Ten Post-Surgery Tactics to a Quick Recovery
For anyone that is preparing for a surgery, it is important to start making post-surgery plans well before the big day. A little foresight goes a long ways when it comes to recovery, so here is a closer look at ten post-surgery tactics that can be used to avoid injuries and get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
1. Follow Post-Op Instructions Exactly
This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but many patients tend to disregard suggestions that inconvenience them. Whether it is sleeping in certain positions or taking showers instead of baths, these instructions are given for a very specific reason and are never frivolous.
2. Have Someone Nearby
Most specialists suggest that patients have someone to support them for at least 24 to 48 hours. Whether it is a spouse, family member, or friend, this individual can help with the daily tasks such as making meals and bathing.
3. Up Your Vitamins
Recent studies show that there are vitamins that can be conducive to faster healing times. Those taking 250mg of vitamin C a day for 3 weeks leading up to a surgery were able to cut their recovery time.
4. Don’t Skip Follow-Ups
Even if you are feeling perfectly fine, follow-ups are scheduled for a reason. Only your physician’s trained eye and testing methods can ensure you are healing properly inside and out.
5. Wash Your Hands
It is all too easy for a patient to fiddle with incisions or stitches, but this can increase the chance of an infection for those that aren’t careful. Patients should get into the habit of washing their hands as much as possible.
6. Keep Liquids On-Hand
Many lose their desire to eat and drink immediately after a surgery, but the body needs calories in order to heal itself. Having a variety of liquids nearby such as tea, broth, and juices will help you meet your caloric needs.
7. Recognize Signs of an Infection
Any time that a patient is in doubt about their wounds or general health, they should contact their doctor immediately. Sharp pain around the wound, pus, or prolonged inflammation could be a sign of a serious infection.
8. Proactively Manage Pain
Pain medication should be taken immediately after the surgery in order to avoid longer periods of discomfort. Taking the correct dosage of pain medication at specific intervals may help you avoid any pain or discomfort completely.
9. Get Out of Bed Every Few Hours
Even taking a few steps around the room every few hours can help to expedite your recovery. Frequent walks will also reduce the chance of blood pooling and internal infections such as pneumonia.
10. Take It Slow
Finally, patients need to remember that the body requires time to heal. Depending on the type of surgery, patients should expect at least a few days of complete bed rest followed by a few weeks of limited movement.