[DebbieJ54]

Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by DebbieJ54 on Wed Apr 13, 2016 11:13 am

I am on Day 26 of my auto stem cell transplant.

For those of you who have been through this, how long before you were walking outside or able to take a bike ride with a mask?

There seems to be a lot of varying information out there, and I'm seeing my doctor today to talk about some of these timelines. I always go to the more cautious approach with things like exposure, but I want to be able to get out there and take some walks as soon as it is safe for some variety.

We live in the country where there are a lot of farm fields and I know that I will need to stay in on windy days or during times when the fields are being cultivated.

Anyone want to share their experience?

[DallasGG]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by DallasGG on Wed Apr 13, 2016 11:31 am

I live in the city and I started walking outside the day I got home from the hospital after my transplant (17 days post transplant). I don't think I even wore a mask because it was February and there wasn't alot of bad stuff in the air. I mainly wore my mask when out in public around other people.

[Mike F]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by Mike F on Wed Apr 13, 2016 12:44 pm

I was home on Day 15, but it was another week and a half or so before I felt good enough to go outside. The first venture just involved a walk around the block with a mask (I'm in an urban area). Within a couple of days after that I was going on longer walks with no mask and I was up to a couple of miles within another couple of weeks. My doctor made me stay away from my job for a couple of months, so once I felt up to it, I was going on long walks every morning.

[NStewart]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by NStewart on Wed Apr 13, 2016 1:30 pm

I also started walking outdoors the day I was discharged from the hospital, Day 14, with no mask. Every day I went somewhere. I went for walks, to the movies, to restaurants and shopping. I did everything during the middle of the day when there wouldn't be a lot of people around. I never wore a mask. I live in the city.

Nancy in Phila

[goldmine848]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by goldmine848 on Wed Apr 13, 2016 7:28 pm

Looks like the walking part of the question has been answered. As for biking, I don't see why you can't start doing it slowly and carefully as soon as you feel able. My transplant was in winter, so I rode inside. After a few days. It was pretty difficult at first, so my suggestion would be start with short rides on flat ground.

[Jfosntampa]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by Jfosntampa on Wed Apr 13, 2016 7:44 pm

I did my transplant as an outpatient and was encouraged to start walking as soon as I felt strong enough or could no longer stand being cooped up. For me, that was the next day. I wore a mask for about the first two weeks, living in an urban area, I thought it was prudent.

Start slowly, your body will set the limits.

John

[DuckJibe]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by DuckJibe on Sat Apr 23, 2016 9:17 am

I was "high wind" windsurfing 5 weeks after my stem cell transplant, it all depends on how you feel, how your body feels. There is no set guidelines or rules, but taking it easy and slow is the prudent thing to do.

Frank

[mobri65]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by mobri65 on Sat Apr 23, 2016 7:42 pm

I had my stem cell transplant two years ago this month. I was walking the halls at the hospital before I was discharged and continued a program upon getting home. Daily walks and eventually doing stairs at the local high school stadium.

Now I work out five times a week, weight training, cardio and cycling. I followed the nutritionist's guidelines and concentrated on the exercise and eating right and plenty of hydration. I have lost 60 pounds and my cholesterol is under 200 for the first time in my adult life, blood pressure is optimum. I feel pretty darn good.

Don't hesitate, go for it.

[DebbieJ54]

Re: Walking & biking after a stem cell transplant

by DebbieJ54 on Tue Apr 26, 2016 1:58 pm

Thanks for all of your input! Well, it is Day 39 post transplant and I've been walking outside (with a mask) 4 miles each day when the weather is good. Also, I've been doing Zumba at home - yesterday I worked out for 2 hours. I am anxious to get back in to the gym and teach my Zumba classes. Just still nervous about catching a virus.