Before you go in for surgery, you’ll receive specific instructions for how to prepare for the operation. When you’re recovering from your surgery, however, there isn’t a set of rules for you to follow to get back to 100 percent. Although everyone will have a different path to recovery, there are a few general guidelines for resuming your normal routine.

Just After Surgery

As you’re coming to, a nurse or your surgeon will explain to you how the surgery went. During this discussion, you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have about the operation, including if the operation was a success and what kind of timeline you’re looking at before you go home.

You’ll cope with multiple effects of the surgery. First, you’ll likely feel the lingering effects of the anesthesia in the form of grogginess and sleepiness. You’re also likely to experience dry mouth and have a sore throat due to the tube used during the surgery. Although these might be the first sources of discomfort that you’ll notice, you’ll also need to contend with pain at the incision site itself. If you feel uncomfortable, ask for more painkillers from the nurse as soon as possible because the drug can take a while to work.

Recovering in the Hospital

Depending on the operation that you’ve undergone, your nurses may urge you to get up and walk around. Even if you just shuffle down the hospital corridor, getting up and moving can help prevent blood clots, a serious concern for anyone who has undergone surgery. You might not be able to actually stand and walk at this point, but be sure to rotate your foot and bend your knees to keep blood from pooling in your legs. You’ll also want to start eating and drinking as soon as you can – a return to normal activities is one of the best ways to get you back to full health quickly.

After Being Discharged from the Hospital

When you’ll be discharged depends on the type of surgery you’ve had. You might be released only a few hours after your surgery is complete, or you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days. If you’ve had more extensive surgery, you may also need specific instructions on which movements you should and shouldn’t perform after returning home. No matter when you leave, be sure to have someone available to drive you home because you won’t be able to drive yourself.

Once you’re at home, continue returning to normal activities as you are able and as your doctor’s instructions indicate. For example, you probably shouldn’t be lifting heavy boxes right away, but you might be able to walk around your home for some exercise. It’s also important for you to tend to any wounds resulting from the surgery, keeping an eye on how they’re healing, and letting your doctor know if any of the areas look swollen or are warm to the touch, as these could be signs of an infection.

By following your doctor’s instructions and these tips, you may be able to speed up your recovery and return to your normal life as soon as possible.

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

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery. http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7LZp/laser-spine-institute-out-patient-surgeries

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

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: surgery tips, surgery recovery, surgery advice, outpatient surgery