Surgery is tough on the body, and it can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not familiar with the recovery process. Below, you’ll find some tips to keep in mind as you heal, but it should be noted that these are only general statements that may or may not apply to you, depending on your surgical procedure and your individual body.

Handling Pain

One of the first things you’re likely to notice as you wake from anesthesia is a general feeling of discomfort, which will likely turn into a lingering pain over the course of your recovery. Fortunately for you, painkillers will be provided for you in the hospital, and you’ll likely have a prescription for use at home. Managing your pain will be central to the recovery process, and you shouldn’t be shy about taking your medications as prescribed. That said, be sure to take note if you have any dramatic increases in pain or if your pain gets worse over time because these may be signs of a complication that you should contact your surgeon about.

Get Moving

For many surgeries, it’s essential to get up and moving around as quickly as possible. Depending on the type of surgery performed, patients are often asked by the medical staff to sit up and even walk as quickly as possible. This request might seem cruel to you, especially in a fog of discomfort and lingering anesthesia, but they are meant to prevent complications that can result after surgery, including deep-vein thrombosis.

Taking Care of Your Incision

You need to listen carefully to your doctor when he or she explains how to care for your scar after surgery because the advice changes depending on which procedure you have. In some cases, you might be instructed to leave bandages in place until you see your physician for a follow-up visit, and you may even have to bathe strategically around said bandages. In other cases, you could be instructed to change out the bandages frequently at home, which you will most likely need help to do. Just remember to heed the instructions, or your incision might not heal properly. That could mean anything from a more noticeable scar to severe complications like infection.

Returning to Normal Activities

When you first arrive home from the hospital, you might be limited to lying in bed and taking short, slow shuffles to the bathroom and back. It probably won’t take too long for you to grow tired of your restricted movements, but it’s vital that you pace yourself during your recovery. You can’t simply decide that you want to complete a task and then perform it. Instead, you’ll need to take it slowly and pay attention to your body as you return to your normal patterns. If you feel any pain that is beyond the realm of mere discomfort, you may need to wait before you attempt that particular motion.

If you’re ever in doubt about what to do or what not to do during your recovery period, it’s best to consult with your surgeon for advice particular to your case.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery tips.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery tips. http://laserspine.net/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery tips.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: surgery tips, surgery recovery, surgery advice