Bladder surgery may consist of various procedures used to treat urinary incontinence. Bladder surgery may also be related to a prolapsed bladder or advanced cancer. Exercise is a valuable form of rehabilitation after bladder surgery and can even help prevent a condition from requiring surgery in the first place. Any physical activity you do should be approved by your doctor.
Walking
Walking is a good form of exercise after bladder surgery as it is low impact and places only light pressure on your wound. Walking maintains your physical condition, increases your energy level, reduces surgery side effects like lung problems and blood clots, eases back pain and decreases the occurrence of constipation. A walking program may even help reduce feelings of sadness, stress and anxiety after bladder surgery. When you walk, protect your wound by wearing an abdominal support. Also wear comfortable shoes and walk on flat surfaces to avoid falls. Walk approximately five minutes at a time right after discharge from the hospital. You may be safe to increase your walking time to 10 minutes by the end of the second week after discharge but always follow your doctor's instructions.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are beneficial for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. If you have had surgery related to urinary incontinence, these exercises might be recommended as an approach to prevent the condition which necessitated the surgery in the first place. Do not perform these exercises after surgery without your doctor's approval and instructions.
To do Kegel exercises pull in your pelvic floor muscles, which are the muscles used to stop the flow of urine. Hold your pelvic floor muscles in for three seconds, then relax for three seconds. Do 10 to 15 repetitions during a session. Repeat sessions three times each day.
Exercise After Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer may involve surgery that creates a urostomy or continent urinary diversion. It will take some time to get used to your physical condition. However, having a stoma should not interfere with most jobs and hobbies. You can even continue to swim and exercise. You can wear a smaller bag or utilize a waterproof dressing for swimming. Exercise is also possible after receiving instructions from your doctor. Your doctor or other medical professional will advise you on what exercises you can safely perform with a stoma.
Prevention
Regular exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle that may prevent certain forms of cancer, including bladder cancer. Exercise can help you recover from bladder cancer treatment and may help prevent a cancer from recurring. In addition, Kegel exercises may prevent a mild prolapsed bladder from worsening or urinary continence from progressing to the point that the condition requires surgery. After a bladder condition is diagnosed, your doctor can tell you what kinds of exercises will be beneficial.
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