EXERCISE AFTER SURG

I HAVE A LOT OF PAIN IN MY KNEES AND IN BOTH HIPS. RIGHT NOW MY EXERCISE OF CHOICE IS SWIMMING BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HURT ANYWHERE. MY DOCTOR TELLS ME I CAN'T SWIM FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS AFTER THE SURGERY. IT IS VERY PAINFUL FOR ME TO WALK. HAS ANYONE ELSE COME UP AGAINST THIS AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE.

Hi Judy...congrats on your choice to help yourself! I too have bad knees, and I am not sure what your weight was at, I myself was considered a "lightweight", but none the less, I still had bad knees...I still went out walking, at first just 1/4 of the block and back would do me in...but I kept up with it...You can try some free weights not to heavy and work on your arms...you can sit in a comfy chair and do these, try leg lifts as well...I really really like my exercise ball...it takes a bit to get used to it though and is a nice work out....for any size, shape, or age! Try some of these... Lora Lap Rny 5-26-04

Hi Judy!! Welcome to the Dr. Wallace Loser's Club!! If you are a new post-op, it can seem all overwhemling at first. Concentrate on your water and protein and don't fret about doing tons of exercising right now. Of course you aren't going to starting jogging (that would have killed me for sure). Do what I did, start out very slowly. Getting out of bed and walking is important to help you get the blood flowing in your legs too (it helps prevent blood clots which we are susceptible to).When you are a post-op any movement is a gain because you are burning fat to do it! Just standing to do some household activities that you used to sit down to do, can be exercise for you right now like standing while folding laundry, va******* doing dishes. Just don't over do! You could also stand for 5-10 minutes several times in the day while watching TV, or pace back and forth while on the phone. I'm sorry that your joints are hurting! I had a bad hip and knees too! If they really hurt bad take a Tylenol (we are allowed to take it) or ask about getting a prescription for Celebrex or some other arthritus drug. But don't give up! Be determined to do it! Very soon you will notice that your legs are lighter and you can walk further or faster, or painfree!! Try keeping a little journal of what you are doing and the time and dates. A year from now you can look back and see all the progress you've made! It is such a wonderful time in your life right now! You are going to feel as if you are melting!! Susan

Thanks for your input Susan. I was encouraged to hear you went thru the same pains. I am still pre-op. In fact I just got my sleep apnea results and now have to do a CPAP for 30 days. I am still waiting to get that approved by my insurance. My insurance runs out at the end of the year so I am under the gun. I have put it all in God's hands. If I am supposed to have the surgery He will make it happen. I have never used a message board or gone to a chat room, this is new to me. Thanks you for your input, it felt good to have someone take the time to respond. Judy

Judy, You are welcome!! It's my pleasure to help out here on the message boards. I certainly posted enough of my own questions when I began. But, I am not unique!! There are many many wonderful people on here...especially on the Main Message Board!! They will nearly bend over backwards to help someone out!!! Susan