While in the hospital (Sept 21, 2023 for me), my surgeon has said I'll be walking 5 minutes once an hour. For those of you whose surgeon recommended a similar regimen, for how many days do I need to carry on this onerous regimen? I don't mean the walking is onerous; just the having to set the timer for every hour. How can I get any sleep?

If this goes on only the first 24 hours post-op I can surely deal with it. But if I need to keep this up for a few days or longer, I'm wondering if perhaps I should get an elliptical or treadmill for home. The only reason I'm all wigged out about this is because my living quarters are very tiny and I can't walk for 5 minutes inside my apartment. Just can't. Which means go outside and walk around the block. Why is that so scary? Because all my neighbors are busybodies and I simply don't want them to see me out there every hour wondering what is going on.

For the past two years I've done my daily 30-minute walk at 5 a.m. when no one can see me. This is critical to my psychological well-being. So, I'm just wanting to know two things here: for HOW MANY DAYS do I need to walk 5 min of every hour? And when can I start exercising just twice a day (which I can do when it's dark outside)?

That's a discussion for your team. All my paperwork said 5 minutes every hour, too, but post op they had me walking 15 minutes every hour and sent me home with that. We live in the 55+ section of our mobile home park, so I totally understand busybodies!

I still did it but I timed it around the worst of the lot as I knew when she was done walking her dog I had a couple hours. ? My team basically said 15 minutes every hour working up to 40 minutes a day.

Ultimately I did longer walks less often a day, but still getting at least 30 minutes for 2 walks, then shorter ones as well.

I doubt that that the surgeon means get up every hour for the time that you are sleeping but maybe best to put that question to your team. Walking for 5 minutes every hour doesnt mean you have to go any where. Put a five minute song on and walk on the spot. Just getting your body moving will help your body get the circulation going to deal with any possible clots and help your lymphatic system to deal with any nasties.

As for any nosy neighbors - Who cares what they think? You have started on this journey for your own physical well being. Be true to yourself. Walk in the sunshine and get some vitamin D in. ?

To aid with surgery some surgeons pump you full of gas so that they can see in you better. Mine didn't but many do. I believe its quite painful too. These people had to walk to shift the gas. As stated above it also stops blood clots especially if you are not giving yourself blood thinning shots.

You are not going to be able to walk, like before surgery, its more of a hunched waddle for a few days. They do not expect you to wander off around the block. Going to the loo, making a drink and brushing your hair can all be in hourly goal. As long as you move yourself out of bed or the sofa the job is done. I imagine within 5 or 6 days the gas will be gone from you and you can let up because by then you will be more mobile

After you feel able and you have mastered the full time job of drinking, by all means attempt your morning walk. This is big, invasive surgery and sometimes we dont realise how big because we are only in hospital such a short time.

5 hours ago, summerseeker said:

Summerseeker, you're a very good writer. Very descriptive. Thanks.

This made me giggle, the picture paired with it was perfect!! The others are right though, it really is just spending a few minutes on your feet, getting your blood moving in your legs. I usually take this time to make the cats chase their feather toy which becomes a self perpetuating game because cats can tell time and will nag you to get up every hour so they can play. LOL It is amazing how quickly time adds up by the time you've used the bathroom, made a drink, and harassed the cats. My watch fusses at me every hour to get up and move!

Update: I got an elliptical! Problem solved. It's amazing what people get rid of on Facebook Marketplace. There were over 30 ellipticals to choose from, with at least half of them anywhere from free to $50. I paid $35 for this one, and am over the moon. It glides so smoothly, and only takes up 2-ft by 3-ft of floor space.