Keep moving for a speedy post-op recovery
One of the major complications of being in hospital is becoming weak and losing strength because of lack of movement (and use of muscles), especially for older patients. This is true whether you have had an operation or not.
This is sometimes called ‘deconditioning’.
If you are in hospital, try to keep moving unless there is a medical reason you are unable to do so. If you are used to walking around, take a stroll in the corridor or get out of bed and sit on a chair. Get dressed.
There are other complications related to lack of movement, including deep vein thromboses (leg clots), pulmonary emboli (lung clots) and chest and wound infections.
For every day you spend in bed, it may require five days of ‘muscle recovery time’ after you leave hospital. So continue moving at home, to further make up for that lost time.
