Easy Does It! Best to Ease back into Your Fitness Program Post-Hysterectomy

When returning to exercise after your hysterectomy, you need to be very cautious. Before you begin, be sure to check with your doctor.

Some have more extensive surgeries than others do, and your doctor will know what is right for you. It is a good idea to start walking as soon as possible after surgery. Most hospitals will not allow you out if you don’t walk. Walk as much as you can while still in the hospital. When you arrive home, plan to rest.

The next day you should have a space blocked out for a short walk. You may only walk around your house at first, or up and down your driveway. It does not matter how far you go just that you walk. Start with 10 minutes. When you are finished walking, rest, with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of water.

Two quarts is recommended. Each day when you walk be prepared to go further, or longer than the day before. Try to stay clear of hills. Either direction. I found that walking downhill was far more stress on the abdominal than uphill. It is best to walk on a flat surface. If weather does not permit outside walking, try to find a mall or a Wal-Mart or some other place that has plenty of floor space. A treadmill at this point can be too much.

It is better for you to move through space. After your doctor has given you the green light (usually about 6 weeks), you may begin to do what you were doing prior to surgery, but on a much smaller scale. Always approach your program as a starter.

Don’t ever jump in with the idea that you can do like you did before. You must work up to it gradually. Good luck to you in your recovery and return to activity.

Browse through the HysterSisters Fitness and Wellness after Hysterectomy articles covering Post-hysterectomy fitness and wellness concerns. Weight loss, body chemistry, exercise, eating right, motivation, osteoporosis, making a plan, drinking water, and more.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: Resuming Fitness After Hysterectomy