riding after surgery

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rhylis

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Hi! I'm just after some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation to me. I've just had abdominal surgery (hysterectomy) and there are lots of strict rules about what you can and can't do during recovery. Mostly it relates to lifting and anything that puts pressure on the tummy muscles.
Has anyone else had the same or a similar type of operation and what are your experiences of returning to riding afterwards? I'm thinking it will be a while before I can try and I'm wondering how different it will feel until my tummy muscles build up again.
 
I haven't personal experience but my mum had a hysterectomy. Please, please take it easy and don't rush to get back in the saddle - it is a major op - so look after yourself :)
 
I'd be looking at a minimum of 3 months and then only if you feel up to it and you have a saintly horse to ride. It's major major surgery and it's not worth the risks that riding too soon would pose

Dr Bx
 
Hi there. I had a new boob made out of my tummy so had cut almost hip to hip although they did not go deep enough to touch muscles.I stayed off riding for three months then nelly took it easy and just waled for a whole. Two years after I try not to do any heavy lifting. Though sometimes it is inevitable. Hope you are as well as can be expected after your op. By the was I was 64 so no spring chicken
 
It's really important not to overdue it because there's a lot of internal healing going on, you may feel OK but your body needs time to heal. I think a lot depends on how it is done, if you have keyhole then I think it's much quicker as there's not so much damage to the stomach muscles. Really you need to take your surgeons advice after the op, he/she will know much better than anyone on here, just don't rush it a few month here or there is nothing in the great scheme of things. I had mine done years ago and have to admit once I'd got over the op I felt so much better. Good luck!
 
I trained someone in this position she had clearance to ride after 3 months, but the first time on was just a few minutes walking on a steady neddy then wait until the next day to see how it all settled down. We built it up from there,slowly.
 
I had a hyst nearly 6 years ago. I was very careful for the first 6 weeks & didn't do anything that used my core. After my 6 week checkup, I was cleared to go back to exercise so started again very gradually.

Riding felt really weird...I felt like a wobbly jelly as my core had just 'gone'. It does come back though, and now it's as if nothing ever happened.

Do be careful until you've had your 6 week checkup as you don't want a hernia. It's important for it to heal properly before you start putting pressure on it all.

T x
 
You probably have to follow the same rules as after c-section as similar-ish surgery (ie. just as invasive)? They say not to drive or lift anything for 6 weeks, I didn't drive until 6 weeks (mainly due to insurance) but I did start riding (and falling off...) at 4 / 5 weeks. You soon feel when you're up to doing more, my core muscles were screwed after mine and still aren't as good as they used to be, so just take your time and see how you go. But shouldn't your doctor have told you timings for driving/lifting/riding etc.? If in doubt, I think you should give them a call?
 
I had a hysterectomy a few years ago (in my early 40's) I was really sore for 2 weeks and after that I religiously followed Dr's orders - which were not to get back in the saddle for minimum 6 weeks. 6 weeks and 1 day I was back in the saddle. I felt well enough to ride after 4 weeks but didn't. The first time I rode at walk for 20 mins. It all felt fine until I had to get off - that was really painful!! It was another couple of weeks before I could dismount easily. If I was honest I felt I could ride again from week 4 but am glad I didn't. I was driving after week 4. I think everyone is different and you need to listen to your Dr and your body. My physiotherapist friend did say she rarely saw people get over that op like I did but I'm sure many do. Good luck x
 
I had a total abdominal hysterectomy and didn't ride for about 3 months on doctors orders. Just then rode gently for some time to try and build muscles back up
 
Thank you to everyone who has replied, its very helpful to hear about how others have managed. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, prior to that I've also had two c-sections. My stomach muscles must really think I dislike them by now! I had a lot of conflicting advice in hospital. I live and work on a farm, one consultant said I could get back to gentle farm work in 4 weeks (not sure anything I do on the farm classes as gentle!) Another said do nothing farm or horse related for at least 8 weeks.
Its early days yet, I must admit that before the op I was desperate to get back on a horse as soon as possible but the way I feel now I'm happy to take advice to leave it longer!
 
oldie48 said:
It's really important not to overdue it because there's a lot of internal healing going on, you may feel OK but your body needs time to heal. I think a lot depends on how it is done, if you have keyhole then I think it's much quicker as there's not so much damage to the stomach muscles. Really you need to take your surgeons advice after the op, he/she will know much better than anyone on here, just don't rush it a few month here or there is nothing in the great scheme of things. I had mine done years ago and have to admit once I'd got over the op I felt so much better. Good luck!
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I disagree! I had a Hysterectomy just over 4wks ago ,I had keyhole and have healed outwardly but still struggling! Its a very odd sensation re muscles, everything is pulling tight above my belly button and around my sides. I dared get dressed properly for the first time on Monday (wore jeans all day) and regret it today, very sore! Not even contemplating riding yet!
 
I often get as much enjoyment out of handling horses on the ground as riding them. Perhaps you can get your horsey fix just grooming and spending time with your horse until you are ready for the saddle. Definitely don't risk mucking yourself up by risking a fall before your body can cope. Good luck with it.
 
I think you may have been rather unlucky. I didn't have key hole and they used a previous scar from 2 x C sections and a previous abdominal op, so I had a lot of scar tissue but frankly after 4 weeks i felt really good and wanted to get going again but waited until i'd got through 6 weeks before I started riding again. My friend had a key hole hysterectomy 2 weeks ago and she feels wonderful and is champing at the bit, absolutely no pain, back in normal clothes etc. She's in her 60's but very fit. I hope you are feeling better soon. However, I did say to take your doctor's advice as he/she is the one who will know best.
spottybotty said:
I disagree! I had a Hysterectomy just over 4wks ago ,I had keyhole and have healed outwardly but still struggling! Its a very odd sensation re muscles, everything is pulling tight above my belly button and around my sides. I dared get dressed properly for the first time on Monday (wore jeans all day) and regret it today, very sore! Not even contemplating riding yet!
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