Is Walking Effective For Post Operative Leg Pain?
I am female, 45 years old, healthy. I have a son (10 yrs old ) born naturally, after I suffered separated symphasis for a month and twins boy 4.3 kg and girl 3 kg, 8 years old who were born through the C section. I also a disabled Mum that i have to lift on a daily basis. Since birth, my abdomen muscles have been weak and 9 days ago I had two inguinal hernia repairs and an umbilical hernia repair. The pain is more bearable now but i do not feel when i need to go to the toilet until I have aches where the stiches are. I had key hole surgery. I feel extremely thirsty and my legs ache at night when I rest in bed. I also feel cold and hot in the legs from time to time. When I walk not alaways though I can still feel as if the 'tennis ball' is still down my right side. I feel more boated now than a week ago and look a bit pale. Are my feelings normal? I look a bit pale and my blood pressure is around 100/67, pulse around 70. Is walking good at this stage or should I rest in bed more. I am going back to school in 7 days. I am a school teacher. Thank you for all your help. XXXX
Walking is best exercise
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms,
Walking is definitely best exercise. Even if it has been only 9 days since surgery, i always advise my patients to start walking. Walking helps in many ways
1. It prevents post operative constipation by aiding in bowel motility
2. It helps decrease respiratory tract infection after surgery
3. Promotes abdominal wound healing
4. It relieves one of post operative pain by releasing endorphins( naturally occurring analgesic present in brain)
Its quite common to feel vague feeling in abdomen post-operatively and some symptoms in legs. Adequate mobilization by regular walking will take care of it.
I would also advise you the following
1. Hematinics and multivitamins: It will definitely help feel you better especially you said you look pale.
2. Ensure good intake of water: 2-3 litre a day. t will ensure hydration and regularize bowel movements(constipation is quite common after multiple hernia repair)
3. Do not be worried of blood pressure of 100/67, if you do not have symptoms of postural hypotension( giddiness on standing from sleeping position or blurring of vision)
4. Balanced nutritive diet
I hope it helped.
In case you need any further assistance will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Surgeon
Thank you once again
XXXX
Weight lifting and step climbing to be avoided
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Walking is very safe and is unlikely to cause tearing in hernia repair. Lifting weight and excessive climbing of steps has to be avoided for 4 weeks .
Do continue walking and attending to your daily household chores.
I have utmost respect for teachers.
Keep me posted about your progress and don't hesitate to write to me for any queries.
Take care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak
Thank you also for your comment on teachers. I am indeed vey dedicated. it is for this reason that I asked for a key hole operation rather than the traditional one, despite the challeges due to a cesarean I had.
Byclimbing stairs, I meant the ones at home. There are i think 13 steps. What is the best way to go up and down with the hernia? Shall I go sideways?
Thank you so much and all the best
XXXX
walk as you used to walk before
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Namasthe
Greetings
Dear XXXX
You can climb and walk normally the way you used to do.
No change in technique
Best Regards
Dr Deepak