Fit for Surgery

Image

Advantages of Pre-surgical Fitness

Prior to surgery I was doing strength training or Crossfit style workouts 2-3x/week and 30+ minutes of aerobic exercise 2x/week. For the most part, this has been my exercise routine for the better part of 20 years. That is to say I went into surgery with a reasonably high level of fitness compared to the general population.

Despite that, getting out of bed for the first time and starting to walk around after surgery was slow and cumbersome. The physiologic burdens placed on the body with major surgery are signifiant. It includes large increased demand for oxygen during and post-surgery, stress on the immune and autonomic nervous system, and likely a good deal of catabolism of stored protein to assist in tissue repair to return to homeostasis.

https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(21)00795-9/fulltext

Without a strong confidence in my baseline level of fitness, and the importance of early rehab from my occupation, I could see how most patients would default to the comfort of staying in the hospital bed after surgery. It took work to get up onto my feet and the awkward feeling of walking initially was humbling and made me feel self-conscious.

Nevertheless, I spent 5 minutes walking the floor of the hospital, telling myself that my bowels would move and this NG tube would be gone. With nothing to do in the hospital, I would walk for 5 minutes, chew on some ice, and nap every hour like clockwork.

I noticed that despite most of the rooms on the floor of the hospital taken, there were no other patients moving. The view from the hallway in each of the rooms was a patient in bed with a loved one watching TV as I took my laps around the floor.

Image

Real Patient Testimonials

I can’t say enough how much my life has changed under Dr. Chung’s care. After 10 years of chronic pain and being dismissed by my neurologist, I came to Dr. C. He was caring, and really listened. After only 2 visits, I have already had a tremendous reduction in my pain! I feel like a new person.
Clemence Heller
I can't say how much Dr Jonathan Chung has given me back a full quality of life. Migraines was my daily focus, brought my on by a minor car accident few years before. I thought I was going to live with pain medications for the rest of my life. After seeing 2 neurologist prior I was convinced that was my life. But I never stop searching for holistic approaches which led me to Keystone Chiropractic. Thank you.
Michelle Graham
Dr.Chung has been a huge part of my journey to getting back to how I was before my dizziness and vestibular issues. Under his care I am now better than how I was before and I am able to live a normal life again. He is passionate about his patients and he’s such a great person. I’m so happy he’s my doctor! His staff is amazing as well!
Sabrina Kopejz
    Schedule an Appointment
    Image