The length of your recovery period varies based on factors like the type of surgery you’ve undergone, your age, and other existing conditions. Another major factor is how seriously you take surgery aftercare.
You might spend some of your recovery period in the hospital with the care of doctors and nurses. However, there will come a point where you will head back home. Then, your recovery will be in your own hands.
How can you look after your own health and wellbeing while recovering from surgery at home?
Read on for our quick but complete guide to surgery aftercare.
Make a Plan in Advance
Before you go in for your procedure, make a plan. If you need to eat a restricted diet or limit your physical activity, make sure that your pantry and fridge are well-stocked and that you can sleep and rest on the first floor of your home near a restroom. Ask a friend or family member to provide assistance as needed, such as going grocery shopping or cooking meals for you.
Understand Pain Management Options
Much of surgery aftercare is consumed by post surgery pain management. Make sure to talk to your doctor about what pain medications you can and cannot take and how best to take them. This includes what time of day you should take medication, whether or not you should take the medication with food, and what you can’t mix with that pain medication.
Other pain management options may also be at your disposal. Talk to your doctor about physical therapy, injections, and even icing or heating practices that may reduce pain symptoms.
Look After Your Physical and Mental Health
Eat a nutritious diet and get the appropriate amount of exercise as permitted by your doctor. In addition to pain management, you want to keep an eye on things like your range of mobility, the tension in your muscles, and bone health.
In addition, take good care of your mental health. Surgery aftercare often disrupts our day-to-day routine, which can cause feelings of depression and anxiety. Use practices like journaling, yoga, and talk therapy as needed.
Recognize the Signs That You May Need Medical Attention
Ideally, things will go smoothly as you go through surgery recovery. However, it’s important that you recognize any signs that something has gone awry and that you need medical attention. Talk to your doctor about any new or unusual pain, bleeding at the surgery site, and other negative side effects from things like your medication or post-surgery treatment.
Speed Up Your Recovery With Proper Surgery Aftercare
Oftentimes, the healthcare industry requires us to take our health into our own hands. After you undergo surgery, there will come a point when you must handle your surgery aftercare at home. With our guide, you can speed up your recovery process and stay healthy while your body recovers.
Looking for more ways to boost your health? Take a look at our health and wellness content for tips, tricks, and the latest news from the medical industry.
