How do I begin an exercise program after prostate cancer surgery? What about my foley catheter and exercising? For two weeks following surgery you will have a catheter, which takes some getting accustomed to. When walking, remember to use the leg bag and fasten it comfortably under loose fitting pants such as sweat pants or loose running pants. Prevent rubbing of the catheter against the meatus (opening of your penis) by securing the leg bag on your lower leg in a way that the tubing doesn’t catch or move with each step. Don’t tape the tubing to your thigh but let it hang free. You should remember to drink lots of fluid while your catheter is in place. An advantage of the catheter is that you can drink all the liquids you want without worrying about finding a bathroom. What about stretching or Yoga? Stretching can also be started almost immediately, even while in the hospital. Again it is important to start very gently and sensibly by listening to your body. If you feel pulling or it hurts, STOP. •When stretching you should follow a few rules. •Stretch on an empty stomach. Wait at least 2 hours after a meal •Wear loose fitting clothing •Practice in a warm room after warming up the muscles, for instance, after walking. •Do not hold your breath during the exercises but breathe evenly throughout the stretch. Types of stretching include modified forms of old friends you have done since your first P.E. class. The first one you may try is simply standing in place. First check your posture by standing against a wall. If standing correctly your buttock, shoulders and back of head should be pressed against the wall. Straighten your back and legs and feel the stretch. BREATHE. Gently tighten your stomach muscles by pulling them in to the wall. Stop if you feel any discomfort. Do this several times, for a couple of minutes each time. As you feel able, you can do the same stretch on the rug or floor. With time you will be able to work on bending more during the stretch. A modified toe touch is performed by starting in the standing position and gently bending your neck then shoulders forward. Stop if it hurts, but do a little more each day. The object is bending and loosening your back and shoulders, not to touch your toes. After the catheter is removed, try some simple yoga positions to build your muscle strength. Get down on your hands and knees on a comfortable surface like a rug. Concentrating on your lower back, gently arch your back like a cat stretching. Your hands and feet should not leave the ground. Work to feel each vertebra in your spine move upward. Breathe and then relax. Now bend your back downward like a saddle-worn horse, again feeling each vertebrae move toward the floor. Breathe and stop if any pain or discomfort. These are enough to get you going. There are excellent books out on Yoga and stretching. The key is to go slowly and move into these smoothly and easily. Check with your doctor about what you plan to do. What other activities can I do and when? The following is a chart that provides a conservative general program for exercise. Check it with your doctor for how appropriate it will be for you. For more information on prostate and other cancers we offer the Cancer Exercise Specialist and Yoga Cancer Exercise Specialist certifications - thecancerspecialist
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 05:27:53 +0000
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