It is only natural to have questions when a doctor recommends surgery, from how the procedure will be performed and the kind of anesthesia administered to how long until you can return to your everyday routine. Surgery is always a scary notion, and that’s completely understandable. You need to have all the information before making a decision. Likewise, you need to know everything once the surgery is complete.
Take your time to understand the whole surgical procedure. Pay close attention to the pre-operative and post-operative instructions, and do not hesitate to ask your doctor and medical team important questions about the surgery, including; if there are any risks involved? What post-op medication will you need? How long will the recovery process take?
How a patient recovers after surgery depends on the type of procedure and whether the surgery is a major or minor one. It also depends upon their condition pre-operation; if they have had any previous surgeries or underlying illnesses that may pose a threat to the recovery process. Nonetheless, it is important to take care once you return home from the hospital to ensure timely recovery and avoid any possible complications. You must go through the post-operation instructions extensively. Be it an appendectomy, cataract surgery, cesarean delivery, septoplasty for deviated septum, or even a heart bypass surgery; each procedure comes with its challenges and different recovery timeline.
However, with patience and proper care, you will get healthier and will surely be back to your normal schedule before you know it. Here are a few tips that may help speed up your healing process.
Follow the post-operation instructions
It cannot be stressed enough, but the instructions exist for a reason. The reason is to ensure your timely and complication-free recovery. People tend only to follow the ones that are in correspondence with their lifestyle and disregard the rest, which makes the recovery process ever so difficult. If you have any reservations about the directions, please talk to your health care provider.
They may also contain guidance specific to your condition, informing you when to visit the emergency unit. In case of any unusual symptoms or reactions to medication, you must inform your health care provider as soon as possible.
Rest
As boring and obvious as this advice may sound, it is important to rest after your surgery. Depending upon the kind of procedure, your health care provider will guide you about the amount of rest you require. Allow yourself to recharge, your body to re-energize, and the wound to heal.
Take care of your diet
It is essential to give energy to your body. As quickly as you might want to return to normal routine and work, you need to be able to do that. It is only natural to lose your appetite after the procedure, you may feel sick, nauseous, or you just don’t feel like eating. However, taking a healthy diet and staying fully hydrated will promote your healing process, minimizing complications and ensuring a speedy recovery. The surgery may force you to make a few modifications to your diet, but it is all for your benefit at the end of the day.
Follow-up
Many patients avoid going for follow-up appointments to save time and money. They find it useless as they believe they are doing well and do not need to go to the doctor. However, this is the wrong approach.
The doctor wants to know how you are doing, your post-operation struggles, and your process and will check for any abnormalities or possible infections. The health care provider may adjust your medication according to your current situation and guide you in the future.
Take medication
While there is no such thing as painless surgery, the correct drug in the proper dose can go a long way toward alleviating the soreness and discomfort resulting from the operation. Inform your doctor about any over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, or supplements you take before surgery. This will allow them to prescribe pain medication that will not interfere with any medications you are already taking.
As a patient, it is critical that you carefully follow any medication directions from your healthcare professionals. This will not only help you recover faster, but it will also prevent you from getting any long-term health problems in the future.
Get proper wound care
Inspect your inversion properly, and look for any changes in color or stitch/staple placement, if there is any discharge. Do not go overboard in cleaning and scrubbing the site, but ask your health care provider how you can take proper care of your wound. Wear clothes that do not irritate the surgical site. Change your dressings as instructed, and keep an eye out for any possible infections. In case of itching or any discomfort, contact your doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Include movement
Slowly and gradually, get moving. Walking is a great post-surgery exercise to slowly ease your body into the routine and accelerate the process of recovery. Movement increases blood flow in the body, which helps a great deal in healing. It can help avoid blood clots and reduce the chances of developing pneumonia and other post-operation complications. After your doctors’ approval, start therapy to regain muscle strength and improve the functioning of the scarred tissues.
Get help
It may get very overwhelming to take care of everything on your own, and it is perfectly alright to ask for help. Your friends and family will be happy to help. They will help you with daily chores, cooking, and cleaning while you’re on bed rest. You are not expected to be organized and oriented in these difficult times, and no one will think of it as an inconvenience.
No one has full control over their health, but you can control your recovery process and pace. However, prepare for the surgery beforehand as much as possible and have complete knowledge of your condition. Know what to expect from the recovery process, and keep your family and friends well informed. Relax and let your body heal naturally. With proper care, rest, and mild exercise, you will feel better quickly.
