Question

merrily recently had a mastectomy. when she was discharged her doctor encouraged her to take a daily walk of 30 min and to swing her arms in an upward motion. why did he add these orders to his discharge instructions?

Answer 1

Surgical removal of breast is called mastectomy. It is usually done for women with breast cancer or high risk for getting breast cancer.

Mastectomy causes  pain and stiffness of Shoulder that can limit the movement of Shoulder and arm and limits daily activities. Build up of scar tissue also limits the mobility  of Shoulder and arms. swing of arms improve shoulder and arms mobility, regain flexibility of arms and strengthen the arms

Use of narcotic pain killer and immobility after mastectomy can worsens constipation. Sever fatigue also occur after Surgery. Short daily walk reduces constipation and boost up the energy and make person more relaxed.