septoplasty recovery

[karenmc6]

i am scheduled to have a septoplasty next week to fix a very deviated septum so i can actually breathe. i'll finish up stage three on tuesday and than have surgery on wednesday. but i'm not sure how long i should go off the weights.

i've read up on the surgery quite a bit, but i can't find anything about returning to basic activities, nevermind hauling iron. i plan to ask my doctor, but you know how they are - very conservative and really not that knowledgeable about strength training.

anyone have any thoughts?? thanks, karen

[Bytsi]

When I had very minor surgery, I was told to wait 2 weeks before even doing cardio (not that I made it that long!) and a month before weights - due to the increased pressure / bloodflow and consequent swelling of the healing tissue. Not sure if your surgery would have the same guidelines, but be prepared to be told to wait a month. Of course, it's up to you if you listen or if you're stubborn like me!

[jesca]

I'm willing to bet on what Bytsi said. I would also guess they are going to tell you that you can't do anything where you lay flat on your back or upside down for any length of time. I've also heard that when you have anything like that done to your face that you can't bend over because the blood rushes to your head, so be prepared for some fun stuff like that.
I agree that your doc is going to be conservative, but try to listen to them. And when you do come back, definitely ease into and make sure you're ready to ramp back up.

[karenmc6]

good to know!
i guess a better question would be - how to know that i am sufficiently recovered before i start back with the program - even at reduced intensity? i'm new to lifting (started with nrol4w in january). i did see on cassandra forsythe's blog that she was working out one week after having part of her intestine removed and two days after a tonsillectomy. i don't expect that kind of turnaround time, but i don't plan to lie on the sofa for the next three weeks either! karen

[Silly Sally]

The weights will wait. I think the doc is going to tell you to be gentle to yourself while you heal. (Cassandra Forsythe isn't normal!)