Hi folks,

I'm having a kidney removed next month and was curious if anyone can share their experience of getting back into hiking and carrying a pack after a comparable operation.

Obviously my first and most important source of advice each step of the way will be my doctors, but so far the recovery seems to have a very wide range of possible timelines, and I was just curious to hear any first hand experiences.

I'm hoping to thru-hike the PCT in 2021, but maybe do a shorter trail (Tahoe Rim, JMT, and Wonderland are my current top contenders) next summer, about 8 months after the surgery. I like the idea of having a big hike as a goal to motivate me through my recovery in the cold and darkness of my first full New Hampshire winter.

If you've had major abdominal surgery, how did you get back into hiking shape? When did you start carrying a pack again? Did you notice any long-term reductions to your strength, stamina, etc?

Thanks!!