Recovering from surgery? Follow these 6 expert tips for a safe and quick recovery. Learn how to stay hydrated, manage pain, and avoid complications.
Surgery is an inconvenient disruption from everyday life. While it is natural to want to bounce back as quickly as possible, it is important to give your body the time and rest it needs to make a strong recovery.
That being said, there are a few things you can do to help keep the recovery process going smoothly and without delay.
- Follow your surgeon’s recovery protocol.
Make sure you understand the recovery protocol from your surgeon and don’t leave the hospital without clear written instructions and best practices for pain management. The nurse and/or surgeon should verbally go over what recovery should look like and what red flags to look out for. Getting a written copy is important because as much as we like to think we will remember everything, inevitably, you won’t. Try to schedule necessary follow-up appointments and physical therapy before you leave the hospital.
- Stay hydrated.
Besides generally being a good idea for well-being, staying hydrated after surgery is important for a few reasons. First, it will help you flush out toxins from anesthesia. It can also help with constipation, which is a common side effect of surgery, as well as support healthy wound recovery and blood circulation.
- Follow all exercises and icing instructions.
Be diligent with any exercises and icing protocols that the surgeon or physical therapist instructs you to do. They have done this many times and know what works and what doesn’t. Assuming you’ve done your homework on a site like SurgeonCheck.com, trust the experts you’ve chosen.
- Take medications as prescribed.
You should always take medications as prescribed. Pain medications are given to you for a reason. When pain is controlled, it allows you to be more active and participate fully in the recovery routine prescribed by your surgeon. I
f you are prescribed opioids, stop taking them as soon as you are able. When the pain is manageable, switch to over-the-counter pain relief as instructed by your surgeon.
- Walk regularly to avoid blood clots
Avoid blood clots by walking regularly following surgery. If bedridden, do calf pumps hourly to keep circulation going. - Practice deep breathing and cough exercises.
Breathing deeply and coughing regularly helps to avoid post-operative pneumonia.
Recovering from surgery takes time and patience, but by following these steps, you can support your body’s healing process and help ensure a smoother, quicker recovery.
Remember, each person’s recovery journey is unique, so it’s essential to listen to your body and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns. By staying hydrated, adhering to prescribed exercises and medications, and following your surgeon’s protocol, you’re actively setting yourself up for the best possible outcome. Take things one day at a time, and know that your efforts today are investments in a healthier tomorrow.
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