What my first steps outside felt like.

[Realfoodieclub]

My first walk out. As many of you know I'm coming back from a major operation. I had a high fitness level going in but my stomach muscles have been cut so I'm very much restricted in my speed and movement.

The first time I went out I was surprised about how vulnerable I felt. I wondered if this sometimes put a lot of people off one of the most productive forms of getting healthy that we have. Walking is such a good provider of so many health benefits but if you feel too nervous to go out the front door, how much help is it. It is very hard to understand how those feelings can make you feel if you haven't felt it.

I am/ was a confident active person but I was so surprised at how much difference this has made to me.

I take my phone with me and while I'm feeling so vulnerable I don't take my music, but I'm sure soon I will feel more relaxed with some music on at a low level.

I walk in places I feel safe and try and look relaxed even when i don't feel it. This does two things, it helps your body to stay in the correct posture and it gives your brain a little feeling of security and confidence that in time becomes second nature. To help you relax try to take controlled deep breaths, but not so deep that it makes you feel dizzy. This can help calm you heart rate down if it feels stressed and therefore gives a relaxed feeling.

anyone else have similar feelings as they start their journey.

[drakeybar]

Hello Realfoodie

Lovely to hear that you are back, look after yourself and take it steady. How is the Hubby doing.

Sending you my best wishes for a steady recovery.

From Drakeybar

John.

[Realfoodieclub in reply to drakeybar]

Thank you so much. He is doing well, the kidney is working and it is role reversal as he is looking after me 😀 As he feels better than me right now as his operation was less invasive. His main job with the docs is to get his anti rejection and immunosuppressive drugs spot on.

[runswithdogs]

It's funny you mention vulnerability. I've been upping my walking distance the past two days, covering my old easy 3k running route. I start off confident, and thinking I should be running. After 1.5 km of walking I realize that walking at my current pace and distance is my current limit for my head. It's humbling, and does give me a funny sense of vulnerability. A feeling that I am a little guarded and cautious of my injury, and my mental state. I'm learning so much about myself.

[Realfoodieclub in reply to runswithdogs]

I agree it really has surprised me the vulnerability I have felt. It's little things like crossing roads. I have one speed and can't jump out of the way, that sort of thing. I realised when I look around all getting back to health training plans start with walking first but with no support at all at this crucial time.

When we first learnt to walk at our most vulnerable we only did it with adults around so they could catch us when we wobble as adults it is a much bigger thing.

Can you help by thinking of things that made you feel most vulnerable and what you did to overcome it, so maybe together we could do help sheet. Or if anyone else reading this has been in a similar situation.

I really think we need help and information out there for those struggling.

[runswithdogs in reply to Realfoodieclub]

You bet RFC. I'll pay close attention to my walks and report back.

[EmTee in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Hi Realfoodieclub☺

I'm new here.

I found your post concerning vulnerability really interesting. I have recently developed a painful condition that forced me to give up work and all the activities I used to do quite suddenly. Then when I tried to get back to walking which is my favorite thing to do, I felt what you described. It's been about 5 months since it all happened, I thought about joining a walking group but have realised I have lost some of my confidence from being practically housebound.

I would be interested in the plan you mentioned, and would welcome any tips that anyone can suggest.

Em☺

[Realfoodieclub in reply to EmTee]

Please join us on our getting back to walking group. I will be putting up a post on Monday and we will get a little group together. I don't know about you but right now but advertised walking groups are just a little out of my reach as they all seem to start at a 30min walk and I'm not at that level yet, but with all of us working together I'm sure we will all get there in our own time without too much pressure.

[EmTee in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Sounds great! ☺

[Gemini64]

Morning Realfoodie

I had a full hysterectomy Jan last year. I was very surprised at how vulnerable I felt too!

It will take time but you will soon get your confidence back, I'm sure.

Before I was a carer I was a driving instructor for 32 years so I know all about the deep breathing techniques and trying to keep calm. I used to teach this to students just before their tests!! So this will help you greatly!👍Lol

After my op I was a good patient and did rest completely, which is very hard for me because I'm always on the go. ( I played netball for 32 years but gave up at 55!!) 😕👵

Good luck with your recovery and listen to your body sometimes we think we can do more but your body will tell you when your doing too much

Take care and a speedy recovery x🤗

[Realfoodieclub in reply to Gemini64]

I know it is a bit of a shock how it can make you feel. I am doing my best to be a good patient, poor MrRfc is feeling it so much seeing me in pain, I just keep telling him, I'm not ill I'm just recovering. Thanks.

[JaySeeSkinny]

In Germany after such an invasive operation you can often go to rehab. For a minimum of three weeks they help you relearn things, get fit again and give you tips, but all under supervision. Probably not under the NHS though. Can you go out with your husband for support?

[Realfoodieclub in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

That sounds like a great idea. I have a physio appointment booked for April but that was more luck as a NHS course of physio had to be put on hold for the op. MrRfc does come out with me, he is more mobile than I am right now but he holds back to walk with me.

[13Valerie]

I've often had to come back to fitness after a relapse ( I have Multiple Sclerosis)

It can be hard starting at scratch again but the secret I've found is to start small... 5 mins twice a day... a little stroll around the garden. Be consistent and listen to your body. Best wishes in your recovery 😊

[Realfoodieclub in reply to 13Valerie]

I have had to learn so much over the last few months. More is not better. Your body seems to repay you better if you stop earlier, then you have energy left over for the other stuff in life. It has taken me a little while to get out of the boom and bust cycle 😀 Take good care of your self Rfc x.