bending after surgery

I had a nasty infection on week two so I'm really in week 3 of recovery as that set me back.

But all things considered I'm glad I had it done. Sex was painful, my bladder was unreliable and now already I feel better; I can sneeze without peeing!

So glad I found this forum, it's hugely helpful.

I walked too far yesterday and I'm bleeding and sore this morning. Went to 2 supermarkets with my husband. You don't realise just how far you walk and that was longer than 10 minutes, which my hospital suggests until week 6. They've given us a grid with all the physical activities; ironing, shopping, hoovering etc to guide us. It's brilliant! No carrying shopping or laundry not for weeks yet. Maybe this advice isn't given out to everyone?

'The chart below is an approximate guide to when you might consider returning to a range of activities as listed. The principle that applies (and this is underlined) is that if you don't feel ready, or if any activity attempted produces any discomfort or strain, then you should defer for a longer period of time. In other words apply a common sense approach and you should avoid any risk of harm to the outcome of your surgery. None of these activities are crucial in order to achieve a normal recovery. The pelvic floor exercises advised by the physiotherapists are considered beneficial.'

We were visited by the physio and advised no pelvic floor appointments til her appointment 4 weeks hence. She insisted the tissue needed time to heal and tapes etc needed to bond with the skin. Stitches needed to have time to do their job.

Ok, the activity grid looks like this:

Week 1: you can make yourself a hot drink

week 2: you can start light housework; eg dusting

week 3: you can start cooking ànd short 10 minute walks

week 4: you need to start your walks if not already done so

week 5 &6: you can start pelvic floor exercises; possibly drive but check with your insurer first; return to desk bound work; swimming

(I've been told that I must be able to perform an emergency stop before I can drive)

week 7&8: you can start hoovering and ironing

week 9&10: you can start heavy load washing; light gardening (no diggjng); household shop; sex with penetration

week 11&12: you can start returning to normal work/exercise (but no sit ups, abdominal crunchs etc)

Avoid: heavy gardening, lifting toddlers/weights/heavy manual employment

I hope this helps anyone here. It certainly helped my family understand that although you can't see I'm healing or incapacitated, this is what I can do.