Hi - Thank you so much for your replies (and those to come)! :-)
From my GRS Montreal informational packet, "Specific Post Operative Instructions:"
"Activities: The level of discomfort improves daily, and frequently when people go home they are no longer taking pain medication. For the first 4 weeks following surgery, there should be no heavy lifting or straining. After 2 weeks you may begin returning to your normal activities. Let your own comfort and the amount of swelling you experience guide you. If possible, you should take 4 to 6 weeks off work."
FYI, I also found the following (relevant) information via a Google search:
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This Forum:
http://tinyurl.com/3b6lk2vSusan's Place Transgender Resources » Community Conversation » Transsexual talk » Post operative life » Topic: beginning to exercise after SRS question
Excerpted:
* "After six weeks you should be able to start LIGHT exercise. Don't try to do too much. Your body will let you know when you've gone too far. But usually not until the next day. You can probably start with walking. Take a one or two blocks and then rest and see how you feel. Even after six weeks, your body has little reserve. SRS is major surgery and your body has been traumatized as a result. Moderate exercise may help the swelling as well. It sounds like you were in excellent shape prior to surgery so your recovery should be much quicker. But just take it slow."
* "It took me about 2 full months before I was able to get back into the swing of things, and it took a month before I really noticed any swelling was starting to go down."
* "Yesterday I walked around the mall for 2 hours straight (light walking) and was pretty much exhausted. This is at 8 weeks, one day post-op (57 days). I've been walking about 40 minutes/day in a local park but yesterday was the most I've done in one stretch since surgery. Though very tired afterward, I didn't do any physical damage or have any swelling. However I think I'll go back to 40-60 minutes and work my way up slowly from there ..."
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'Relevant:'
http://tinyurl.com/3rylgecAfter srs surgery.
Excerpts:
* "One should plan at least for 12 weeks recovery, which would include dilation 4 - 5 times a day, limited movement, being tired a lot, and lots of naps. and if you're like me, someone who heals slowly, plan for even more time off."
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Excerpted from
http://marcibowers.com/grs/discharge.pdf"Activity is encouraged as your strength allows but should be on a daily basis. We do not suggest lifting more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks after surgery. Heavy exercise (running, swimming, etc.) should probably wait about 6 weeks before resumption."
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http://tinyurl.com/6869mxbGRS, SRS
Excepted:
* "Q: How long is the recovery time? A: "... You should avoid strenuous exercise / activity for 6 weeks following your GRS."
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http://tinyurl.com/6486rbxPost SRS Recovery Time
Excerpts:
* "Driving, shopping and going back to work are different things. It took me a good two months for the latter. The other ones happened after a month or so. Going to a store and getting tired from the experience, with the ability to recover, and working eight hours a day are two very different things. I would have taken more time if I had had short term disability insurance."
* "Yes it depends on the surgeon, procedures, and activity level. I had SRS/Chondrolaryngeoplasty with Bowers, and was walking to downtown Trinidad the second week (but they told me on the last day I shouldn't have done that...lol). But would tire easily the first month. My discharge instructions say no lifting over 10 pounds the first 4 weeks, and wait until 6 weeks before heavy exercise. So a month is a good estimate. Know that your energy levels will be diminished ..."
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Hugs, Victoria :-)
