The Value of Early Walking after Surgery
Early walking after surgery is one of the most crucial things you can do to prevent problems.
Your doctor will order the activity that is best for you.
Starting to Walk after Surgery
While in bed, leg pumps will be applied to help promote blood flow in your legs. When it is
time to get out of bed, your nursing staff (nurse or nursing assistant) will help you:
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Dangle at the bedside.
Move from the bed to a chair.
Walk in the hallways.
You may feel dizzy or faint when first getting up, so you must go slowly at first. This means
sitting up slowly and sitting at the side of the bed for a few minutes.
Please let the nursing staff know if you feel faint, dizzy, nauseated, or are short of breath while
walking.
Why should you walk?
Walking promotes the flow of oxygen throughout your body and maintains normal breathing
function. It also strengthens your muscle tone. Gastrointestinal and urinary tract function are
improved by walking. These body systems are slowed down after surgery. Walking also
improves blood flow and speeds wound healing.
Failure to walk may cause increased constipation and gas pain, weakness, less power to fight
infections, and puts you at a higher risk for blood clots and lung problems such as pneumonia.
Prolonged bed rest may also increase the risk for skin breakdown and pressure sores.
If you have any further questions, ask your nurse or doctor.
Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you
have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This
is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each
person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using
this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright ©1/2014 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and
Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6711.