Post op exercise

Hi firstly welcome to the group and I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question however someone should do.

I have my  consultation in a few weeks.i wish you well in your recovery/ journey.

Thank you and all the best for your outcome too 

I had a full nephrectomy and was told no exercise for 6 weeks post op

Call your Cancer Nurse Team attached to your consultant. They are there to help in all sorts of ways with queries and worries. I recall I was told not breast stroke or crawl until after my first check up on my scars healing etc. But I had a full nephroureterectomy. I am sure you can at least float and gently kick your feet/legs while on your back. But best to check. Good luck!

Thanks Tillyv

Hi and welcome!

I have been having the same question as I'm now 6 weeks post-surgery but due to go on hols on 1st July and as we have the pool pretty much to ourselves in our gite, swimming is one of the biggest joys for me when on holiday. 

I had the same surgery as you. I've struggled to get answers re: swimming and other activities - the medics tend to say "no strenuous exercise" but when pressed, seem unwilling to define "strenuous"!! 

I am having issues with an incision which isn't healing as well as the others did, so that's my main concern, but the letter received today from my consultant has cleared me for swimming in another six weeks. I have googled waterproof swimming dressings for wounds that are not fully healed, and even if mine isn't by then, I think I can find a way to swim. 

As far as the internal stuff goes, ie the healing that is going on inside and can take 6-12 weeks in total, having read the replies here before replying, I agree with Tilly: you need to check with your medical team because generally the yard stick for re-starting normal activities, even after the surgery that you and I have had, seems to be six weeks. However, your team may say that if everything is healing well - incisions, pain levels etc - gentle bathing in a pool may be not only possible but actually beneficial. (As in, it's relaxing and can help build up your muscle strength whilst being non-weight-bearing) Do check with them first. 

If your scars are still not completely healed at four and a half weeks, ask your team if you can consider swimming with those waterproof dressings. They may not even be necessary - depends how well your scars have healed. I have read various advices on bathing as in. taking a bath, and these range from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. Swimming, depending on where you will be swimming (public pool packed with other people; the salty sea; private pool such as I will be using in July) may be healthier than bathing in your bathtub where you may be tempted to use lots of scenty potions. Chlorine, in low concentrations, is disinfecting. 

I am not a confident swimmer - I just love being in water! - and my swimming, is a couple of gentle lengths, a bit of diggling around on my back doing a variety of strokes and relaxing floating, and a fair bit of floating around and treading water, which I find very relaxing. I don't have the energy even when fully fit, to do 20 lengths!! My kind of swimming, is less "strenuous" than walking!! 

I think I must be about the only person who hasn't felt any tiredness or fatigue after this surgery! However, a holiday is the best way to allow yourself to relax and rest as much as you need to, and you may well find that it energises you by dint of being relaxing. Have a lovely time! 

Hi 

I also had a radical nephrectomy and probably over did it with doing all my regular activities 6 weeks after surgery 

I seem to get dizzy spells often and have internal abdominal pain especially when lifting something heavy and I’m 8 weeks post op

really have to listen to your body and take it easy I guess not just assume I’m back

I had all that.. the dizzy spells, abdominal pain and swelling, plus breathlessness, fatigue and more... for 4 months. Only now at almost 6 months do I feel almost fully back to normal!. It is a massive operation..do not underestimate!

Thanks Tilly I was worried about the dizziness and other symptoms but feel rest assured I’ll be okay just takes time I guess that really helps me and although it took 6mths I’m glad you feel better 

Always worth getting your general health and bloods checked if you get worse (or no better as time goes on) ..  just in case you are very low on iron or certain vitamins. But otherwise yes.. time, rest, and patience! X