No matter what surgical procedure you have undergone, looking after yourself post-surgery can aid in a smooth and easy recovery process. For those who have had a minor procedure, a few days in bed accompanied by pain medication may be all it takes to recover. For others who have had a more invasive procedure, post-surgery recovery can take weeks or even months. If you are due to have surgery, here are four ways to care for yourself once you are home.
Mobility
The amount you can move around depends on many things including the surgery site and the amount of pain you are in. No matter what, the first few days following surgery should be spent resting as much as possible. This gives your body the time it needs to heal the surgery site. If you have had surgery to your spine or legs, it may be that you struggle to walk at all. If this is the case, you may want to consider hiring medical equipment such as a wheelchair or walking frame. Hiring can save you money if your disability is only temporary. For more information, check out bosshardmedical.com.au.
Pain Management
Keeping on top of your pain after surgery is essential. Missing doses of your pain medication could lead you to be in severe pain and it can be hard to get back on track. Even if you do not feel in pain when you are due for your next dose, missing this could be disastrous. If your doctor recommends taking a dose of pain medication for two weeks, then take them for two weeks. These recommendations are there for a reason and are usually derived from patient experience and medical evidence, so follow the doctor’s orders on this one.
Eating and Drinking
Your body needs essential nutrients to heal, and post-surgery this is even more important. Whilst you may be spending a lot of time sleeping, or it may be that you feel ill with the pain medications you are taking, eating enough as well as drinking lots of water is key to a healthy recovery. For those who have had a procedure in the mouth such as a tonsillectomy, eating and drinking can be very painful. If this is the case, it is suggested that you eat or drink around 30 minutes after your pain medication. Failure to provide your body with energy could lead to a slower recovery.
Infection
Surgery sites can become infected, so keeping good care of the site and understanding the signs of an infection is essential post-surgery. Keep the surgery site clean and dry at all times and if any dressings come loose, speak to a doctor or community nurse immediately. The common signs of an infection are fever, redness and swelling to the area or wet dressings due to the infection leaking out onto them. If you notice any of these, seek medical attention immediately.
Follow these tips to aid in recovering post-surgery. If you have any questions following your surgery, speak to your doctor or medical team.
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