Help with maintanance during recovery?

[Stapled to the Floor]

Recently underwent open appendectomy 3 weeks ago and didnt lift for 2 weeks.. Appetite and Weight went through the tank.. (lost 11 lbs on 170 # frame)...Doc recommended no heavy lifting x 2-3 mos and no powerlifting x 6 mos.. ( I had to give the M.D a crash course on interabdominal pressure and use of Core in squatting and deadlifting).. Last week started some very light bench presses with legs up to minimize abd. stretch on incision.. Starting to feel a lot stronger although strength went way down.. Scared to find out how much strength lost in DL/SQ/GM's but I now its a lot!.. any suggestions on some exercises I may be able to work out with to try and strengthen/maintain the posterior chain while minimizing intrabdominal pressure?.. I have already heard that I am crazy for being back so soon but I am very conservative and am approaching this with much caution. considering some high box front squats or zimmer(s) (sp???---the ones where sits in inside/crox of elbows?) any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Stapled to the Floor]

Stumped?

spatts .. any sugestions?

 

[musc2002pa]

Maybe just try some leg extensions, standing leg curls...more bodybuilding stuff. Band GMs are another possibility.

The best things would to be pulling a sled. Go a little heavier on it. If you dont have a sled, drag something around. This would allow you to maintain some of your posterior chain strength.

/chad
carolinapower.net

 

[DOM]

I don't have any experience with this type of thing -- but in the absence of other suggestions I'll tell you what I think.

1 -- I think most doctors are too conservative on these issues unless they deal specifically with strength athletes. But that's their job to tell you that. I don't think anything short of reconstructive knee surgery would keep most powerlifters away from the weights for 6 months or more.

2 -- I don't know anything about post-op recovery like internal bleeding or any of the dangers you're facing. But a general principle to follow is just listen to your body.

Start back with light weights. Work up slowly over the next month back up to heavy weights -- but listen to your body you know. If you start going heavy and it causes extra tenderness/soreness around the incision, then go back to light weight for a couple more weeks.

I definitely think it's important that you do something though. Don't just sit on the couch while this heals or you'll be starting from scratch.

I like Chad's idea... sled dragging, light weights in the gym. Feel where you're at and raise weights accordingly.

 

[spatts]

I agree on the sled dragging. I also think that apparatus that requires you to lay on your stomach may alleviate some of the pressure, since there will be counter pressure/support. This will be your call, may hurt/may help. Things like prone leg curls, but do them one legged. Same for upright. Any lowerback work you can do on the swiss ball, making sure there's no stabilization involved (ball isn't rolling around-secure with plates around base so it can't roll on you). You could also go to a PT for EST on certain muscles that you can't isolate without excessive pressure. Do band GM's bother you, with a light band? If you use on of of those "perch" like pieces to so obliques, you can get counter-pressure from that (on the side laying against the pad), while isolating the outside set of obliques.

 

[Stapled to the Floor]

Thanks all

I forgot about the sled dragging.. I can borrow a sled ( home made from a friend).. I forgot all about that!! Thanks for jogging my noggin!
Band G.M.s are feasable and I am doing these supersetted with knee outs to keep hips in shape..

Will probably develop a lower body routine with bands and light weights for a month or 2..

Again thanks all