HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Exercise After Prostate Surgery

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/18/2017 5:08 PM (GMT -5)
I am now 10 weeks after prostate surgery. I am 62 years old and before surgery I was in top condition physically working out 5 days a week. Could bench 225 pounds 11 to 22 reps. I am bored with doing bands and walking. Can I get back into weight training and what would be the best way to do so? Am worried about the internal stitches not how strong I am.
Thanks.
Posted 11/18/2017 5:32 PM (GMT -5)
Sounds like a question for your doctor, but in my case I was told not to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 6 weeks. Maybe you're ready...

Mike
Posted 11/18/2017 5:49 PM (GMT -5)
Just take it easy. Your body will tell you when it’s ready. Take your time. Surgery is no walk in the park.
Posted 11/18/2017 7:32 PM (GMT -5)
slowly

You're body is still healing, don't over do - you can make bad things happen if you do. You need months to heal properly. Walking is the best exercise for recovery. This is a great question to discuss with your surgeon.

Likely you can start with short workouts and not much weight. Build back slowly, listen to your body. Don't expect to get back to your pre-surgery workout for awhile.

Andrew
Posted 11/18/2017 9:35 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you all.
Posted 11/18/2017 11:24 PM (GMT -5)
I also do weight training and running,
I was told 6-8 weeks before gently getting back into the weights but I think I started some running at about 4 weeks and built up.
As other folks say, ask your doc first but I cant see why not.
Posted 11/19/2017 1:18 AM (GMT -5)
Maybe if you start with light weights and low reps, it will be fine. Then build up slowly. The problem is that when we are recovering we often feel stronger than we are and end up overdoing it, and then bad things happen. If you start lifting. do less than you feel you can.
Posted 11/19/2017 1:11 PM (GMT -5)
I was a serious runner before my prostatectomy at 51. I walked 3 miles per day for several weeks afterward and only began to run when my urologist told me it would be fine. I still kept that distance to 3 miles for several more weeks. I think it was 5 weeks before I ventured to longer distances. 6 months later I ran my best marathon ever in 3:30, an 8 minute per mile pace. Recovery will happen, but there is no need to rush things. Just stay active until you're ready to actually train.
Posted 11/19/2017 1:38 PM (GMT -5)
You are 62 years old...Your abdominal muscles have suffered a MAJOR insult. It will be a YEAR before you should contemplate SERIOUS weight lifting.....Your surgeon can recommend physical therapist who will guide you back safety..
Posted 11/19/2017 5:10 PM (GMT -5)
Hmm, 10 weeks - abdominal muscles must have healed by then, especially if you were in top condition physically before the operation! My doctors instruction was: don’t lift heavy weights for 6-8 weeks as this could strain the abdominal/pelvic muscles.
I think it's simple - if it hurts, don’t do it! If it feels ok there is no harm!
Posted 11/19/2017 6:29 PM (GMT -5)
Patience! 3 months is the rule or you risk getting hernia. No point risking it.

I found the following article useful.

/www.virginiamason.org/exerciseafterprostateremoval
Posted 11/19/2017 10:35 PM (GMT -5)
My urologist knew I was very active guy before surgery. When I asked same question his response was: you can do everything but heavy lifting as tolerated. PAIN SHOULD BE YOUR GUIDE.
Just before end of 3rd month post op, i officiated at soccer tournament all day long.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply