Surgery will affect a person’s lifestyle. It requires a period of recovery before they can go back to their routine. They must be careful to avoid post-operation mistakes, however harmless they may seem. If you are or a loved one is in for surgery, here are some suggestions to make the time after the surgery more manageable:
Arrange for Help
Family and friends may pitch in time to assist a person after recovery. But excellent in-home care services are a better alternative. In a nutshell, getting professional help will give peace of mind. Safety, convenience, and comfort will not be issues.
Post-surgical care is straightforward. But it is better to live nothing to chance or a lack of ample knowledge. It is reassuring for a patient that they can have quality recovery in the hands of skilled people.
Be in Touch with Your Doctor
It is vital to follow all your doctor’s instructions before your discharge. If you find it hard to remember them, have someone help you take note of them.
One of the best practices after surgery is to keep all follow-up appointments. These are good opportunities for your doctor to check how your wound is doing. Also, they can look at your progress. Your doctor can also check if the surgery has served its purpose. This is to treat a condition that you have before the operation. You may need some special tests, too. The onset of infections is easily spotted by them, too.
Do not hesitate to relay symptoms that you think are not normal. Your doctor may advise you when to seek emergency care.
Make the Living Area More Conducive to Mobility
Surgery will inevitably affect your mobility. The last thing that you would want after an operation is to have an accident inside your house. To keep this from happening, prepare necessary changes before the surgery.
You may need to sleep downstairs to avoid going up and down a flight of stairs. Have your sleeping area ready beforehand. Have extra lights for dim spots. Also, it is best to remove clutter lest you step on them. Flat footwear can help you move faster around the house. Ask your doctor if you need some kind of aid such as a pair of crutches or a walker.
Eat Healthy Food
Food is medicine. But that is not to disregard the medicine you need after surgery. But certain types of food help with faster healing.
For example, berries and spinach are rich in antioxidant that helps with tissue repair. Calcium is not good for the bones only; it aids in blood clotting as well. Thus, include calcium-rich food in your diet. Yogurt and almonds are in this group.
To avoid constipation, have food rich in fiber. Incorporate iron in your diet to help in the formation of red blood cells. Hydrating with water is vital, too.
Know the Perfect Pacing
It is important to rest after surgery. Thus, some normal activities such as work, travel, or driving are on hold. But unless otherwise stated by your doctor, bed rest is not advisable, too. As soon as you feel that you can move about, you have to incorporate some activities into your schedule. Too much time in bed after surgery may lead to a blood clot, fatigue, and constipation. Walking is a good place to start.
Recovering from surgery does not need to be hard. With proper instructions and care, you will be able to bounce back in time.
