If you've had any sort of invasive surgery and like the gym...

[bakedbeansandtuna]

I would appreciate your advice! I have recently had a surgical excision. I am to keep the bandage in place for one week. However, I also am really keen to go to the gym. If you have had this sort of thing done, how long did you have to wait before going back? The excision is on my shoulder....because I can't get it wet obviously washing is a bit of a nightmare but of course I do that (!!!). I guess the bigger concern is sweat.

I am new here and couldn't find anything specifically relating to surgery, so I am hoping posting here is okay.

Thank you.

[JohnCheese]

No real advice but if I were you, for the sake of a 'best result' scar, I'd leave the gym for a week.

[Liiinoo]

I agree with the PP. Taking a couple of weeks off the gym won't do you any long term harm but getting the wound sweaty or damaging the healing process is potentially dangerous and might lead to several weeks off.

Also, I'd question why taking a week off is such a big deal to you? Exercise is great, but compulsive exercise is not healthy.

[Fuzzypeggy]

Agree with pp, leave the gym for a week or so, surely it's not that big a deal? and getting the scar wet/sweaty wouldn't be good

[Pupsiecola]

Could you go to the gym but just walk at a leisurely pace on the treadmill (or even better, walk outside)? Maybe listen to an audiobook? Will get the endorphins going, but without the sweat and risk of slow healing.

[Bookishandblondish]

Umm - I had a laparoscopic procedure. It should have been two weeks off work. They told me not to do too much or carry too much weight. I went back to work, promptly travelled around London by public transport from one end to the other end and carried my laptop bag - which I now realise is categorised as " too heavy" post op.
Resulted in the wound reopening, another two weeks off and a further four weeks feeling rough as hell. And a telling off by the practice nurse followed by daily visits for two weeks to have the dressing changed.

Personally if you really like the gym, I'd stay away for a week or if you absolutely must go, get a PT session and tell them explicitly what you have had done so that they watch you and gear exercises to take into that account.

[sycamore54321]

I had excisions on my shoulder blade and was suddenly very keenly aware of how much almost every movement above the hips engages the shoulder area. There is little enough you can do for fitness that will not put big pressure on your wound. Ring and ask your surgeon for specific advice but my very strong instinct would be to say do nothing. A little bit of taking it easy now can avoid nasty and painful problems.

[bakedbeansandtuna]

Thanks everyone.

It looks like I'll be sticking to walking then. Fingers crossed it heals at a decent rate. Appreciate the time you too to reply