Generally, having surgery is a big ordeal and takes quite a toll on the body. No matter healthy you are, it can take some time to completely recover from your surgery, and you really need to take it easy before you can get back to normal. Depending on the type of surgery you have had, there will be different recovery periods. However, the more you try to rest, follow your discharge instructions, and eat or drink things that will help you recover, the better off you will be. Read ahead for some pointers on how to bounce back after your surgery and get things back to normal.
Follow Your Instructions
Before you leave the healthcare facility, make sure you understand all the instructions given to you. You should be given a piece of paper that describes your discharge instructions, and in most cases, they will have you sign this paper to ensure that you understand the instructions. It is also helpful to make sure a friend or family member is with you when these instructions are given just in case you forget or you are not quite recovered from anesthesia.
If you have questions, try to get them answered by your surgeon or nurse before you leave because it will be much more difficult to get a hold of them if you have to call in later. Once you get home, review the instructions and determine how you will follow them. Much of your ability to recover will depend on how strictly you follow the instructions of medications you need to take, how often you need to take them, and what types of substances or activities you need to avoid.
Treat Your Pain
If you were given pain medication prescriptions, get them filled. If over-the-counter medications are recommended (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen), make sure you have them at home or pick some up on the way home. For any medication, follow the directions and take the medications when you need them. The professionals of CNG Pharmacy Inc suggest that you might need to create a chart to hang in the bathroom or on the refrigerator so you know what medications to take, and when.
These Mt. Vernon pharmacy specialists say that patients can get confused about how often to take certain pills if they are on several different medications at once. Other strategies to reduce pain include meditation, guided imagery (imagining a pleasing place or scene to take your mind off the pain) and deep breathing (assuming this will not cause more pain). Keeping your pain at bay helps keep your blood pressure normal and decreases stress and anxiety following surgery.
Do Not Smoke
Even if you smoked before surgery, try to not smoke while you are recovering from surgery. Smoking reduces you body’s ability to heal and can increase your chances of an infection. If you are an avid smoker, this will be difficult to resist, but if you truly want your body to heal, do not give into the temptation. Truthfully, if you want to make a full, healthy recovery for a normal life, you shouldn’t be smoking in the first place.
Stay Active
For the first day or two, you might be bed-ridden or confined to the couch until you can build your strength builds up. But as the days go on, don’t just stay in bed or lay on the couch. Try to get up and move as much as possible once you get home. You will have to determine how much you can do based on your type of surgery and the instructions given to you by your surgeon, but you should be able to do a little more each day.
This will not only help you feel better, it reduces your chances of having issues with constipation (especially if you are taking prescription pain meds). Make sure that there is someone present when you are ready to get up so that they can catch you if you wobble or get light headed.
Drink Plenty of Water
By taking in at least 8 glasses of water a day, you reduce the likelihood of developing constipation and it will help flush out the anesthetic medications used during you surgery. It also will help keep your kidneys working effectively. Keeping a large water bottle near your bed or chair will remind you to keep sipping throughout the day. Water will really contribute to the healing process, so make sure you are constantly drinking so you avoid any dehydration, constipation, dry-mouth, or other side effects from the surgery or your medications.
Every surgery is different, but these general tips should be helpful for anyone who wants to make a rapid and full recovery. If your recovery does not progress as expected or you suddenly have worsening symptoms, please contact your surgeon or physician as soon as possible. It is important to closely follow instructions given you as you leave the health care facility, and in the beginning it is helpful to have someone to keep an eye on you. As you follow your doctor’s instructions and take a little help from your friends and family, you’ll be able to bounce back and enjoy life after surgery by making a healthy, steady recovery.
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