Post Op Walking Concerns 1 week out

[Plucky 24]

I was sleeved on 7/24, I was very ill from the anesthesia so I earned an extra day in the hospital. My doctor, of course, encouraged me to walk, and I am trying. I got home Thursday and walked very little (I was still a little iffy). Friday I was able to only get about 2k steps in, and the same for Saturday. Saturday evening my incision pain went from a 3 to a 9, it was extremely sharp, almost knife-like so I called my PCP. I was told to just avoid the pain meds (afraid vomiting would make it worse), lay low on Sunday, and use the heating pad as much as possible. I worked on Monday (I work at home, and it's mostly at my desk), but made sure that I did move a bit during the day, and followed up with an evening "shuffle" of about 3200 steps. I'm concerned that I am going to fall behind due to not being able to get my walking ramped up.

What is the logical walking goal during recovery? I have rheumatoid arthritis and not been taking my treatments because I need my immune system to heal :). Is this normal? Should I just suck it up and walk more?

Thanks !!!

[Matt Z 4,139]

2 hours ago, Plucky said:

I was sleeved on 7/24, I was very ill from the anesthesia so I earned an extra day in the hospital. My doctor, of course, encouraged me to walk, and I am trying. I got home Thursday and walked very little (I was still a little iffy). Friday I was able to only get about 2k steps in, and the same for Saturday. Saturday evening my incision pain went from a 3 to a 9, it was extremely sharp, almost knife-like so I called my PCP. I was told to just avoid the pain meds (afraid vomiting would make it worse), lay low on Sunday, and use the heating pad as much as possible. I worked on Monday (I work at home, and it's mostly at my desk), but made sure that I did move a bit during the day, and followed up with an evening "shuffle" of about 3200 steps. I'm concerned that I am going to fall behind due to not being able to get my walking ramped up.

What is the logical walking goal during recovery? I have rheumatoid arthritis and not been taking my treatments because I need my immune system to heal :). Is this normal? Should I just suck it up and walk more?

Thanks !!!

There is no "goal" that folks should be reaching for... the walking helps prevent blood clots, it helps remove the gas from your system and it prevents blood pooling etc. You are doing fine. Only do what you can, what your are comfortable with and don't worry about what everyone else is doing, because there is only 1 person that heals like you, and that's you.

It does get better.

[Plucky 24]

57 minutes ago, Matt Z said:

There is no "goal" that folks should be reaching for... the walking helps prevent blood clots, it helps remove the gas from your system and it prevents blood pooling etc. You are doing fine. Only do what you can, what your are comfortable with and don't worry about what everyone else is doing, because there is only 1 person that heals like you, and that's you.

It does get better.

Thanks! My only concern was that my surgeon was letting me know that the more I walk of course the quicker it will come off. I'm going to try and do a little bit more today and just slowly increase, hopefully, it will build up over time

[Matt Z 4,139]

1 minute ago, Plucky said:

Thanks! My only concern was that my surgeon was letting me know that the more I walk of course the quicker it will come off. I'm going to try and do a little bit more today and just slowly increase, hopefully, it will build up over time

Oh of course more exercise is going to result in more weight loss, but your healing should be your first priority.

[Sadiebug 206]

Try and make your goal each day to do a little more than you did the day before. Fresh out of surgery I was barely hitting 2k steps but I just tried to do a little more each day. I found it easier if I broke up the steps throughout the day taking 100-200 at a time and then resting. Going out for a long walk was so difficult at first. If your work schedule allows try getting up and taking a lap around your house once an hour. And while you are at your desk keep moving your legs around - lifting your toes up and down and then lifting your heels up and down. Look on youtube for desk exercises/stretches so you can move around a little more even while you are working. Every little bit helps. Good luck!

[GreenTealael 25,384]

Take it it easy, this is major surgery (IDC who calls it elective, let me see them in a dark alley...) walk a little at a time, even standing is better than sitting, the focus IMHO should be on recovery not necessarily exercises just yet, the walking helps to ensure no blood clots form which no one wants. I was not a fast healer either, doing marathons 3 days post op ,don't let that be your goal because others can. Recover at your rate.

!!!!Congrats!!!!

Safe Journey

Edited July 31, 2018 by GreenTealael

[Plucky 24]

Thanks for all the great advice. I did get an under-desk elliptical but was waiting a week before I even attempt it . I guess slow and steady will have to do it for now!

[Frustr8 7,886]

Slow and Steady👣 will win you that endurance race!

[Dorothy_Correz 17]

You know your body better than anyone else. Just listen to what your body is telling you.

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