Post Surgery Exercises

Hi Ejax, in answer to your questions: like you I read my leaflet and was prepared but I didn’t have to do it, didn’t need to cough, didn’t have any phlegm either. I was up and out of my hospital bed at 6am the day after my op, as soon as the catheter was out, and walking around the ward, and up and down the corridor to and from the nursing station, making sure I stood up straight and and taking deep breaths. As soon as I got home from hospital I went for a gentle 5 minute walk, made sure I went up and down stairs regularly, and went for twice daily walks after that, so I reckon that got my circulation and lungs going again. They have to prepare us in case there are issues, but, In reality, I think most people don’t have many after effects, if any. 

Hi Ejax. Not sure if we have the same or similar info but my pack did include breathing and coughing tips and mentioned the chest clearing but mainly just to help if you did struggle with chest issues. It's not very pleasant to cough, laugh or sneeze in that first week or so. I think they're covering their bases tbh. Came in handy to know when I choked on a bit of banana though.

The breathing exercises were the first I really took seriously and they helped ever so much so I highly recommend doing those. I was doing an awful lot of shallow breathing which was making my diaphragm and muscles very tight. I've not be too great on the others (not doing them 4-5 as they recommend but morning and evening) but a couple of times a day plus walking and I'm feeling a lot stronger in 3.5 weeks after surgery. They don't take too long once you get the knack of them.