Treadmill

I had my surgery on Wed. TAH BSO and came home on Sat. It is over 100 degrees outside and although I want to walk as instructed, I tried this morning and it was so hot I felt like a sweat box within minutes. Has anyone tried using a treadmill to walk after surgery. It adjusts to a relatively slow speed, but I am not sure it is advisable. Seems like a dumb question, but has anyone used a treadmill for post op exercise and if so, what did you set it at and for how long?

Im from florida, so I know where your coming from.
Hot, hot,hot you better believe it. I try to go for a
walk by 8:30 at the latest. To be safe I wouldn't
use a treadmill without asking the doc. I think it's
probably a good idea to wait 6 to 8 weeks before
using one.

You can just walk around inside your house if it's too hot outside. The rule of thumb is to walk around for about 10 minutes an hour. So just walking up and down the hallway or around in your living room should be okay.

It would probably be best to wait on the treadmill for awhile. Or at least ask your doctor first.

s,

Lisa

Hi,
I live in the mountains and my doctor did not want me walking up inclines, which is all there is. I started using my treadmill after about 3 weeks, very slow setting for 5- 10 minutes at a time. Didn't have a problem. I just set it at the same speed I would have been walking at if I could have walked around a block.

You know that is a great question, I have a treadmill also and it has been hot here also. I thought that I would wait another week or so before trying it. I would be interested hearing from others if they have used theirs.

I don't have a tread mill and the heat really bothers me. I am normall up by 4:30 AM to get up and go to work, so I have found that this is a very pleasant time of day to get up and out for a stroll around the block. OH, it is refreashing to listen to the birds sing and watch the sun rise. I am a morning person and it can be very spiritual. Life IS what you make of it.

My doctor allowed me to start with the treadmill about 2 weeks post op. BUT, I had to start at a lower pace! I began at about 2.5 miles per hour and worked myself up to where I am at now( at 8.5 weeks post op) at 4.0 miles per hour. I also workout with weight machines, and was able to return to some of that at about 3 weeks post op ( only leg work though). I only started some of the arm workouts at 4 or so weeks. The abs will have to wait a little longer! Please be careful and do only what your dr. advises, and what feels comfy to you!

Best Wishes!
August04

I had a TVH on 6/24, and was walking short, slow walks on my treadmill by 6/30.

I think the treadmill is great for several reasons...you can adjust the speed - I started at 2 mph, when presurgery I'd go 4+, you are in the cool comfort of your home, and best of all, when you get tired you can quit immediately. I tried walking around my neighborhood first, and was pretty bummed when I got tired, but was still a 1/2 mile from home (I live in an area with large lots...my "block" is 1.35 miles!)

I think one key is whether or not you used your treadmill before surgery. This is not the time to start something new physically, but if you're used to it, just start SLOWLY. I discussed this with my DR at my 2 week visit, and he thought what I had done was fine.

Thank you all for your comments and concerns. I plan to walk at dusk as early morning is not the safest time in my neighborhood. I will call my doctor about the treadmill. I used it religiously before my surgery, but never thought to ask him about using it after. Too much other stuff on my mind I guess. Thanks again, it was very informative listening to your experiences.

My treadmill has been great for me. I get really sore on one side when I overdo, so I set it for 1.2 and read and read and read. It's a great way for me to get myself moving, but slowly and yet I'm home so I can always stop.