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Staying mobile while recovering from surgery

After having surgery, the last thing you may want to do is get out of bed-…but moving around early after your operation is the best medicine! Mobilizing early and often during your hospital stay:!

Mobilizing early and often during your hospital stay:

  • Decreases the amount of time you stay in the hospital
  • Decreases your risk of developing pressure injuries or “bed sores”
  • Decreases your risk of developing blood clots
  • Decreases your risk of falling
  • Increases your chances of being discharged home rather than to a rehabilitation or nursing facility
  • Improves and prevents pain, dizziness, confusion, appetite, swallowing, sleep, mood, and breathing
  • Helps your body fight infection
  • Helps you recover faster

What can I do to move around?

  • Get up to a chair for your meals. Do NOT eat in bed!
  • Get out of bed to use the toilet. Do NOT use a bedpan.
  • Walk around the nursing unit 4-6 times a day.
 

Be sure to ask for help from your nurse or nurse's aid the first time you are out of bed. If you are unsure if it is safe for you to move, ask a member of your healthcare team.

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