all this yanking will build up my muscles enough to be able to walk again!
Good luck!
Katrina W.