Walking

[Juan P. Negret]

I know that walking is an important part of the recovery. But I am not sure of the scheduling. Let's consider the average person.

How long the walks should be in different weeks post-op?

How fast the walks should be?

How often (in a daily basis) the walsk should be?

How to manage slopes and stairs?

Juan

 

[Adrienne]

I was told when I was discharged simply that everything I do when recovering should be easy. If you feel you are forcing, you are doing too much.

 

[Bina]

Juan, the walking times and distances seem to be different for everyone.
Stairs are done slow and careful. Your body will tell you when you do too much.

 

[Jim47]

I started walking the day I was discharged from the hospital and walked everyday. I started with 6 minute walks and gradually increased to 30 minutes. They gave me a chart to follow. stairs were limited. The starting times were so low that I found it humorous but I followed the chart.

 

[Jkm7]

There is no question in my mind the benefit of consistent walking both before your surgery and after during your recovery and 'ever after'.
This is the schedule that Mass General gave me to follow on my release after both my OHS:


Week 1: Walk 5-10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
Week 2: Walk 10-15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
Week 3: Walk 20 minutes, 1 to 2 times a day
Week 4: Walk 25-30 minutes once a day.

 

[Philip B]

Differences

Differences

As noted in an earlier response to your question, what's appropriate for different people varies. You really must find your own comfort zone. Your body will tell you how much it can handle; just listen to it.

-Philip

 

[Eva]

As noted in an earlier response to your question, what's appropriate for different people varies. You really must find your own comfort zone. Your body will tell you how much it can handle; just listen to it.

-Philip

I agree with Philip. Also, I was given instructions on exercise and walking before I was discharged by my hospital which were specific for me. In my case, I was not allowed to use the stairs more than once a day for three weeks.

 

[Juan P. Negret]

Before surgery, I walked between five and six hours every week, many in slopping terrain, half of them as exercise.

I started attending Rehab two and a half weeks after surgery. In addition, one week after surgery I started walking (with the surgeon approval) at home three times a day, 30 minutes, each time.

One day, three and a half weeks after surgery, I decided to increase the pacing of my walks. My wife said that she could not keep up with me, but I did not feel anything wrong. I felt good. But that evening I felt a bradycardia (pulse down to 50/min) for a couple of minutes, followed by a tachycardia (pulse up to 150/min) that lasted five hours and was handled at the hospital.

Did I overdo it? All my life I have been a good walker, and at this moment I wish I could increase my walking.

Juan
__________________

 

[Bina]

Juan, see what your cardio doctor says about this.
At 3 years postop I continue to have night time heart rate problems if I have exercised.
It is very frustrating...but most people find that the heart gets stronger over time and the rate evens out.

 

[tobagotwo]

I agree with Phil and Eva regarding how lonng and how often. Everyone is different, and everyone's recovery is different. Assuming the same works for all patients is laughable, in scheduling, mileage, times, whatever.

I was very fortunate with my surgery. I was up the steps with no problem when I got home, three days after surgery. I was taking five mile walks the week after I got home. The cardiologist was horrified, but he is used to dealing with patients in their late 70s to 80s. However, I never stretched my capacity, never was breathing hard, never wore myself out. It isn't a competition, and you absolutely shouldn't approach it as one. Someone who is older, has other issues, or just didn't get through the surgery so easily would ahve a very different experience.

You don't need to power walk or speed walk. You can saunter, if you like. You don't need all the little electronics: the value is much more in the motion than the speed. You don't need to keep records unless it appeals to you for some reason.

It's good to have a destination, to have places you can sit on the way (if needed - your energy may vary a lot from day to day at first), a cell phone and someone you can call (if needed), knowledge of where the bathrooms are along the way, no time limits for getting back (it may take longer than you think - having a deadline can make you upset if you just don't have good steam that day). Mostly, relax and enjoy the walk.


Best wishes,

 

[Jkm7]

I agree with Phil and Eva regarding how lonng and how often. Everyone is different, and everyone's recovery is different. Assuming the same works for all patients is laughable, in scheduling, mileage, times, whatever.

Please excuse the question but I am sincerely wondering how it is Mass General is among the top five heart centers in the country year after year if they are to be laughed at?


The post heart surgery booklet they have prepared and give to most (all ?) heart patients being discharged surely has been written, reviewed, presented, discussed etc by some of the top cardiologists, cardio rehab specialist and top heart surgeons perhaps in the world. Laughable? Perhaps your point is a bit exaggerated?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The Important Thing is to STOP when you body tells you it's had enough. That is why it is wise not to venture too far from home in the early weeks, so that you can make it back if/when your body has had enough.

As Bob mentioned, it is good to have places where you can sit and rest if needed along the way.

I liked the scheduled posted by JKM as a 'general guideline'. Basically, it moves from several short walks to fewer but longer walks as your energy and stamina improve.

Another Famous VR.com saying:

"Let your Body be your Guide"

 

[tobagotwo]

I am sorry if you felt it was a flip comment. It was not. It was carefully considered logically. It wasn't intended to insult anyone, so it missed the mark on that account. Nor was it directed at any specific hospital, although any hospital would be included by default.

Anyone from anyplace who actually states that there is one "right" amount of exercise for all patients, and it can be handed out on a piece of photocopied paper to every patient is whistlin' in the wind, in my unhumble opinion.

It isn't possible because all patients are different ages, have different comorbidities, and recover differently. And their most appropriate exercise amounts will differ, even with fairly similar backgrounds.

The surgeon doesn't know how well your surgery will go, whether you will develop fluid, arrhythmias, wild blood pressure swings, or have a stroke when it's done. He does what has worked best with his best skill and effort and hopes for the best.

So does the physical therapy department have a private line to the Deity, if the surgeon is denied one?

Nah.

That information is likely handed out as general guidelines, not as gospel. I doubt Mass General intends anyone to think that it's perfect for all valve patients in all conditions. I think they see it as a really good, general document that will work well for most. It covers a question that's often asked, and helps make sure that the patients do something for exercise.


Best wishes,

 

[Jkm7]

Laughable was not the best choice of words but you've clearly made the point.

Thank you.

 

[tobagotwo]

I yield on laughable. It was a poor word choice, and caused more inflammation than explanation. Mea culpa.

I am told that in yoga, the thighs are considered pumps for the heart. I have read that if horses are unable to stand and move, they can die, as their legs are so tied to their circulation.

Nature wants us to walk.

Best wishes,