I'm two and a half weeks post op. I'm doing well on fluids and I can move ok, but due to what I believe is a muscle pull near my belly button, I don't get out and just walk and walk the way others do yet, since it still really hurts if I move the wrong way. I'm probably just fretting over nothing, but I'm terrified about DVT/blood clots. I didn't receive any shots to give myself at home and I'm all alone until Monday night when my roommate comes back from a trip. My partner also just deployed for the first time the other day, so I suppose my emotional state is a bit fragile. Why am I so worried about this? I mean, the chances of getting DVT or an embolism or something are really slim, right? Ugh, I just wanna feel normal again!

you will feel much better if you walk. seriously. i did not have shots at home either. i am fine.

start walking, you will feel better and have more confidence in your recovery.

I know you're right. I mean, I do get out. I just had a lot of stuff to do today at home though, and didn't leave the house even though I know I should have. I paced around while I made phone calls, but when I'm stressed and alone, I tend towards hypochondria.

Does anyone know how common DVT actually is?

walking will actually decrease your chances of a blood clot by exponential proportions!!!

they are most common in people who do not move post-op. the generalized surgery (ALL surgeries) quote is generally 1-2%, so not high, but still the risk is there.

obviously we are all obese and so our blood does not circulate the way it should to begin with. get up and get moving. best of luck to you!!!!!!

I understand that you're feeling stressed. But you should just walk. Even if you have to hold onto the wall, just walk. Walking slowly is fine, too.

If you need to use a cane (or two), do that. If you have walking sticks (they're wonderful), use them outside.

And if you can get your hands on a walker, use the walker to move more. It doesn't mean you'll always need it. And it doesn't mean you're an invalid. Just gives you more confidence to ... MOVE.

Very best wishes.

I'm gonna get back out tomorrow. I have some documents I need to scan and since we don't have a scanner, I'll walk to the internet cafe to do that. I'll also bring some glass to be recycled. I mean, I have been moving. Just not the long long walks a lot of other people seem to do every day, and today was more of a bust than usual in that respect. And I just get so paranoid about DVT. But at least I'm well hydrated and I'm not on hormonal birth control, so that's something.

I'm on day 11 and walking is not easy. I go for shorter walks so I don't get too exhausted. But walking in any way helps. If you walk to stores, that is awesome! No stores close enough to me to walk to. I'd be all over that! Just for Starbucks Passion Tea!