Advice - Being Outdoors

Hi All!

I had my surgery on 5/17/16 and I am feeling pretty good except for some pain on my right side.  The Dr. said this is normal because this is where the largest incision was.  I have some scar tissue build up that hurts - but other than that pretty good.

My husband and I like to watch drift racing and there is a race this weekend.  I'm debating on whether I should go.  I really really want to go.  I like to watch and it would get me out of the house.  I've been cooped up in here forever it seems.  There is not a lot of physical activity.  Just walking from the car to the bleachers.  I would either be sitting or standing.  However, it would be outside for about 8 hours in 90 degree weather.  If I go, I know that I will definitely keep control of my water intake.  I will not be driving so I'm not that concerned about being tired at the end.  

Does anyone have any advice about this?  Any thoughts about going/not going about a 1.5 weeks post op?

Thanks in advance!

If there is someone to keep watch on you and can help you to the car and get the air conditioning going if you need it AND you double or triple your water intake... it might be doable. But, if you are going to be alone on the bleachers... and frankly, I'd stay in the shade and off the bleachers, I would skip it. Dehydration is a major issue.

8 hours is a long time in the heat for anyone.  I don't think I would've been up to it at 10 days out.  But if you think you're up to it, and if you have someone to take you home if you start to hurt or fail... I say GO FOR IT!!!  

I agree with everyone and also make sure to bring your protein drinks if you can. I'm 19 days out so I get the being cooped up! We went away for a few days to get me out of the house lol. I didn't plan well day one because we stopped at a casino and I didn't have my shakes. We had to leave and find a grocery store  :( so plan ahead. Lol and have a great time!! 

I think if I had tried that so soon out I would have gotten sick. I'm not sure with such a new pouch you could drink enough water to stay hydrated enough.  I know I was not getting enough water in that early, and even now at getting just about 60-70 oz of water,that would not be enough to stay out in the heat all day.  Be very careful if you decide to go!

I went to the zoo 2 weeks post op.  I was out and moving for about 6 hours that day, and that was walking.  I took it slow and didn't make it around the whole zoo. I did ride the train back to the front of the zoo.  This was last August.

If you are just sitting and make sure to stay up on your water, I don't see why you couldn't do it.  Just let your husband know that if you start to feel sick or overwhelmed there is a chance that you'll have to leave early.

I just checked the date on the pictures from the zoo last year.  I had surgery on 8/4 and went to the zoo on 8/16, so 12 days later.

I went to my daughter's outdoor graduation at 6 days post op. I sat in the sun for 3 1/2 hours and went through a 32oz powerade in that time and easily sweated it all out. It was tough let me tell you, but it was a must go.

I second the idea of being close to the car where you can turn on the A/C.

My first thought was, "if you wonder enough to ask, then it's probably too soon."  Treating oneself as someone just out of major surgery is how medical staff encourages us to be.  To me that means studying post-op guidelines, protecting healing incisions/abdomen from unnecessary stressors or hazards, sleeping, napping, sipping, walking, more sipping, monitoring, and resting.  Period.

I wouldn't go. At two weeks post op those are pass out and go to the hospital conditions. 

There will be plenty of races after you heal.