Recovering from Surgery
Whether you need to stay a few additional nights at the hospital or you can leave right after your procedure, recovering from surgery is something you should take seriously. Your body needs time to heal. Here are a few things you should know about the recovery process.
Follow your surgeon’s advice
After surgery, we’ll give you a few instructions to follow after surgery. It might be as simple as not taking a bath after your procedure or not lifting anything above ten pounds. Too often, we see patients disregard this advice, but remember — there’s a good reason why your surgeon might want you to do (or not do) certain activities. Feel free to ask us any questions you have about these instructions.
Your appetite might be altered
Because your digestive system can move slowly following surgery, your usual diet may be altered for a period of time after your surgery. Depending on your type of surgery, your IV will be left in to provide fluids, if you’re staying at the hospital. If you’re able to go home after surgery, it’s normal to feel constipated, nauseous or not hungry. It’s important during this time to stay well-hydrated. Consider stocking up with fruits and vegetables to create healthful smoothies, if you don’t think you can eat solid foods.
Recovering from anesthesia
Different types of anesthesia can cause side effects for different people. If you begin to feel any discomfort, dizziness or nausea, please tell your nurse. Medication may be available to minimize the discomfort.
Understand pain management
After surgery, you may experience pain. Ask your surgeon where you can expect the pain to be and how long it will last.
Discuss pain control options with your surgeon, including methods that have or have not worked for you before, as well as medicines you take that may affect your method of pain control. Be sure to understand side effects that may occur with your treatment. Many non-drug treatments can also help control your pain.
Controlling your pain may improve your results after a procedure. With less pain, you can regain your strength more quickly. If your pain is not controlled or seems to be getting worse, tell your nurse right away. If pain doesn’t get better after you take medication, that may signal problem.
Take action as soon as the pain starts. It is more difficult to ease pain once it starts than it is to keep it under control. If you know your pain is likely to worsen before walking or exercising, take medicine before you begin those activities.
Keep your follow-up appointment
Even if you’re feeling 100 percent “back-to-normal” after surgery, it’s still important to keep your follow-up appointment. Your surgeon will want to know how you’re feeling and inspect your incision. Your surgeon might be able to see something you can’t see, especially if your incision isn’t visible. During the follow-up appointment, your surgeon might want to do follow-up blood work or adjust your medication level.