Is there surgery in your future? Yes? They have a lot of questions about it that are unavoidable. But the hard part is not preparing for the surgery. It is the healing part. When surgery is over, the doctor clears you to go home, and the most critical part of your recovery begins. You may need to get better faster and to your normal routine, but take it slow. Also, follow the instructions and guidelines your doctor suggests post-op to ensure you heal better. Below are other post-op recovery tips you can follow at home to heal better. Try them, but do not put too much pressure on yourself. Otherwise, you can get severely ill.
Here are the best post-op recovery tips to include in your daily schedule to heal better.
Tip 1: Follow all the instructions of your healthcare provider
It is a tip worth repeating because most people, after surgery, only follow the instructions they like and not the rest. If you are thinking of doing this, stop! Your healthcare provider knows what is best for you to heal healthily. So, without a doubt, follow every tip and instruction they give you.
Tip 2: Do not let infections occur
Surgery site infections are rare but can happen if you are not careful while cleaning the surgical site. For starters, do not keep touching them. Then, when it’s time to care for the sutures, always rinse your hands, use a disinfectant, and then clean the sutures.
Also, when recovering from surgery, your immune system may be low, so protect your body from getting any infections by eating healthily. Moreover, never rub your incision while bathing; only pat it dry to ensure it doesn’t itch or open.
Tip 3: Be active if you can
After the surgery, the best thing to do to recover is to start being active. You don’t have to push yourself, but a few steps every day that you increase gradually is helpful to gather back your strength. Moreover, after a few weeks, when the doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can start with small exercises like yoga or Pilates. The latter has many benefits for post-op recovery, like improving posture and flexibility, preventing injury, and more. So, if the doctor gives the OK, enrol in online Pilates classes to get back on the recovery track.
Moreover, if the doctor has suggested physiotherapy, don’t ignore it after surgery, as that will help you heal the body part that was operated on better.
Tip 4: Have a support system you can rely on
After surgery, irrespective of whether it is minor or major, having a support system in place is necessary. It allows you to heal better without worrying about multiple things. For instance, set up a recovery kit with bandages, ointment, and medicines, and ask a reliable person to help you clean if you cannot. Set the alarm on your smartwatch or phone to remind you to take your medications on time.
Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help with anything you need. You will be surprised at how many people will be ready to provide it.
Tip 5: Go for follow-ups
After getting discharged, you will have multiple follow-up appointments. Make an appointment with everyone and clear any doubts with your doctor. Even if you feel good, make the appointment, as the doctor may want to see the incision for infection or might reduce the dosage of your medicines.
Tip 6: Eat a balanced diet
During discharge, patients always get a diet chart to ensure they eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Follow that advice and avoid eating processed or junk food immediately after surgery. You can face multiple issues if you don’t eat a balanced diet.
If you have a craving for something that the dietician has said no to, ask them if you can have it sometime. But until you heal completely, don’t eat unhealthy items.
Tip 7: Rest
Do not overexert yourself, as it will lead to injuries or illness. Instead, give your body to heal by taking ample rest.
Final thoughts
With these tips, your recovery process will be better. However, take it slow, follow your doctor’s advice, and most importantly, keep a positive attitude, and you will bounce back quickly.
Robert Haynes did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
