Weak legs

[Juan P. Negret]

When I walk or climb stairs I don't get fatigue such as tiredeness or shortness of breath or pain in my chest. On the other hand, my legs still feel weak, especially after many hours without walking.

Are weak legs to be still expected after six weeks?

If you were a good walker before surgery, are you going to feel weaker legs, in contrast with somebody else that was sedentary before surgery?

Juan

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Maybe it's due to deconditioning.

I recently read somewhere that "10 days of Bed Rest is equivalent to 15 YEARS of Aging" when it comes to muscletone. (I forgot the source)

 

[Eva]

I was a very good walker way before my surgery, but could not walk from the time I was informed about my need for surgery until the surgery time; which was about 6 months.

My legs were not weak when I walked after surgery--I tired easily! But people are different and get affected differently.

Keep us posted about your progress and good luck

 

[Bina]

I had leg weakness for a long time. Muscles were gone.

 

[Braveheart]

Five + weeks our of surgery, and I still sometimes get what I call, "rubber legs". I once read somewhere that even if you are in good shape, lack of exercise for only two weeks can have a negative effect on aerobic capacity.

 

[Nancy]

What everyone has said is very true. I saw my husband through many, many periods of lack of exercise, and it only takes a small amount of time for your muscles to get deconditioned.

But the good news is that your muscles have memory and will get back into shape as you do more and more exercise.

I urge you to do as much exercise as you can possibly manage. Use a cane or walker if you need to to be safe but get up and walk.

You don't want to get into a position where you are tottering around, and could fall easily.

Moving around improves muscle tone and also balance which is important.

Plus inaction can lead to the development of pressure sores, and I can tell you that you do not want any of those.

 

[Adrienne]

Are you taking any beta blockers? That can cause your legs to feel weak.

 

[Juan P. Negret]

Adrienne,

I am taking Propafenone. I don't know if this a beta blocker.

Juan

 

[Adrienne]

I just looked in "The Pill Book". It is an antiarrhythmic. One of the possible side effects is weakness.

 

[Bina]

Propafenone is an anti-arrhythmic med. (brand name is Rhythmol).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propafenone

 

[hensylee]

STAtins (cholesterol medicine) can also cause muscle weakness.

 

[terodac]

I also had weak legs for a while, I take a Co Q10 with B12, B6 and Folic acid. I take crestor 5mg every other day and my legs hurt when I am on this drug, the Q10 helps alot.

 

[LauraS]

Five + weeks our of surgery, and I still sometimes get what I call, "rubber legs". I once read somewhere that even if you are in good shape, lack of exercise for only two weeks can have a negative effect on aerobic capacity.

Me too! I'm 5 weeks out today and definitely have rubber legs. I was a walker before my surgery and now can't go a block without feeling like I have to sit. I'm starting rehab next week and hope to get stronger very fast. The hardest part is squatting when I need something from a lower cabinet and then I can't get back up!