Going for surgery is a traumatic experience that taxes your body. While the vast majority of procedures are pain-free thanks to anesthetics, they still take their toll, thanks to all the cutting and reshaping of tissue.
Some people find it hard to get back to full health after surgery. And mainly, it’s because they’re not taking time to recover properly. There is a right way to do it – and a wrong way.
Don’t Do Too Much, Too Soon
The best way to think of surgery is as a form of “controlled injury.” Surgeons cut into your body, remove various parts, and stitch it back up again. They’re very good at what they do, and they control the bleeding. But when you think about the extent of the damage, it’s more than most people ever experience in their lives through regular injuries. Removing organs and making six-inch incisions aren’t things that most people go through during the normal course of their lives.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to just take it easy for a few weeks following surgery. Often, it’s not the surgery itself that makes you healthy, but the way that you recover from it afterward. Thus, the body needs to rest in a situation like this.
In the weeks that follow, don’t lift anything that weighs more than ten pounds. And try to avoid any kind of physical strain that could increase your blood pressure.
Do Order Supplies
Depending on the type of surgery you’ve had, you’ll need a range of equipment to assist in your recovery. If you’ve had surgery on your bladder, you might need catheter supplies to keep things flowing until you heal. Heart patients may need blood pressure monitors to ensure they remain within the safe range. And people who’ve had cosmetic treatments will need ointments, creams, and plenty of sunscreen if they head outside.
If you can, order all the supplies you’ll need post-operation before your surgeon carries out the procedure. That way, you can go into the situation prepared.
Don’t Go Back To Work Too Soon
It can be tempting to get back to work immediately following an operation, especially if you have a desk job. But that’s a bad idea. You think you’re coherent in the days after your procedure, but often, you’re not – and it’s completely obvious to clients and colleagues.
The best approach is to listen to the advice of your doctor. Only return to work when you are able to do so cognitively. If you go back too early, you could wind up making a mistake that hurts somebody.
Do Go To Rehab Sessions
Depending on your surgery, you may also have to attend rehab sessions, especially for strengthening your joints and muscles. Make sure that you go to these. Often, you have to do them. Otherwise, your body won’t improve and get stronger.
If you need to arrange transport, ask family and friends to give you lifts. It’s important that you recover safely and do your at-home exercises according to a schedule.
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