You will likely have a slew of questions if your physician recommends surgery. Regarding whatever procedure they recommend, you’ll want to learn everything you can. Lots of inquiries will enter your mind, such as when you can get back to your normal activities, return to work, and more. There are a number of factors that will influence your surgery recovery and the time it takes. The severity of your injury or condition is one, the type of operation you’re having is another, as well as other factors.
The more you can understand the entire process, the better. Particularly of concern will be what at-home activities and/or care will be appropriate. Your physician’s postoperative and preoperative instructions should be adhered to. With a positive attitude and patience, before you know it, you’ll get stronger every day and get back to your normal way of life.
To help speed up recovery, try some of these helpful tips.
Getting Support
Especially during times like this, don’t feel bad about asking for assistance, help, and/or support. You may need to hire some in-home help, ask relatives, request assistance from a friend, or stay briefly in an assisted living facility. The important thing is that you get the help you need in the environment in which you will best thrive and heal.
When You’re Ready, Walking Is a Good Idea
Naturally, you’re going to want to check with your physician to see when walking will once again be a healthy choice, not a detriment. Don’t push yourself before you’re ready. Once your doctor gives you the okay, even minimal walking at a slow pace is better than just sitting. Don’t overtax yourself, particularly at first. Recovery may be slow and steady, so take things at your own pace. (This is not to say your physical therapist won’t push you, however – that’s their job.)
Drinking and Eating Healthy
This will be referred to again later, but for your body to heal and recuperate, it’s important that you eat and drink in a healthy manner. Your body needs fuel to heal, and along with the right foods and fluids, as much rest as possible will be beneficial. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins, water (you must stay hydrated), fresh vegetables, fruits, protein, and more.
Infections Must Be Avoided
Healing incisions are an open invitation for infections. But they don’t have to be. Fortunately, many of the surgical procedures today are minimally invasive. Regardless, however, for the infected area, you must do all you can in the way of care, cleaning, bandaging, etc. Ask for assistance if you need help dressing or cleaning the wound. Your surgeon will likely provide you with step-by-step instructions for wound care. Make sure you have all the supplies you need on hand before you arrive home post-surgery.
Getting the Right Kind of Care
Whether it’s assisted living care in a community or home care services, it’s important for those recovering from surgery, an injury, or an illness to get the right kind of healthcare. Depending on your condition, you could need full-scale nursing attention or something as simple as a companion and a bit of assistance.
Follow-Up Appointments Must Not Be Ignored
Usually around a day or two after surgery, you may have your first follow-up appointment. Even though you may not feel 100%, don’t skip the appointment. Ask someone to accompany you and/or drive you. Regarding your pain level and other symptoms, be upfront and honest with your physician. This is likely the first of several follow-up visits.
Rest As Much As You Can
Though physical therapy may come eventually, at first, it’s important to relax and rest. The more rest you get, the more energy your body will have to put toward recovery. It’s also important that you eat right to fuel your body. Remember not to exercise or drive until you’re cleared by your physician.
Discharge Instructions Should Be Followed Closely
Every surgeon gives discharge instructions to their patient. You’ll likely receive a collection of papers regarding how to take your medications, how to control pain, how to care for your incision, etc. Though you should go over these before you leave the hospital, once you arrive in your home environment, go over them again carefully and follow all the guidelines.
Recover and Convalesce at Discovery Village At Southlake
Do you need to relax and recover? See what Discovery Village At Southlake has to offer. We feature attractive outdoor common areas where you can sit, relax, and breathe in the fresh air. Discovery Village has 24-hour, dedicated nursing care and personal support, daily activities and events, and full-service maintenance and housekeeping.
Enjoy a little exercise with our Dimensions health and fitness program and eat three healthy meals a day courtesy of our Sensations dining program. If you have a question or two, feel free to contact us at 682–253–8966.