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Starting Gas Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

Posted by mscheib2 @mscheib2, May 4 7:50am

When after radical cystectomy with ileal conduit is it safe to start a gas-powered walk-behind lawn mower with a pull cord? I understand that sudden engagement of the core is the highest risk for a hernia. I'm wondering whether it will ever be safe, or whether I should bite the bullet and buy a push-button electric mower. My current mower is not self-propelled, but I think I could push it okay. Starting it is what concerns me. FWIW, I'm currently six weeks post-surgery and lifting restrictions have been lifted.

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jaxfl | @jaxfl | Jun 2 8:52am

I am not debating personal experiences. But, in general, there is an elevated risk for adverse outcomes in urostomy patients. And generally you are correct. However, the urostomy area is very vulnerable.

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Susan F, Volunteer Mentor | @susanf8 | Jun 2 2:58pm
In reply to @jaxfl "I am not debating personal experiences. But, in general, there is an elevated risk for adverse..." + (show)
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I am not debating personal experiences. But, in general, there is an elevated risk for adverse outcomes in urostomy patients. And generally you are correct. However, the urostomy area is very vulnerable.

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@jaxfl I'm assuming that you mean a parastomal hernia when you mention adverse outcomes. But I could be mistaken, as I'm not as familiar with cystectomy and urostomies as I am with bowel surgeries.

I know that parastomal hernias are a risk for all ostomates, since the ostomy creates a defect in the abdominal wall. I have a small peristomal hernia myself. We have a colorectal surgeon who comes to our virtual meeting, usually once a year, and hernias are a pretty hot topic. Since this surgeon has an ileostomy himself, he is a pretty knowledgeable speaker

From what he has said, obesity, age, chronic coughing are contributing factors, and also, some people are just more prone to getting hernias.

Unless I'm doing them wrong (possible) I don't engage my abdomen when I do kegels, so I'm not sure how that would increase risk for hernias.

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royalodell | @royalodell | Jun 3 11:34am

I bought a battery powered mower two years ago (an EGO) because starting the gas mower hurt my shoulder.
I was paying someone else to mow because of the shoulder. I like to mow now because it's good exercise. The battery last about an hour and I have a second battery to use when the first one dies.

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