Question:
Im concerned about knowing how much I can bend and move or twist after my open?

I KNOW I'LL HAVE TO MOVE, BUT I'M CONCERNED WITH KNOWING WHAT TO DO AND HOW MUCH TO DO. THANKS    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 3, 2001)

December 3, 2001
I had open rny and got up in the recovery room to start walking. I only had help with the NG tube. I turned on my side by myself and lowered my legs, using them as a lever, pushed with my one hand and sat by myself. From then on I was walking hourly, getting in and out of bed by myself. making my legs do the work, not my abdomen.Bringing my legs upright,one at a time, to remove the leg wraps before I walked and put the leg wraps back on when I got back in bed. I had to bend my legs on the bed to put on my socks. I slept on my side since surgery. I could dry myself in the shower. Of course I wasn't fast at doing anything, I took my time and took care of myself after surgery. My doctor said no lifting for 4-6 weeks. I made my legs do all the work. If I dropped something, I would pick it up with my toes or it stayed there, but I had a lot of trouble bending before surgery because of back problems.
   — Helen B.

December 3, 2001
I was told to get an adominal band (which you can pick up at your local pharmacy), and it helped me tremendously. The pain/discomfort was very minimal while wearing the band. Good luck!. :)
   — Jennifer J.