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These exercises can help with blood circulation. Do 5-10 repetitions of each exercise hourly when awake in the first few days after surgery. You can stop them when you become more mobile again.

• Pump your ankles up and down firmly
• Circle the feet from the ankles in both directions.
• While your leg is straight, push your knee gently into the bed and pull your toes towards your head.

            Hold this stretch for a few seconds, relax.

Breathing exercises

• It is important that you do regular deep breathing exercises - particulary in the first few days after surgery. Take a long deep breath in to expand and fill the base of your lungs. Pause, then relax and let the breath out.
• Take 5-10 deep breaths hourly when awake to ensure good air entry to the base of your lungs. You can stop these when you are walking around and moving more.

Protect your wound when you cough or sneeze

• Support your tummy wound with your hands before you cough, sneeze or laugh. A folded towel or pillow over the wound can help with comfort.  In addition, bending your knees before coughing can reduce strain on the wound.
• Try to clear your lungs of phlegm/mucous regularly to reduce the risk of developing a chest infection

What increases my chances of a chest infection?

• Active smoking
• Chronic lung conditions (e.g. Bronchiectasis, COPD)
• Poor cardiovascular fitness
• The type of operation – the closer to the lungs the higher the risk of a chest infection
• A long operation (especially greater than 3 hours)
• A larger or higher cut in your abdomen (closer to your lungs)
• Delayed or significantly reduced mobility postoperatively

Your pelvic floor works with the muscels around your abdomen, lower back and pelvis and are important for bowel and bladder function and in the protection of your lower back. These muscles may become inhibited by surgery and/or pain. Pelvic floor exercises should be pain free and comfortable. 

Lay on your back or your side:

1. Gently draw the muscles up around the urethra (front passage) as if trying to stop the flow of urine AND/OR
2. Gently draw the muscles up around the anus (back passage) as if you are trying to stop passing wind.

You should feel the automatic gentle drawing in (bracing) of your lower tummy as you are tightening your pelvic floor muscles.

While activating the pelvic floor muscles, do NOT:      

• Squeeze your buttocks or draw your tummy in strongly
• Hold your breath
• Bare down/strain

“Brace” before you move

Bracing is when you gently tighten your pelvic floor and lower tummy muscles (core). It is a good idea to gently brace before and as you move e.g.  in and out of bed; up and down from a chair.  This will help protect your wound and allow more comfort during movement.

Other recovery tips

The advice given below is a general guideline. Please check with your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist if you are uncertain about any of the given advice.

·           Listen to your body – do not continue with an activity if it hurts.

·           Minimise lifting/strenuous activities according to the advice of your doctor. Remember to “brace” before lifting.

·           Only return to general exercise once you can move with ease and as instructed by your doctor.

·           Avoid constipation and straining in order to minimise pressure on the wound, pelvic organs and muscles.

Healthly bowel habits

• It is common to experience abdominal discomfort due to wind post-operatively.   You can try peppermint tea/water to help relieve pain and discomfort. The pelvic rocking or knee rolling exercises can also help. (See earlier exercises).
• Speak to your nurse/doctor if you are experiencing constipation. A diet with     adequate fibre and water intake usually helps.

Remember:

• Go when you get the urge.
• Lean forward from the hips and maintain the curve in your lower back.
• Relax your tummy.
• Breathe.
• Do not strain.