Walking 10 minutes out of every hour

[debbie813 20]

My surgeon said that to avoid blood clots after surgery I would have to walk 10 minutes out of every hour and that I culd not sleep more than 8 hours because I needed to be up and walking. Does anyone know how long this is for? Is it forever? I plan on flying for 6 hours in a few months and on top of it, I'm afraid of flying, so I don't really get up and walk since it makes me more nervous.

Any info anyone could share is much appreciated. Thanks!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

You should ask your surgeon to be sure. However I'm pretty sure that's really for the early post-op stages, maybe first 3 mths. It would depend on how soon post op you ill be flying. If it's still of concern, your doctor may recommend blood thinners for your trip.

[McButterpants 2,846]

I agree to ask him for sure...I walked about that for the first 10 days after surgery. I didn't sleep well those first few nights, so I got up and paced around the condo.

I flew home from my surgery 7 days post-op. No issues other than I couldn't lift my luggage due to weight restrictions. I had no problems.

I'm 18 months and live a perfectly normal life other than people commenting on how little I eat - not in a bad way...it's more like "that's how you stay so small"...I snicker to myself!

[liannatx 897]

I think the risk of a clot is only high for the first 6 weeks, but I might be mistaken. I only worried about that for the first week, once I went back to work I am up and down and walking all day.

Check with your surgeon, he will be able to give you definitive guidelines and timelines.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Whether you have had surgery or not you should still try to walk 10 min out of every hour when you travel long distances in a car or on a plain. My understanding is that the chances of blood clots forming is high for anyone in those instances.

My surgeon requires anyone who lives more than 30 minutes away to have a plan to stop and walk every 30 - 45 minutes on the way home from surgery.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

My surgeon had me get an IVC filter. I have no history of DVT and had an ultrasound of both legs pre-op that were completely clear. It was nice not to have to worry about clots, take blood thinners or give myself injections post-op. I opted to have mine removed in January, but you can also opt to leave it in indefinitely.

[Mistie 201]

The risk of dvt is high for anyone who is immobile, and according to my hematologist, 1 in 7 women get blood clots when flying overseas-we have a higher chance than men. In other words, do some walking! And when you're in your seat, do some leg lifts every so often-keep your circulation going. Even without a history, lack of movement makes one susceptible.