Partial Hysterectomy & Bladder Surgery and Sports

My first thought is to ask you why you are having this done in light of the importance of competing in the upcoming 1/2 marathon. How much time will elapse between the surgery and the 1/2 marathon.

If the prolapsed uterus is causing pain I do understand wanting the hysterectomy but I strongly recommend that you discuss the possibility of safely running the 1/2 marathon with your doctor.

I've had 3 abdominal surgeries because of abdominal pain. During the first surgery the doctor discovered that I had endometriosis as well as a prolapsed uterus. They removed as much endometrium as possible. This involves removing all of the intestines, cleaning them, and then returning them to the abdomen. This caused massive amounts of scar tissue for me which has resulted in my being unable to run, jog, or jump for longer than a few minutes without having pain. I don't think that they yet have a way of determining endometriosis without exploratory surgery. If you're having surgery because of pain, are you reasonably sure that the surgery will remove the cause of pain? If they discover endometriosis (it's my understanding that endometriosis can only be accurately diagnosed with surgery) will you still be able to run?

After giving birth to 4 children my mother had a prolapsed uterus and bladder and had no pain. She used a pessary to help with urine leakage. She eventually had a vaginal hysterectomy and bladder placement correction and was still incontinent.

Perhaps you have a reason other than pain or incontinence for your hysterectomy. Whatever the reason, I would weigh the possible results of surgery with the importance of running this 1/2 marathon. Perhaps surgery would be better put off until after the 1/2 marathon.

I can tell you from experience that it is important to not lift for the time that they tell you not to lift. I thought it was closer to 4-6 weeks. Lifting more than the 2-3 lbs. (I'm not sure this amt. is accurate) uses your abdominal muscles, the same muscles that keep everything in place in your abdomen. By lifting weights, whether it's a gallon of milk or weights designed for sports, you could be allowing your organs to be pulled out of place, especially those organs that are vulnerable because their connection to your body is still weak. You can undo the surgery to lift your bladder. Running, jogging, jumping also puts strain on those new connections.

After I was in an auto accident several weeks after my first surgery an exam showed that my uterus was once more prolapsed. This could have been caused by the accident or it could have happened naturally. How vulnerable will your bladder be to reversal after the surgery? This is probably the most important question for you to have answered by your doctor.

My body made more internal scars than some people. Although I've had several external causes for scar tissue, including the abdominal surgery scars I have no pervasive external scars as I do internally. Every body is different. Asking this question is shows that you are concerned about long term effects. I'm glad. Please talk with your doctor, too.

I want to add that recovery from surgery with general anesthesia takes time. You will have less energy for several weeks. You will no doubt recover faster than we average people who don't train but you'll want to take into consideration the amount of energy you have along with what activities you have that are not optional.

My mom went through this last year at 53 years old. She'd been having all kinds of trouble with pain as well as the stressed out vaginal and rectal walls getting tears which risk infection. She had back pain and hip pain because of the prolapsed uterus pushing other things in the wrong directions.

She had her uterus removed, ovaries left, and had everything else reconstructed back to where it belonged. It was pretty involved, though, so it was not vaginal. She had 6 weeks off work to heal, and needed all six. But now, she's feeling great, joined a gym 6 months ago with my dad, and lost over 30 pounds! She would tell you that it's completely worth it to take the down time and have the wonderful results.

P.S. This is coming from someone who is very naturopathic/homeopathic medicine centered. However, when there are mechanical issues involved that threaten your overall health, then I'm thankful that such surgeries are available!

I had a complete hysterectomy in 2001. I too was scared because I had heard horrow stories about weight gain, swelly belly, etc. I had the c-section type incision.

My surgery went well and I feel and look better than ever. I did let up on the heaviest activity for about 6 weeks. I couldn't drive for 2 weeks and that was the toughest for me since my daughter is so busy. I was at her track meet 2 weeks post surgery and made it fine. I also wore a binder faithfully for months to precent swelly belly.

I can say that I had no swelly belly and no weight gain. I feel great. I found the website www.hystersisters.com to be very helpful. It has a lot of pros and cons from people who have been there, about to go through it and options on HRT, etc. The hardest part is waiting until the day of surgery.

I did not have the bladder portion of the surgery so I can't answer to that.

I had both done a couple of years ago and am SO pleased! My last child was born in 1983 and I had bladder problems ever since, not knowing why or what to do. Then a couple years ago I started having very heavy periods every two weeks (before it was very light for 4 days per month) and having severe migraine headaches. After the Dr.s examination it was decided on a partial hysterectomy and bladder sling, done vaginally. I have arthritis in my lower back and that caused quite a bit of pain afterwards, but I was only restricted from lifting for six weeks and then the Dr. cleared me to do anything I felt comfortable doing. I haven't regretted it in the 3 years since. Oh, and the migraines have never come back!

Are you having problems because of your prolapsed uterus? Bladder issues? You don't mention why your doctor wants to do this procedure other than he can. Bringing up your bladder would be a much more involved surgery than a simple hysterectomy. I'm pretty cynical about this but doctors make a lot of money doing surgeries and no money leaving things alone. And there are risks associated with any surgery, even what are considered the less invasive ones. You also don't mention your age... are you completely ready to give up your ability to have children? Unless you are in a lot of discomfort or there is some pathology involved, leave your uterus alone or at the very least, get a second and third opinion. Btw, I have a prolapsed uterus as well and this is something I wouldn't know unless a doc had told me.

I had a hysterectomy -- still have my ovaries though -- and it was supposed to be vaginal, but it ended up being a much more complicated surgery than planned and I had to have a c-section cut in order to remove it. Because of that my recovery was much longer. I would say I wasn't supposed to do heavy lifting or running for 12 weeks. If you have it done vaginally, your recovery should be much quicker and you'll be back to running in no time. I don't think it would be immediate, so you'll have to take some time off. I would ask my doctor about the recovery time, since you can't believe everything you read online. See what he/she says about it.