Hi there, I recently had surgery for an ectopic pregnancy & they removed the tube using laparotomy surgery (not keyhole surgery). I was wondering if anyone could give some guidance on how long it took them to recover fully so that they could exercise. E.g running or using weights. I’ve heard 6 weeks but my gut says this is too short for high-intensity training. Thanks
Dear chm1234,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
You should take it very easily for about six weeks after surgery. Your body will be using its energies to heal internally. It is normal to feel physically and emotionally exhausted during this time and please do be kind to yourself. Recovery can take time and some days will be better than others, one day you maybe ok and the next you maybe in discomfort or more emotional. This is perfectly usual and the healing process will go back and forth in this way for however long you need. It is important to listen to your body’s signals and pain and feeling tired are your body’s signs to tell you to rest. We suggest keeping a healthy balanced diet, drinking lots of water and resting. Once your wounds have healed, very gentle exercise such as a short walk can help, but please do take this slowly.
As you mention you had open surgery then you should wait six weeks for your abdomen to heal before resuming exercise and activities like gentle walking or swimming are usually safe as long as the wounds are healing, as these are non-impact sports. You can then build up slowly from here. We are all different, take things entirely at your own pace.
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?
Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
The latest EPT newsletter is out now! You can take a look at the Winter edition and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team
Hi!
I had my op Jan 10th and I felt I could only start high intensity stuff mid to the end of March because of pain and discomfort. I can now pretty much do anything but I have found my fitness levels have really plummeted! So I am building those up and trying to get back to where I was!!!
Good luck, you will get there xxx
Hi there,
This thread is just what I was looking for.
I am two weeks post laparotomy. I know that the should take 6 weeks for full recovery but I was hoping someone could help me benchmark how much I should be doing at this stage.
My wound is healing well but I do still have stitches present. I have been doing a bit of cooking, laundry, housework etc and I have been walking about 30mins a day but I have started to feel really sore the last day or so. I wondered if it’s normal to be a bit up and down or if this is because I have been doing too much?
Any advice or info on experiences would be really helpful.
Thanks and love to everyone x x x
Thanks for the responses, it’s really helpful to hear what others have experienced and what I can expect. I know everyone recovers differently, but a bench mark is so nice & reassuring to read.
@j_russel, it sounds like we had surgery around the same time… I’m just over 2 weeks now. I’ve been taking it very easy on the house work and have spent most of the time in bed/on the couch watching tv/reading! My wound is healing well too… but I feel that internally things are still out of sorts & a bit uncomfortable if I push myself too much.
I’ve gone for a few walks to build up strength but there’s no way I’d be able for 30mins daily. I’ve been so tired that I often need a nap if I do too much. So I’ve been trying to do things on alternating days to build up my strength again but rest at the same time. As soon as we can, we want to start ttc again, so Im wary about pushing myself too hard & having a setback.
It’s so frustrating! Id love to go for a run or do a yoga/hitt class… I find their great for my mental & physical health, and great at taking my mind of things!
I don’t know if that’s any help to you. I’ve rambled a bit but it’s been helpful for me. It’s such a shit situation & I wish you a really quick recovery. Xx