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:
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
persons 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 3/3017 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and
Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6711.