Physical activity is important for your overall health and all healthy adults should avoid inactivity. However, sometimes you might need to take a break from regular exercise.
Health conditions, illnesses, surgeries and postpartum period are examples of times you need to avoid moderate to vigorous physical activity. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that requires a certain recovery time. Talk to your doctor about exercise guidelines after this procedure.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Myomectomy for Fibroids
Myomectomy is a surgery that involves removal of noncancerous tumors, also called as fibroids, from your uterus. Your doctor will, upon a regular pelvic exam, discover the fibroids and may schedule an ultrasound to confirm the prognosis according to Mayo Clinic. Fibroids can cause several symptoms including pelvic pain, back pain, bladder pressure, abnormal bleeding and discomfort.
This procedure takes place under general anesthesia and it involves a incision in the lower abdomen. The surgeon will cut and separate and cut some tissue to get access to the fibroids. A traditional myomectomy is a major abdominal surgery and it will take few weeks to months for your body to recover.
In some cases a robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy can be performed according to John Hopkins Medicine. Small incisions are made and the fibroids are withdrawn. This procedure is considered less invasive and insures a faster recovery time and lets you get back to your normal activities more quickly.
Recovery After a Myomectomy
You will usually spend two to three days in the hospital after the surgery —unless you choose the laparoscopic surgery which means you can go home that day.
Abdominal pain and discomfort is typically present seven to 10 days after a myomectomy and typical recovery time is anywhere from two to six weeks and bending after a myomectomy may cause you some discomfort. However, this differs between individuals some people might recover in a few weeks, while others might need a couple months for a full recovery.
Post Myomectomy Exercises
Although you need to avoid vigorous exercise immediately after the surgery, the New York University Langone Medical Center recommends that you get out of bed and walk as often as you can. Walking will improve blood flow in your legs and helps prevent blood clots.
Start slowly and walk as often as you can around the hospital hallways and later on at your house and, once you feel stronger, outside. Leg exercises, even at the hospital, are also ideal.
Gradually Increase Your Intensity
You'll often need to wait two to six weeks before continuing vigorous physical activity after a myomectomy, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Start slowly with low-impact exercises such as walking, bicycling and hiking.
Gradually increase your exercise time and intensity. Continue exercising as you did before the myomectomy and do not begin a new strenuous activity until you are fully recovered. If you perform yoga after a myomectomy, stick to the gentle seated and standing poses.
If you were not active before the operation, do not begin a vigorous exercise activity during your recovery period. Always follow your doctor's exercise instructions.