Walking long distance 4 weeks post op

Hi Desire64

I'm 5 weeks post op. Most days I will walk to my little local shop which is 225 steps away and uphill all the way - probably takes 4 minutes. I find that this is enough for me at the moment, although some days I will be taken out to mooch the supermarket or stroll around the high street for half an hour if I feel up to it. I also think that I am doing ok.

When I hear of people doing 2x 20 minute walks per day I feel that I am letting myself down but have come to the conclusion that each of us is different. If you feel that you want to and are up to long daily walks then try it. Never go further than you feel comfortable with though and remember that each day is different.

I would start with a short walk, maybe around the block.  Then add a little distance every day.  My doc encouraged me to walk, walk, and walk.  But make sure you are walking correctly, heel -toe.  Your goal is no LIMPING.  it is better to walk really slow and have a good gait than a long distance and have to limp home!!!

I'm five weeks post op today and I go for a 10/15 minute walk each day, the first three weeks was just in my street last week I ventured round the block and this week I made it out on to nearby streets.

This last week I felt comfortable with one crutch at home and yesterday was my first trip out with just one.We all have a different story to tell, listen to your body and do what you feel able too, it's easy to read what other's are doing and worry about what you should be doing, I know as I've done this myself!

I think you are doing great.

Dear Desire

I suggest that you just get out there and walk but remember that you need to be able to get back home!

Your body will tell you how far to go but you need to carry out your muscles along with walking otherwise you will not be in a position to really progress. Good posture, good walking action and good length of stride should be your initial aim, speed comes later.

Just do the most you are comfortable with but starting with a morning and an evening walk is a good starting point. I urge you to use two sticks or crutches until your gait is reliably good. It is an amazing feeling when you feel confident to walk out the door without any aids feeling totally normal!

Cheers Richard

Hi Desire

im nearly 6 weeks post operation and walking an hour a day on a running machine and/or walks outside for the same amount of time.  I started short walks outside at 3 weeks.  My physio suggested starting with 10 minutes and then adding in increments of 10 minutes when I felt able.  I found any hills  hard at first so tried to avoid them.  I also walked in good trainers as I found I got more pain with my usual shoes.  I found I only realised I'd done too much after the walk not during so don't try and rush it.  

Good luck.  Xx

Hiya, I'm 3 weeks today post Op, I'm now managing to come down

stairs (18) twice a day which to be honest weeks me, when only doing once a day I

ventured outside and literally went 4 houses and back again, at present

I don't feel I can do much more, I'm 62 and still need my right hip

replacing which hopefully will be November.

For me any progress with no pain is brilliant, don't feel you have to

Keep up with anybody just do it at your own speed. X

Hi Desire, We all heal at different paces. I was out walking from day 8, but it was little by little, 3 houses extra a day, it was hard somedays but did this twice a day as well as my exercises. I was off of crutches no sticks by 5/6 weeks but only because at first physio appointment 4 weeks post op, said get off of those crutches and made me walk up and down the long corridor which was scary, Listen ot your body, it will tell you when it has had enough. Good luck.

hi desire, 

great feedback ... basically it is up to you - I was told to go for short frequent walks rather than one long one - and remember that you aslo have to walk back home - Once I was so excited how great I felt and kept walking ... arghhh - didn't do so great on the return and was in pain for 2 days ...

the best advice is really to listen to your body - some days you might go further than others, but that doesn't mean that you have a set back !!!

go at your own pace - be aware of your posture and how you walk - it can be boooooring but rewarding at the same time ...

big warm hug

renee

It takes tie to re-build your proper walking pattern and regain strength in those muscles that have received such trauma during the operation.

See my website for my recovery blog and tips from hippies on this forum, the website address is in my personal info here ...

   https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸

i am also 4 weeks still on 2 crutches for another 2 weeks feel good without that awful pain i had before surgery for one half years so anything is an improvement i am tired sitting on kitchen chair with lots of cushions i will never take for granted putting on my own shoes again I AM DOING 3000 steps a day wondering is that enough its tiring with 2 crutches ON AND UP WARDS X