For the ladies that have had one...
I'm 8 days post opp and LOVING my results. But, I had a muscle repair, and things are very tight. I expect that, of course. And I can actually stand up straight pretty comfortably. My problem is with walking and breathing! Things are so tight that when I'm full up right, I have a hard time expanding my rib cage. Of course, walking makes that even worse. I have to actually stop, hunch over, take a deep breath, and then keep going.
Is this just one of those things that will get better with time? How much time?
Should I be doing any gentle stretching to help it along?
I met with my PS yesterday, who just told me that everything would loosen up with time, but that duration can vary.
Looking for real experiences.
I haven't had one but I read that most can't even stand up straight so I guess you are doing well.
You did it......good for you.....I'm sooooo jealous.
:)
CONGRATS!! I can't wait to get mine!! I NEED the muscle repair!!
Things are probably still pretty swollen (so take it easy), which makes it harder to breathe. Your abs lay on top of your diaphragm, the muscle responsible for your air intake (sounds like a car, LOL)... with that pressure on the diaphragm, I could see where it's hard to take a deep breath until that swelling goes down.
I wouldn't stretch, yet, don't want to pop a stitch... I was told the total recovery time could be up to 6 weeks post op, so keep doing what they told you to, don't do the things they told you not to do, and keep telling them if something doesn't feel right. Plus, you're body is getting used to being back to the way it 'should' be... it's going to take some time. How long were your abs split? That's probably how long it will take to feel 'normal' again.
Gotta ask though, how's the scar looking? That's the one thing I'm a little nervous about!
Ok, first of all, JEALOUS, JEALOUS, JEALOUS!!!!! Secondly, I've heard to give yourself at least 3 weeks to recover to full standing position without hunching over. And please give us a "What Happened" update in a few days - I'd love to know how it's going.
I am sooo stalking you now!! Lol. I am getting one done, probably in May. The MIL had it done 3 years ago and her PS told her to walk hunched over for awhile. I think its totally normal, she said after two weeks it was a lot better.
She had a lot of what your describing.
