Stiff

I'm just over two weeks post-op. On Sunday someone told me I looked really stiff. Today a student (that I've known for a year) told me I was walking like a body builder. I don't feel too bad, but I guess I'm holding myself more rigidly than normal. I was told I can bend and twist as long as I do it slowly, but I'm not sure if actual stretching would be ok. Or maybe I'll just start walking more normally as I heal and feel less protective of my abdomen. Does anyone have a similar experience or any suggestions?

It seems like your surgeon has already given you the answer. I recommend trying some slow stretching and working REALLY hard to listen to your body. If it hurts, STOP.

I guess I was just a little concerned because the context of my conversation with my doctor was about bending to pick things up from the floor (like the million toy cars that must breed during the night). Actual stretching seems a little more difficult. But you're right - I will take it slowly and stop at the first hint of pain.

Ah - in that case, the context of the discussion, it might not hurt to contact the surgeon's office just to confirm. I guess, at this point, I'm also thinking that "stretching" will really be more along the lines of "gentle movement that my body allows for." :)

Sorry, no advice here. I thought this thread was going to be about something else entirely.

I teach high school. I should have seen that one coming . . .

Double entendre?

Just something to think about here. Look at your incisions .... what it looks like on the outside is close to what it looks like on the inside. If your skin isn't healed, your muscles and other internal tissues aren't healed either. Why would you want to stretch those stitches? Give yourself time to heal and limit the bending and twisting as much as you can.

I guess I'm just uncomfortable and feeling stiff and tense. I would normally soak in a hot bath to loosen up, but I can't do that either.