Cycling after surgery

[Bensons]

I found myself having an unexpected appendectomy on Christmas Day, home today. I forgot to ask how long before I could think of cycling when I was discharged and don't need to go back unless I have any problems.

No heavy lifting for six weeks but I was hoping to get on my (new) bike before then - although I will be sensible about it. Seems a waste of my doctors time to visit just to ask that question and I try not to go there as a rule.

I haven't even been able to try my new bike! MrB bought the wrong font derailleur (he presumed the frame would have braze-ons and it didn't). By the time it arrived he had gone back to work.

We had planned a Christmas Day ride to the pub ...... but I went to hospital instead.

Does anyone have a recovery story to cheer me up?

[Heltor Chasca]

Fix quick won't you? That new bike will get sad. Could you ring NHS direct?

[RickH]

Hope you are better & back cycling again soon. You could always contact your GP or the hospital to ask for advice.

All is not lost with a braze on front derailleur & no brazed on mount, as it is easy enough to get a clamp on adapter (example - you just have to make sure you get the right one for the seat tube diameter).

Rick.

[Bensons]

Thanks, the derailleur is fixed, now it is just me that isn't working. We had a frame from the same place earlier in the year and it had braze on mounts so ordered the same sort - this frame doesn't have them. The derailleur turned up the day after MrB had left for work for a week so I had to wait!

Surgery was not in my plans at all, we have got two ferries booked, bikes only, in the spring. Becoming less fit is not a good thing but I would rather have to do less distance than not go at all so I need to take it a day at a time.

I think three weeks off sounds ok but have no experience of anything like this, six weeks sounds like forever.

[Eyebrox]

I was advised to avoid cycling for six weeks after surgery for an abdominal hernia. The six weeks is up on Jan 1 but I have managed some light cycling on flat paths yesterday and today. I suggest you phone the surgeon's secretary and ask specifically about recovery from your condition. I searched online for advice but the information varied too widely. I felt okay but only your doctor will give you the right answer.

[Vorpal]

Surgery was not in my plans at all, we have got two ferries booked, bikes only, in the spring. Becoming less fit is not a good thing but I would rather have to do less distance than not go at all so I need to take it a day at a time.

I think three weeks off sounds ok but have no experience of anything like this, six weeks sounds like forever.

It's more likely to be six weeks off than three. As others have advised, I'd call the GP or the specialist who did your surgery and ask. It's definitely a case of better safe than than sorry, as injuring yourself will likely mean 3 X the time off the bike, and might mean a new surgery, as well.

Also ask about other exercise you can do instead of cycling in the meanwhile, such as walking. Otherwise, if you get to the point that vigourous walking is comfortable, gentle cycling would probably be okay, but don't do anything that hurts!

Good luck & speedy recovery!

[Bensons]

Thanks both, I am becoming resigned to the longer spell - grim isn't it. Mind you, I am only a few days in and I can't stand up for more than 25 mins so I am obviously dreaming at the minute. I spend most of my life outside, on my bike, with my horses and dog (not all at the same time), not quite sure what I am going to do with myself!

[Eyebrox]

I stepped up my walking. Did about five miles a day on some of the paths I would normally cycle. Also went to the beach daily with the dog, rather than short meanders closer to home. A couple of times I walked 15 miles. I felt better for the exercise and, of course, being outdoors. It gave me a plan to work to and a target to aim at. My wife was able to join me on a few occasions and we'd end up having a coffee and snack somewhere different each time. It was all good psychologically and used up my recovery time in the most beneficial way. The better weather and lighter nights won't be that far behind your six-week stint off the bike.

[Bensons]

I will aim for that too I think Eyebrox. I usually walk my dog for an hour a day so just getting back there will be great.

The weather is glorious here after weeks of rain, my husband and daughter are going out on the tandem after walking the dog.

I work from home and am really busy in January so hopefully the weeks will whizz by.

[SpannerGeek]

We had a rider out yesterday on quite a tough and hilly 55 miler who is 2 months out from a PaceMaker of operation. Apparently it stores 4 days worth of data and he's got an appointment with the cardio doc on Thursday!!!

[Bensons]

That made me smile, hopefully he will get a thumbs up from his doctor. My mother has got a pacemaker, swapped every few years under a local anaesthetic which is a fairly minor procedure, just the fact that it involves the heart that ramps it up a bit.

I think it is cutting through the abdominal wall that is the issue for me (and Eyebrox) though. Of course there are tales of bravado online, but I have never been very brave.

[Richard D]

Six weeks sounds about right for the wound to properly heal, although the underlying muscle takes a bit longer to fully heal.

I'm being allowed back on my bike nine months after my surgery. But at least part of that is my surgeon's fear that I'll fall off again and undo the work he did last summer.

[Bensons]

I am now nearly 5 weeks on from the op. Recovery didn't quite go according to plan/smoothly so I think another two/three weeks would be a good idea.

Shame but I need to be up to cycling in France at Easter. My new bike (hasn't been outside yet) is now on my husband's trainer in the conservatory waiting for me to feel up to it.

I hate the turbo, cycling is about being outside for me, but I will use it for a couple of weeks when I get back on.