Post OP Walking.......

[Jkm7]

I've been a walker for years and before my recent Valve Replacement surgery, I was still walking though at a slower pace than I had been used to.

Post surgery, like everyone else, I began walking in the hospital and continued when I got home. The second day I was home, I put on my sneakers and expected to walk about 15 minutes but was home after a mere 4 minutes. I was so discouraged. Next day was a few minutes longer, then it was 9 minutes.

Today (three weeks and 3 days post-op) I did a walk that used to take me 30 minutes in 37 minutes. I was thrilled.

Have most of you continued your walking long term or only long enough to get you through the early days of recovery? Did you get back to your speed/distance you clocked before you were very symptomatic? I am absolutely convinced the walking is the best thing we can do for our recovery. Helped with my first OHS and I'm sure it is helping me with my second OHS recovery.

Hoping I will soon be back to my pre symptom pace. Is that realistic?

Thanks.

 

[CHDDoug]

I was not a walker pre-surgery...did more treadmill jogging and jogging outside. I started walking short distances when I got home...and slowly increased the distance and pace. I'm now walking 1.5 miles 2 to 3 times a day at a good pace...and I'm almost 6 weeks post op. I could probably do more, but I don't want to overdo it.

Take care and continued good luck with the recovery!

 

[Adrienne]

I've always enjoyed walking and have done it almost daily for most of my life, so of course I have continued. Not only do I walk outside which is hard to do fast during the Montreal winters, but when I go to the gym a few times a week, I walk 30 minutes at 4 miles an hour and put the incline at 8 or 9. I am far from an athlete, but the walking keeps me feeling very healthy.

 

[JCSydney]

I'm four weeks post surgery tomorrow, and up until last Thursday, when I went back into hospital due to arrhythmia, I was back up to 40 minutes a day walking, which I was told was the best exercise for me. I'm going to slowly build up to that again.

Wishing you all the best with your recovery.

 

[WayneGM]

I didn't deliberately walk for the sake of walking pre-op. Post-op, I now deliberate go for a walk for exercise and peace of mind when the weather permits. I was asymptomatic pre-op so I don't know about comparative speed/distance but suffice it to say that today I'm walking a lot more than I ever did and that's got to be a good thing.

 

[Jkm7]

Great to hear from other walkers among us. I really do think it makes a difference.

Sorry to hear you had that set back, JCSydney, but glad to hear you are ready to start back to your walking. Good luck.

I wonder how long/how many OHS patients walk after their surgeries.....if it is just a temporary thing or becomes a new part of their daily routine if they were not previously walkers.