Redwiner wrote:... Walking is key I hear but I need more than that! All suggestions / comments welcome! ...
I've said this before in other places, but I'll say it again: After LAR surgery you should wear an
abdominal binder to keep from damaging the LAR incision site. (They also have
models to use with stoma bags in case you are going to have an ileostomy.)
Also, although you need to walk, you also need to be very careful about how you get out of bed and how you get back into bed because the torque pressure on the abdomen caused by turning and twisting to try to get out of bed can loosen up the incision site and take it longer to heal. So, when getting out of bed while in the hospital you should ask for the help of two nurses so that you do not put excessive strain on your abdominal muscles while making the movement.
In addition, you should not cough or sneeze violently, since this action can produce excessive pressure in the abdomen that can loosen the healing suture and cause an incisional hernia. Also, you should not laugh uncontrollably, like watching a very funny video, because strong laughing can do the same thing... And don't expect to drive a car for a good two or three weeks, because if you have to suddenly slam on the brakes while driving, this abrupt movement could cause damage to your LAR incision.
You haven't said whether you have a tumor, and if so, where it is located. If the LAR is for the purpose of removing a tumor along with the adjacent lymph nodes, then it would help if you could create a Signature to inform other users where your tumor is located and what your situation is:
Create a SIgnature:http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52681&p=414489#p421597