Dr. Conways Post-Op Guidelines

[Karyn]

1 - 3 Weeks Postop
Modified bed rest
No lifting, squatting, or bending
Able to sit for toileting only
Limit stairs to 1 -2 times per day
Household ambulation limit to 5 - 10 minutes at a time (3 - 4 times per day maximum)
Able to stand 5 - 10 minutes for meal prep, brush teeth, bathe, etc ...
Exercise: diaphragmatic breathing, ankle pumps, heel slides, gentle trunk rotation

3 - 6 Weeks Postop
Same as above
May sit with cushion 5 - 10 minutes (2 - 3 times per day) for meals if it does not cause pain
May gradually increase walking/standing to 10 - 20 minutes (3 - 4 times per day)

4 - 8 Weeks Postop
Begin gentle postop PT - myofacial release and gentle connective tissue release
Vaginal or rectal manual therapy may begin when cleared by MD

6 - 12 Weeks Postop
Avoid bending, squatting, or lifting
Gradually increase walking/standing (limit to 30 minutes at a time)
Limit stairs to 2 - 3 times per day
NO high impact activities (no biking, running, weightlifting, or aerobics)
May begin aquatic exercises, gentle stretching or basic yoga exercises (when cleared by MD or PT)

12 Weeks to 1 Year Postop
Avoid frequent squatting
Avoid heavy lifting
Avoid prolonged sitting
Avoid high impact activities (i.e. running, jumping)

[helenlegs 11]

I hope you are being a model patient
Take care,
Helen

[Faith]

Interesting. Thanks for posting Karyn. What do you think he defines as "prolonged" sitting (12 weeks-1 year)? Are you going to do PT? I know you didn't have a great experience with it pre-op. I hope you are getting a little better everyday. I think of you often and what a great positive attitude you seem to have. That always helps!

Blessings,
Faith

[nyt]

Thanks for posting. He's a little more restrictive than Dr. Hibner's post-op guidelines.

[Griff522]

Take it easy Karyn. I hope you're feeling better Hon.

[Karyn]

I hope you are being a model patient

Well, no - not really. I didn't get these postop guidelines until my 6 week check up. Dr. Conway and his assistant are not happy or impressed with me. We were supposed to talk about beginning to walk at this appointment, but I've been doing it since week 3. I increased the distance and walking time during week 5. They also feel I'm on my feet for much too long
(4 - 6 hours/day for the first 3 weeks, 8 - 10 hours after that) and they're right, so I'll be trying to cut that back. Explains the burning at night. Duh! In my pitiful defense, I was never one of those that felt "reduced pain levels" in the morning or during the day. I rolled at a 8 or 9 - 24/7, and have always had an extra hard time at night. I'm USED to being in extra pain at night. Even my current "end of the day pain" is less than before surgery. So, I really didn't think much about it. My pain levels since surgery are a 2 or 3 (mornings/daytime), which I haven't experienced for years. This is HUGE for me! But yes, I do have to be more aware of all the internal healing that needs to happen and keep the weight off my pelvis by staying off my feet.

What do you think he defines as "prolonged" sitting (12 weeks-1 year)?

I really don't know, Faith. I would imagine he doesn't want anyone sitting for 8 hours at a time. I'm sure if I asked him, he would say that it depended on the persons tolerance and if the sitting hurts or gets uncomfortable, then it's too much sitting.

Are you going to do PT?

I have no immediate plans for PT. I'd like to try massage first. I will never sign up for the internal PT ever again. I still have some low level pain in my hip & sacral area but that could be from being on my feet all day and from the scootching I've been doing. I'm not supposed to be bending at all, which I haven't, but I've been informed that I can't even scootch!

I hope you are getting a little better everyday

Thank you! I really do feel like I am!!! For me, the hardest part is NOT the pain - it's the restrictions!!!!!

Take it easy Karyn. I hope you're feeling better Hon.

Thanks, Linda! I'm feeling so much better than before surgery! I'm looking forward to recovering with you! Maybe we can have long telephone conversations while lying down on the couch?!?
Warm regards,
Karyn

[Celeste]

I hope you are being a model patient

Well, no - not really. I didn't get these postop guidelines until my 6 week check up. Dr. Conway and his assistant are not happy or impressed with me.

They need to get unhappy and unimpressed with THEMSELVES for not giving you the guidelines they wanted you to follow until it was too late for you to comply. What do they think you are, a mind reader?

I'm glad you're feeling as well as you are, and I don't think you've done any damage. Please don't accept this criticism from them. You don't deserve it.

[Karyn]

Celeste,
Thank you so very much for what you wrote. I must admit, I was a bit upset when I left the Dr.s office. I do understand his need to be very cautious, but I was expecting a little more praise and optimism. After all, I'm way pleased and proud of myself! I honestly wasn't expecting to do so well, so soon after surgery and this has been the most pleasant surprise! The majority of my discomfort, even right after surgery, is coming from the surgery itself. All that soft tissue cutting and stuff trying to heal and reknit. The bottom of my butt and perineal area still feel a little sore and pretty tight but I would think this is normal and it's NOTHING compared to the nerve pain. Stabbing, pinching, shooting pains, electric shocks are no longer my constant companions. I now understand the end of the day burning, which wasn't one of my symptoms pre-surgery, and will try harder not to irritate the nerve so much by standing and/or scootching!
Thanks again, Celeste - for your kind words and support!
Warmest of regards,
Karyn

[Lernica]

What's "scooching"?? I hope I haven't been doing it either (whatever it is)!

Keep up the good recovery, Karyn! I'm so glad you're feeling better after your surgery. I hope it continues apace.

[Celeste]

What's "scooching"?? I hope I haven't been doing it either (whatever it is).

Just a term for when you're seated and you slide down...for example, how you move to the end of a booth in a restaurant.