If you have a planned surgery ahead and you want to inform yourself about all the ways to make your recovery faster, keep in mind that you can do that in numerous ways. Just make sure you consult with your doctor about everything to be certain that you won’t do some harm to your health. If you ask your doctor about the accessories that you can use after the surgery, or about the food you should consume, you can be sure that you will get the best advice from the person who knows your health condition and has an enormous experience with the patients who have been through the same thing you will go through in a while.
Follow up all the appointments
This may seem unnecessary to say, but some patients simply don’t want to come back to the hospital after the surgery. According to Dr Kien Ha, this is absolutely necessary because doctors need to follow the progress you’re making after the surgery is done and to perform all the examinations so there are absolutely sure that your healing nicely. If you can’t memorize all the appointments, then make sure you create reminders on your smartphone, so there is no way that you will forget any of them.
Keep the hygiene on the highest level
Your doctor may suggest that you wait for a little while before taking a bath if the incision is in some sensitive place, so you have to make sure you follow that advice. However, that’s doesn’t mean that you should forget about your hygiene altogether. Keep in mind that you must wash your hands frequently and at least have a sponge bath if you’re not able to have a regular one. Ask for help, if you can’t do it on your own, but don’t forget that skipping on your regular hygiene may result in an infection, which is certainly something you don’t want during your recovery process.
If you’re having trouble standing or going to the bathroom, then you can try one of the many commode chairs that exist on the market. Check here for more information about the available models. Commode chairs are quite useful when you’re not able to use the toilet easily or walk because they can be adjusted in many ways to suit every user. It is certainly something to look into because it will make your recovery much easier.
Keep an eye on your incision
This may be hard for you at first, but it is a necessary part of your recovery process. No one knows your body better than you do, so you can notice any sign that will be a red flag to your doctors. If there is some redness around your incision, or if you notice wound drainage, you need to contact your doctor immediately because this is the sign of an infection. In case of an infection, you need to have proper treatment. That is usually an antibiotic that will prevent further progress of the infection and proper healing.
Have a good diet
A proper diet is crucial that all times, but particularly after surgery. Many people simply don’t have the desire to eat after the surgery and that is understandable. However, in order to help your body heal, you need a lot of nutrients so you can recover faster. Of course, you need to strictly follow a diet that your doctor prescribed, but if he agrees, make sure you include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet, and consume plenty of liquids, so you prevent feeling nauseated after the anesthesia, but also to prevent constipation which can contribute to your overall tiredness. Think about the food as a fuel, so make sure you give your body something to process and take strength from.
Move carefully
Depending on the place you have your incision on, you will have to adjust the way you move during the day. This may be very uncomfortable and unusual, but surgery is something that should be taken seriously. Simply protect your body as much as possible, so forget about carrying anything, let yourself rest and recover properly. Don’t forget that coughing and sneezing hard can put enormous pressure on your incision, so make sure you do it gently as much as possible. Place a hand over your incision slightly to protect it from opening up, because if you do it violently, it may jeopardize it.
Inform yourself about the pain medication
Every surgery is different, so it’s may cause you to feel pain to a certain extent. However, it is very important to ask your doctor about the medications you’re allowed to take, as well as the dosage that is recommended. The first few days after the surgery, the pain might be on a higher level, so you may take the pain medications more frequently, however, don’t take the pain meds every time you feel even slight pain. Being hydrated will certainly help you heal faster, so you can move more, which altogether speeds up the healing process. Also, you shouldn’t wait too long to take the medication when you notice that the pain is too strong for you to handle. Keeping the balance is the key to a good recovery process.
It is important to feel comfortable in your bed until you feel strong enough to get up and take a walk. This is why it is essential to have newspapers, books, your laptop or TV, iPod and everything else that might help you spend the quality time in bed as much as possible. Don’t let this time be the time of boredom, because it can also be the chance for you to read all the books that you didn’t have the chance to read because of the constant obligations that you have on a daily basis. Take it as an opportunity to grow as a human being and realize that you need care inside and outside. Prepare all the pillows you need to be as comfortable as possible.
