Cycling post-surgery?

[KathyLauren]

I am four years post-surgery (vulvoplasty, a.k.a. zero-depth vaginoplasty), and I am thinking about getting back into cycling.  My recovery from surgery was a bit problematic with unexplainable pain and pressure.  I am mostly pain-free now, but I wonder if I will be able to ride a bike, and whether it is worthwhile getting my old bike fixed up.

 

I used to ride a customized touring bike back in the day, including a multi-day tour and riding over Canada's highest paved mountain pass (and flying down the other side at 80+ km/h!).  But it has been many years since I rode.  I have an old e-bike that needs a new battery.  I haven't ridden it or anything else since my surgery.

 

Does anyone have any experiences or pointers about getting back on the saddle after GCS?  Can it be done?  The saddle on my e-bike has a cutout to avoid undue pressure on either male or female anatomy, supposedly.  I don't intend to do anything strenuous.  For one thing my lungs can't handle exertion now.  I would just be puttering along like any other 70-ish fuddy-duddy.

 

I appreciate any thoughts.

[Charlize]

I can only guess that if you take it easy, and wear padded bike pants it would be worth a try.  I unfortunately don't ride anymore.  My heart issues don't allow for it but i do often drool over e bikes.  The roads around here are also unsafe due to heavy traffic.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Lydia_R]

I'm curious about post-op cycling as well.  I'm still pre-op, but I've recently dealt with a bunch of my fears about surgery and am still pressing for it.  Cycling has been an important part of my life.  I went on a 40 mile ride a few weeks ago and biked 1,000 miles from 2021-2022.  When I updated my advance directive last year, I wrote that the things that are most important to me are being able to cook my own meals and play the piano.  Biking oddly isn't all that important to me.  I love it.  I'd miss it.  I have gone years without biking before.  There is nothing quite like biking though.  That feeling of being on a quality smoothly running bicycle is like floating through the city or like being in the speeder bike scene in Star Wars.

[VickySGV]

Bottom surgery of any type means 18 to 24 months when you can still have internal swelling that will make sitting on a bicycle seat a bit iffy.  Once the doctor (Gynecologist is best on this) says the swelling is down, then it will be a matter of simply finding the Bicycle seat that is most comfortable for you. 

 

They do make Women's Seats for Women's Bicycles and it will be a matter of finding how you fit on which one.  Go to a bike shop and test out the seats they have and then replace (maybe) the seat only on your favorite bicycle.  Important point here is listen to your body carefully and go back in sensible increments of riding time and place.  One of my Postie friends uses a lamb's wool pad for her cycle and another is fine with a standard seat. (They ride together up in our foothill area along one of the rivers near me and have a blast.)  My balance is off a bit due to my age or I would love to get back, maybe with an electric tricycle which I could use on the trails my friends ride.

[LoRez]

Why not get a recumbent trike? I’ve had my eye on the AZUB ti-fly for a long time. You can add an e-assist Motor to help on the uphills (or ride the flats). I love that you can recline while still cycling everywhere. Also great for those with balance issues.