Having surgery can be a very daunting experience, and it is understandable why people might feel anxious about going through with it. However, despite the risks that can be involved in surgery, the majority of the time, everything goes well, and it could help to save your life or change things for the better. Then there is the recovery period, which can be long and painful at times, but it’s important to remember that you will get through it and to take things easy while your body recuperates. Below are a few tips you should keep in mind for when you are sent home from the hospital to continue with your recovery after surgery.
Make Sure You Have the Right Supplies
What supplies you will need at home will depend on the type of surgery that you have had, as some are more intensive than others. For example, if you have had an ostomy (either a temporary or permanent opening in your skin called a stoma), you will need ostomy bags and other supplies at home for your comfort and hygiene. You will also need enough painkillers to last you, potentially having to top them up, if necessary, when you are running low. You might also need bandages to dress your surgical wounds and antiseptic wipes and creams. Your doctor might send you home with a prescription for antibiotics, painkillers, or other relevant medication to help with your recovery, so make sure you don’t lose them.
Gentle Exercise
You might not be doing cartwheels or 5k runs after surgery, but you should try to do some gentle exercises to stop your body from seizing up. Of course, be mindful of your healing wounds and avoid activities that risk re-opening them, but if you can, walk a little around the house or in your garden. Your doctors and rehabilitation specialists might have given you some guidance on what exercises you can do at home, but if not, ask them to see what they recommend for your specific situation.
Plenty of Rest
Yes, you should do gentle exercise, but you also need plenty of rest if your body is going to recovery as quickly as possible and properly. If you feel tired, don’t feel guilty for taking a nap. If you live alone, ask a friend or relative if they can help you out at home with things like the cleaning and meal preparation if these tasks are too much for you, or hire a temporary carer if you don’t have loved ones close by.
Eat Well
Another thing to be mindful of when recovering from surgery is your diet. While it might seem like a good excuse to indulge in some junk food, your body is still going to need all the right nutrition to help its recovery, so make sure you are maintaining a balanced diet. There are plenty of easy-to-make, healthy recipes, so even if your ability to prepare a meal in the kitchen is limited, these shouldn’t take too much of an effort to make for you or whoever is looking after you.
Surgery can be tough, but as long as you look after yourself properly through the recovery period, you should come out the other side feeling stronger and healthier.