GeorgeM
Well-known member
When walking about in the first week or two after surgery how is your balance normally ?
Is a walking stick normally needed ?
Many Thanks
George
Is a walking stick normally needed ?
Many Thanks
George
Getting around first couple of weeks
- Thread starter GeorgeM
- Start date
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
Adrienne
Well-known member
You should hold on to the railing when walking up and down stairs (which you shouldn't do too much of). If you are waking outside, the first week, it's probably better to have someone with you, because you will be quite weak. If you have to go out alone, maybe a walking stick is not a bad idea, because you wouldn't want to fall and break open your sternum!
hensylee
Well-known member
I was in hospital for six days. While there, as soon as we could walk about, we had to walk several times a day. Early mornings brought out every patient, gowns a'flappin - walking alone - but with staff close at hand. One nurse took me to the stairs about the 4th day and had me walk down and then back up, with her by my side. At home, I spent the first month with nurse cousin who walked with me outside for about a week because of weakness and security. I also did the exercises they gave me, on the front porch where she could hear if I needed her. She was also close by when I showered the first few times. Soon you will know that you can do it by yourself. If you have to walk alone at first, use that cane and be careful til you get your land legs.
EireCara
Well-known member
Hi George
Hi George
*Hi George, I was just wondering when are you having your sugery done, and where...oh and by whom? Jacqui
Hi George
*Hi George, I was just wondering when are you having your sugery done, and where...oh and by whom? Jacqui
StretchL
Well-known member
Hi, George. I had a very old walking stick here that belonged to a great-uncle, and it's come in very handy as I'm working the kinks out post-op. Yesterday I ventured out without it, but I felt a bit vunerable. I'm going to use it today.
I think it helps with my balance, gives me a little more confidence that I'll not fall, and serves as a visual cue for people to stay the hell out of my way!
I think it helps with my balance, gives me a little more confidence that I'll not fall, and serves as a visual cue for people to stay the hell out of my way!
GeorgeM
Well-known member
Jacqui
I am expecting to have surgery at the end of January / early February- but still waiting for a confirmed date. Am having my operation in London at the Hammersmith Hospital. More news when I get it.
StretchL
I like the bit about having your walking stick so others will 'stay the hell out of your way'
George
I am expecting to have surgery at the end of January / early February- but still waiting for a confirmed date. Am having my operation in London at the Hammersmith Hospital. More news when I get it.
StretchL
I like the bit about having your walking stick so others will 'stay the hell out of your way'
George
George:
I sometimes used a cane I had bought when I had foot surgery in 1980.
Advice that I don't think I've seen here:
Go to the bathroom before taking a walk! You probably won't be able to walk as fast post-op as you can now.
I sometimes used a cane I had bought when I had foot surgery in 1980.
Advice that I don't think I've seen here:
Go to the bathroom before taking a walk!
You probably won't be able to walk as fast post-op as you can now.
GeorgeM
Well-known member
The advice you get here is fantastic.
It's obvious I'm in the company of experts !
George
It's obvious I'm in the company of experts !
George
D
davidfortune
George,
Everyone is different. I personally think a walking stick is as much risk as falling in general. If you are in the process of actually falling and you apply enough pressure to a walking stick to keep you in an upright position then you probably instantly exceeded your weight lift/push/pull limit and that could cause the negative affect on the sternum to are desiring to avoid.
I think the key is not to fall. Listen to your body. The first week home you will be walking pretty darn slowly so my personal preference was just to be very careful and not trip/fall. You will probably be snail's pace (if you control yourself and not overdo) that first week so it is pretty easy not to trip/fall.
My only issue during my recovery was the one time I was walking on the treadmill (my second week home) without holding onto handrails while watching a movie... I inadvertantly stepped off the side of the treadmill. That was rather an abrupt jolt which resulted in a moderately uncomfortable feeling in my sternum and scared the *(&#$)_#$ out of me. I didn't have time to grab the handrail to stop myself which was probably good since that would have put pretty significant strain on my sternum. I also didn't fall which was also good. From that misstep on - I ALWAYS keep at least one hand on the handrail when on the treadmill just to keep my guidance in the middle of the tread (especially if I am watching TV while walking).
I never had any trouble with balance either on the ground or on the treadmill.
Listen to your own body at that point and you will do fine.
David
Everyone is different. I personally think a walking stick is as much risk as falling in general. If you are in the process of actually falling and you apply enough pressure to a walking stick to keep you in an upright position then you probably instantly exceeded your weight lift/push/pull limit and that could cause the negative affect on the sternum to are desiring to avoid.
I think the key is not to fall. Listen to your body. The first week home you will be walking pretty darn slowly so my personal preference was just to be very careful and not trip/fall. You will probably be snail's pace (if you control yourself and not overdo) that first week so it is pretty easy not to trip/fall.
My only issue during my recovery was the one time I was walking on the treadmill (my second week home) without holding onto handrails while watching a movie... I inadvertantly stepped off the side of the treadmill. That was rather an abrupt jolt which resulted in a moderately uncomfortable feeling in my sternum and scared the *(&#$)_#$ out of me. I didn't have time to grab the handrail to stop myself which was probably good since that would have put pretty significant strain on my sternum. I also didn't fall which was also good. From that misstep on - I ALWAYS keep at least one hand on the handrail when on the treadmill just to keep my guidance in the middle of the tread (especially if I am watching TV while walking).
I never had any trouble with balance either on the ground or on the treadmill.
Listen to your own body at that point and you will do fine.
David
Marguerite53
Premium Level User
Well, David, it sounds like the walking stick and the treadmill might be a bad idea!! I just used my husband!
For me, I measured every step mentally so as not to be distracted. But really just for a week or so. My problem has always been being dizzy after having sat for a long time. Getting up and moving across the room right away was not something I could do. I just stood up, waited to be sure there was no swoony feeling and then walked without much incident. I think perhaps the pain killers may have made me abit unsteady for the first 2 weeks. I think for me it was simply the notion of making the concerted effort to get "there" without incident. Focus is important.
Keep us posted on the date! Glad to have you here, George!
Marguerite
For me, I measured every step mentally so as not to be distracted. But really just for a week or so. My problem has always been being dizzy after having sat for a long time. Getting up and moving across the room right away was not something I could do. I just stood up, waited to be sure there was no swoony feeling and then walked without much incident. I think perhaps the pain killers may have made me abit unsteady for the first 2 weeks. I think for me it was simply the notion of making the concerted effort to get "there" without incident. Focus is important.
Keep us posted on the date! Glad to have you here, George!
Marguerite
WayneGM
Well-known member
Hi George,
I didn't have any problems with balance beyond the first couple of days. I used the walker on wheels they supplied the first few days in the hospital, but after that I didn't use anything to keep my balance. I just walked slowly and listened to my body when it was time to stop. I used the hand rail on stairs as a precaution. The main thing is to go your own pace because everyone is different. Good luck.
I didn't have any problems with balance beyond the first couple of days. I used the walker on wheels they supplied the first few days in the hospital, but after that I didn't use anything to keep my balance. I just walked slowly and listened to my body when it was time to stop. I used the hand rail on stairs as a precaution. The main thing is to go your own pace because everyone is different. Good luck.
sue943
Well-known member
Hi George
I was stuck in St George's, Tooting, for several weeks. Then I had my surgery in a tiny (less than 100 rooms) private hospital in Surrey by a consultant from St George's.
Although I had a stroke a few months before my OHS I didn't use a stick at all after my surgery, just held rails when they were available.
By the time I actually got home from England it was three weeks post-op then had to look after myself as I live alone.
I was stuck in St George's, Tooting, for several weeks. Then I had my surgery in a tiny (less than 100 rooms) private hospital in Surrey by a consultant from St George's.
Although I had a stroke a few months before my OHS I didn't use a stick at all after my surgery, just held rails when they were available.
By the time I actually got home from England it was three weeks post-op then had to look after myself as I live alone.
L
lopearredlady
Remembering You Friends
Remembering You Friends
As 2007 begins, I cannot forget the comfort I received from all of you, my friends, throughout my Ross procedure surgery July 5th, 2006. You were there during my preparations for surgery, responded to my fears, and pulled my husband and myself through the entire event, when we needed you most! I wish each of you special joys this new year. You give so much each day to every person who is fortunate enough to wander into this site.
Thank you from the bottom of my new heart.
Happy New Year,
Terry
Remembering You Friends
As 2007 begins, I cannot forget the comfort I received from all of you, my friends, throughout my Ross procedure surgery July 5th, 2006. You were there during my preparations for surgery, responded to my fears, and pulled my husband and myself through the entire event, when we needed you most! I wish each of you special joys this new year. You give so much each day to every person who is fortunate enough to wander into this site.
Thank you from the bottom of my new heart.
Happy New Year,
Terry
marciemarine
Well-known member
My balance was very wobbly for the first couple of weeks following surgery on November 1st and my Dad brought over a walker for me to borrow, but the visiting nurse I had for the first few weeks was set against my using it, so I kept it in the closet and didn't use it at all. My balance got much better after that! Now if I can only get rid of my arthritis in my feet! Oh well, I had that before the surgery, so I can't complain! I'm sure you'll get steadier in the walking and I don't see how a temporary walking stick would hurt. Marcie
ALCapshaw2
Well-known member
I can see where suddenly grabbing a long walking stick or putting weight on a cane would GREATLY exceed the lifting / pulling / pushing weight restrictions designed to prevent damage to your healing sternum.
It would be wise to walk only on Solid Flat Surfaces. I remember almost tripping after stepping into a depression in my back yard shortly after my first surgery. I came down HARD on that leg and I DID feel it in my chest!
'AL Capshaw'
It would be wise to walk only on Solid Flat Surfaces. I remember almost tripping after stepping into a depression in my back yard shortly after my first surgery. I came down HARD on that leg and I DID feel it in my chest!
'AL Capshaw'
S
Susan BAV
I agree with Al. And especially I would think a walker would be a no-no. Just a few days after surgery, without thinking, I just quickly pushed the lid down on the pitcher of water in my hospital room and the pain in my sternum was so sharp! Shocked me.
My surgeon told me to not lift, push, or pull, anything over five pounds for 8 weeks. That includes heavy doors into businesses and such, car doors, etc. He also didn't want me to drive for 8 weeks, primarily because of the possibility of an airbag blowing out and ruining his work.
I didn't have a balance problem but I was weak and slow. I was going to say that I didn't need anything to help me walk, but like Marguerite, I recall hanging on to my husband's arm the first several (long) trips out to the mailbox. It will be better early on to take several short walks with rests in between than any long walks where you might get exhausted prematurely. Within about two weeks I was able to walk around our dirt and lumpy gravel rural block though, unassisted and all by myself.
My surgeon told me to not lift, push, or pull, anything over five pounds for 8 weeks. That includes heavy doors into businesses and such, car doors, etc. He also didn't want me to drive for 8 weeks, primarily because of the possibility of an airbag blowing out and ruining his work
.I didn't have a balance problem but I was weak and slow. I was going to say that I didn't need anything to help me walk, but like Marguerite, I recall hanging on to my husband's arm the first several (long) trips out to the mailbox. It will be better early on to take several short walks with rests in between than any long walks where you might get exhausted prematurely. Within about two weeks I was able to walk around our dirt and lumpy gravel rural block though, unassisted and all by myself
.
GeorgeM
Well-known member
Many thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and for those great tips about exercise.
George
George
