Tips for Recovering from Surgery

Tips for Recovering from Surgery

Surgery can be a scary notion for some people, even if they need to have the simplest procedure and will be back home in a day. The thought of going under the knife is always a little daunting, but surgery can be the answer to a lot of health issues. However, no matter how minor the surgery is, there will always be a recovery period you will have to go through. Here are some tips to help you during your recovery time after surgery:

Get Plenty of Rest

Your body will need the energy to heal itself after your surgery, so making sure that you get plenty of rest is key. You will likely find yourself feeling more tired as a result anyway, whether it’s feeling groggy after having sedation or simply feeling a bit run down as your body recovers. Get comfortable in bed or on the couch and let yourself take naps and relax throughout the day.

Pain Relief

Even minor surgeries can leave you feeling sore, which is why it’s important to have the right pain relief at home for when you need it. If you haven’t had major surgery, over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or codeine if you want something stronger, should do the trick. If you have just come out of a more intensive operation, your doctor will have prescribed you some pain relief medication to take home with you.

Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet is something you should be doing all the time, but giving your body the right nutrition that it needs to stay strong is even more important when you’re recovering from surgery or an illness. If you have had throat or mouth surgery and, as a result, have difficulty swallowing, you might want to consider trying SimplyThick or a similar product to help thicken food and drink, so it’s easy for you to consume.

Exercise

Although getting enough rest is important, part of a healthy lifestyle includes getting some exercise. You might not be able to do a strenuous workout at the gym or go for a run, but keeping yourself moving, even if it’s just doing some stretches at home, is a good idea. Your doctor might have recommended some gentle exercises for you to do during your recovery period, but if not, ask them what would be safe for you to do and at what stage you can start trying to be more active.

Mindfulness

If you have had surgery that has left you bed-bound for a long time or has changed the way you move or how you look, this can be challenging for your mental health as well. If you have been left feeling depressed after your surgery, or are becoming aggravated at being stuck in bed all day, try practicing some mindfulness techniques to help boost your mood. You should also consider therapy options if you are feeling particularly low, as this could help you work through your feelings and teach you healthy coping mechanisms.

Recovering from surgery can be a tough experience, especially if you have had a major, life-changing operation. To help you feel better during this period, use the tips above.