Today we are talking about how to care for yourself after you have surgery- this could be anything from a C-Section to a knee replacement. The info contained here isn’t super specific but that doesn’t make it any less important!!
Having surgery and recovering from it can be a very challenging process physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you elect to have it done or the procedure is absolutely vital to your health and well-being, surgery is trauma to your body: it takes a toll. Patients may often say that going under anesthesia is the easy part – it’s the recovery that is hard. The amount of time it will take to recover from a specific surgery will vary person to person – but it is still a process of healing, no matter how you crack it! Your overall health, your mindset and stress level, the type of surgery you have, and your support system may all be factors in how you recover. Today we are going to talk about a few things that you can do to help with recovery and make the best out of a challenging process.
Rest and rest some more!
Be prepared to catch up on sleep post op. Getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep (or more!) after surgery is critical to allowing your body to recover. Your body does the vast majority of its healing while you’re asleep. It is also important to get rest in general so don’t be afraid to post up on that couch! It may be tempting to try to get back to work and your life responsibilities as quickly as possible, but this will delay healing in the long run. Having a support system in place to help while you’re taking time off is absolutely critical. Make plans ahead of time! Take time off work – and don’t be afraid to overestimate the time you may need before going back. It is also imperative to have someone you trust present to help care for you, especially in the first few days after surgery. You may be under certain physical restrictions from your doctor, like lifting or abdominal precautions. Coming out of anesthesia or using prescription pain medication can also make you a fall risk and lose sense of time – make sure you won’t be alone! It is imperative to listen to your provider’s instructions to ensure the best healing — because goodness knows you won’t want to have that surgery a second time.
Move around without overdoing it!
Conversely, you don’t want to be a total couch potato for days or weeks after surgery. If your surgeon says it’s safe, try to get up and walk a little bit within 24 hours post op – even the day of ideally! Walking a few times a day helps prevent blood clots, muscle atrophy, pneumonia, and other complications. It also helps combat constipation, which is common with anesthesia and pain medication. It doesn’t have to be far at first! Even just a short distance in your home, but slowly build up your endurance over the next few weeks. Walking is one of the best things you can do post surgery.
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
It is important to eat a healthy, nutrient-dense diet after surgery. Post op it may be tempting to go crazy on all the foods that make us feel good like candy, cookies, and chips. But this delays healing in the long run. One of the most important components of wound healing is collagen, a protein that provides support and structure for your skin, bones and muscle. Focus on protein, whole grains, and foods with vitamins and minerals – particularly vitamin C, vitamina A, zinc and iron. Some good foods for your post op meal plan include: lean proteins like chicken, eggs, fish and yogurt; complex carbohydrates like oatmeal; and a lot of fruits and veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, citrus fruits, apples, and bananas. If you have a hard time staying hydrated (also important!),eat foods that have high water content like watermelon, cantaloupe, celery, and healthy soups and broths. Try to eat the rainbow! Some people may have difficulty getting calories in post op because of anesthesia, pain, or nausea. Try to eat small meals throughout the day. A soft diet may also be more palatable. Expect to eat more calories than you normally would the few weeks after surgery, possibly 15-20 calories per pound of body weight. Your metabolism goes into overdrive during the healing process so it is important to support it with the right nutrition. This is NOT the time for a weight loss program. And if you have any specific dietary restrictions, it may be helpful to speak with your surgeon or a registered dietician.
Get ahead of the pain!
Pain control post-surgery is absolutely crucial. Being in too much pain may keep you from eating well or getting up and moving around. This can lead to significant post op complications. Some people shy away from wanting to take prescription pain medications. If taking opioids worries you, talk to your healthcare provider about other options. Staggering different types of over-the-counter pain relievers may help with breakthrough pain – although it is important to pay attention to the type of medication (usually no blood thinners like aspirin) and get specific instructions from your surgeon.
Know when to call to your doctor or go to the ER.
Your discharge instructions should be specific about what symptoms to look for. It is important to keep your incision clean and to take steps to prevent infection. In general, it is important to call your healthcare provider if you are bleeding, can’t keep down food or water, have difficulty urinating, have difficulty breathing, or have obvious signs of infection. If you are unsure of what you are experiencing, it is better to err on the side of caution and contact your provider for guidance.
Overall, surgery is a major life event that many people may experience at some point. Recovery starts before the procedure. With proper planning and support, your healing process can be easier. It is important to give your body the time and tools it needs to heal as well as possible. Communicating with your healthcare provider and getting your recovery plan in place are crucial. Everyone heals at a different rate, but following some foundational tips can make things a little less traumatic!
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References
https://www.verywellhealth.com/post-surgery-recovery-tips-and-guide-3156833
https://www.nih.org/nihd-news/2021/march/tips-to-speed-up-your-recovery-after-surgery/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foods-to-help-healing
https://www.nih.org/nihd-news/2021/may/ensuring-successful-recovery-following-surgery/
https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/5-tips-for-a-smooth-recovery-after-surgery/