The road back to health following an operation can be a bumpy one so, here are 7 top tips that you can easily follow to make that post-op journey as smooth as possible.
1. Do as you are told!
You will hear this a lot in and in a variety of ways. The important thing to remember is your healthcare providers have treated plenty from post-op patients who follow the instructions, and many that don’t. Rest is the most common instruction patients disregard.
2. Keep Your Follow-Up Appointments
You may have a lot of appointments after your operation which, if you’re feeling good and your wound is healing well, an appointment may seem like a hassle and waste of time. But nothing could be further from the truth. Check-in with your hospital team or GP as directed and they will make sure your recovery is on track and going in the right direction. They are also able to answer any questions or concerns you may have!
3. Prevent Infection
It may sound obvious, but it is worth mentioning that preventing infection is vital to having a positive outcome from your procedure. Practices such as washing your hands before changing your wound dressing and not touching your open incision are the easiest and most important things you can do during your recovery.
4. Drink and Eat Properly
I can’t emphasise enough how important this is. Many people struggle with loss of appetite after having surgery or they may feel nauseous or constipated.
Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet after surgery can help promote healing and reduce complications.
You may need help modifying your diet, so don’t be shy about asking for help.
You are what you eat and your body needs the right sort of fuel to give it the energy to heal.
5. Know When To Seek Help
Your post-op instructions should spell out when to seek emergency care. But in general, call your healthcare provider if you’re bleeding, having trouble breathing, you can’t keep food or water down, have trouble urinating or have any other signs of infection.
6. Control Your Pain
Keeping pain under control after surgery is crucial. Some patients resist the idea, either because they worry they will become addicted to the medication, they consider medication a sign of weakness, or they don’t like how they feel after taking prescription drugs.
Keeping your pain at a tolerable level (no pain may be an unreasonable goal) will keep your recovery process moving along as it should. Take your medication regularly, as prescribed. You’ll stay ahead of the pain (instead of “chasing” it) and you’ll probably sleep better, too. Sleep promotes healing.
7. Get Moving
Moving after surgery is one of the most important things you can do for your recovery. A small walk around your home every hour or two can help prevent serious complications such as blood clots.
Walking is a gentle way to return to physical activity. It can also hasten your return to all of your normal activities. However, if your surgery is on your leg or foot, make sure you follow your post-op instructions on whether you can weight bear or walk at all! You can still do some bed and chair exercises to supplement walking!
The right sort of exercises will depend on the procedure you have had, your age, your mobility and other factors. If you need help with the right sort of exercises please get in touch.
- Email: info@myphysioathome.co.uk,
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