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Kettlebell Need advice after surgery

CMHoward

Level 6 Valued Member
Hello all,
On Dec 27, 2023 I underwent an emergency Thorocotomy and Decortication surgery. The surgeon removed almost 2.5 liters of fluid and then had to chip away at my lungs and cavity wall to remove calcified pleural material. Eight days later I was sent home. I was given zero information about rehab, guidelines etc.

I've been doing KB/BW movements since 1996 and prior to this incident was doing 1 arm swings with a 40kg and TGUs with a 36kg following S&S protocol 3xs per week with pull ups, dips and press ups.

Needless to say, my wind is gone, my left side is sore and tight and I've suffered some significant atrophy throughout (I'm 62 btw). Pull ups are a definite no go as the surgeon had to make 3" cuts in 3 places to my intercostals to insert tubes and scrape my chest cavity.

So...here I am over a month later. Been doing planks and treadmill work but not progressing very quickly. Any ideas for a moderately aggressive rehab protocol to get back in form again? Incidentally, I am a Detention Officer and need to get up to speed quickly before going back to my typical work environment.
Also...just as a note...the surgeon was amazed at the muscle density and mass in my lats and rhombus areas. He said he had never seen anything like it in anyone over 40, and those he had seen were power lifters and 20 year Marine veterans.
He told my wife after the surgery it actually presented a problem getting through the muscles and getting the tubes in, but that it may very well have saved my life as it allowed my lungs to continue to expand/contract wherein a less fit person would have been in very dire straights at the point I was at.

Thank you in advance
 
CMHoward said:
Hello all,
On Dec 27, 2023 I underwent an emergency Thorocotomy and Decortication surgery. The surgeon removed almost 2.5 liters of fluid and then had to chip away at my lungs and cavity wall to remove calcified pleural material. Eight days later I was sent home. I was given zero information about rehab, guidelines etc.

I've been doing KB/BW movements since 1996 and prior to this incident was doing 1 arm swings with a 40kg and TGUs with a 36kg following S&S protocol 3xs per week with pull ups, dips and press ups.

Needless to say, my wind is gone, my left side is sore and tight and I've suffered some significant atrophy throughout (I'm 62 btw). Pull ups are a definite no go as the surgeon had to make 3" cuts in 3 places to my intercostals to insert tubes and scrape my chest cavity.

So...here I am over a month later. Been doing planks and treadmill work but not progressing very quickly. Any ideas for a moderately aggressive rehab protocol to get back in form again? Incidentally, I am a Detention Officer and need to get up to speed quickly before going back to my typical work environment.
Also...just as a note...the surgeon was amazed at the muscle density and mass in my lats and rhombus areas. He said he had never seen anything like it in anyone over 40, and those he had seen were power lifters and 20 year Marine veterans.
He told my wife after the surgery it actually presented a problem getting through the muscles and getting the tubes in, but that it may very well have saved my life as it allowed my lungs to continue to expand/contract wherein a less fit person would have been in very dire straights at the point I was at.

Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
WOW, Uber impressive.

How are you with movements like the Big Six ? And dips and push ups ? And can you do them with a full range of motion or do the ranges need to be modified ?
 
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What about pressing reset with the Original strength method. I would think, rolling, crawling, rocking and Connecting left to write would help to bring the body back from the trauma. Do you do any breath work, I would think it would be good to tap into the para sympathetic and build your lungs at the same time. There is the buteyenko style of breathing that has good results.
 
Get a referral for pulmonary rehab—asap.

Sprirometeter work and other pulmonary rehab work would be hugely beneficial IMO.

Basic diaphragmatic breathing practice (crocodile breathing, hook lying breathing, etc.) as well.

I would pursue the referral.
 
Do you have any follow up with your surgeon? Many surgeons have a clinic you can call and speak to a nurse who may help advise you. They may be able to link you with a physio who specializes in post op thoracic surgery.

A quick search also found several hospitals provide a post Thorocotomy PDF (instructions/handout) with some guidance on exercise. I'd be cautious with things like planks before getting the go ahead from a professional.
 
I agree with talking with a specialist but fund one that works with athletes.
 
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