After 4 weeks since my operation where should I be in my recovery, been stuck indoors due to the cold and very slippery underfoot, been walking around the house and because we live in a town house I’m able to go up and down stairs ok,
Should I be doing anything else I do feel better in myself, I’m able to eat a bit more but not back to normal, any suggestions would be appreciated in my recovery
Everyone stay warm and safe with this snow and ice, hopefully it will be gone very soon
Best regards
Pat
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E16Pat
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Alongside your daily breathing exercises a daily walk, of progressively increasing length, is one of the most important elements in your recovery. This is how you'll fully reflate your lungs, which in turn will massively reduce your risk of infection as well as making you feel so much better both physically and mentally.
I appreciate that December weather doesn't help (I had my bypass in October four years ago. so I really do know how difficult it can be), one tip I heard from a Cardio Nurse was get your partner or a friend to run you down to an indoor shopping centre, there you can walk in the relative warmth, in the dry, and with no risk of slipping. You can also reward yourselves with a cuppa when it's job done!
I cant stress enough that it is still VERY early days. Wrap up very warm, especially your extremities and invest in a good pair of warm boots with a very good tread. Probably easiest if you have velcro closing. Shoe zone do a good one for £25. It won't win design prizes but is very practical.
Pop in a nearby cafe or shop for interest and mental and physical stimulation
It's hard to say exactly where you should be as each person is individual.
Four weeks after my op, I was able to walk around my local area for around half hour to hour. I was eating relatively normally and able to move easier.
Sleep was still variable as I was still sleeping at an angle. So was having afternoon nap.
I was starting to be more social by popping to a cafe and reading a book or seeing friends for short periods.
You should be doing the exercises in the booklet the hospital gave you as well.
They help add some strength and flexibility back to you. In another two weeks you should have the cardio rehab team in touch with you to start sets of exercises much of which can be done indoors.
As soon as the ice is gone start building the walks up. But wrap up super warm as you won't be moving that fast
Hi Pat I know the weather has been bad, does your local hospital run a Post Cardiac exercise classes over a 6-8 week period, either at the Hospital or in a local Gym,seems to be a bit of a lottery, depending on your local hospital services and where you live
Sounds like you are just where you should be. From about six weeks, you will need to get a regular walking routine going, Are you signed up for any of the rehab courses post surgery- they are good and monitor your heart whilst exercising.
Walking a bit more is the best medicine for sure- have you a pal who might walk daily with you.
Glad to hear you are making progress nonetheless
Mary
Hi Pat, hope this helps. Having been in your situation 8 weeks ago having had double Bypass Surgery Monday 26th September this year. I remember I couldn't wait for time to pass and the healing process to proceed when I was in your shoes. Time seemed to be standing still. Now, I'm into my 12th week post op things are so much better the discomfort I had in my chest-back-arm have all but disappeared and on reflection from week 5 onwards things got progressively better. Best regards, Denis
That gives me a bit of a lift, I know it’s only 4 weeks since the operation but I’m getting so frustrated and bored, the aches and you mention are still there my eating is improving but this snow had put a damper on the little walks I was doing outside with the governor but even she can’t go out because of the snow and ice, hopefully by the weekend the weather will improve, I’m still very tired and find if hard to get out of bed in the mornings, I’m doing a lot of walking in the house. Denis I really appreciate your message thank you very very much
Oh I do remember that getting out of bed process. It takes a while every morning! Took me about 3 months to feel normal again. It does feel a long process.
Hi E16Pat.I am post 9weeks double bypass. I have really struggled with pain in chest and not being able to sleep at night. I unfortunately got an infection in my legs where they harvested veins from, which set me back a bit. I still get pain in my legs too, and obviously struggle to kneel down, which I often forget.
We are all different but not uncommon to feel fed up. I am beginning to feel more mobile, but frustrated with things I can't manage.
You are very much in early recovery.
I wish you well, you need patience.
There is no quick fix I'm afraid.
Look forward to spring when the weather is warmer.🙂
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