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Is Walking Effective For Post Operative Leg Pain?

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Posted on Wed, 28 May 2014
Question: Hello Dr Grief
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
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
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
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (12 hours later)
Thank you so much for your reply. I am not sure now how much I should try to stand up or walk for before sitting down in order to get ready for teaching next week. I don't want to cause any tearing in the repairs. Can that happen? Would you say 2 weeks staying at home would be enough for the demands of teaching 8 hours? How about walking up and down the staiers at school? Is that safe after 2 weeks?
Thank you once again
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
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
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (22 minutes later)
Thank you for your prompt reply.
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
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
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
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3195 Questions

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Is Walking Effective For Post Operative Leg Pain?

Brief Answer: 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