Tips To Speed Up Your Recovery After Surgery
Having surgery is a big stressor on your body and mind. It can be difficult to get through the healing process without trying to overdo it and setting your recovery back. If you have recently undergone a procedure or have one scheduled, then take a look at these tips on how you can get back to full strength as quickly as possible.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Always listen to what your doctor tells you. You will be given specific instructions after having surgery, and they need to be followed to prevent further injury or complications. If your doctor tells you to stay off your feet for a certain number of days or to avoid showering for a set time, then listen. There’s a reason for these rules and following them will only help you.
Nourish Your Body
Your body is working extra hard to heal and recover from the procedure it just underwent, so give it the nourishment it needs. Be mindful of your diet and make healthy food choices to get a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Supplements can help in this area and are an easy way to support your body, especially when it is under stress. Check with your doctor to make sure there will be no interactions or possible harmful side effects when combined with any prescriptions you are taking. The Le-Vel System is a good choice for full body nourishment, but as with any other product you consume, be aware of any potential Thrive side effects that you may encounter, though they should be minimal with a quality health supplement.
Care for Your Incision
The incision site needs to be kept clean at all times to prevent infection. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to care for it, so pay attention. Keep it covered and apply any creams or ointments as instructed.
Be Mindful of Restrictions
Depending on the type of surgery you have had, you may have restrictions placed on the activities that you can do. Major surgery requires a lot of recovery time, so you will likely be put on bed rest or told to stay off of your feet. You don’t want to strain the operation area, which would only add to your recovery time and possibly cause complications or even prevent full healing.
Attend Follow Up Appointments
It’s absolutely necessary that you go to every post-surgery follow up appointment. Your doctor uses these visits to check on your incision and look for signs of infection. She will discuss your progress and ask how you are feeling. Be honest. Your doctor needs to know exactly what is happening to adjust your treatment to best serve you. Don’t try to downplay any pain or symptoms. Attend even if you are feeling better, since you still need to work with your doctor to get the okay to resume your regular activities.
Move Around
As soon as you are given the go-ahead, try to get up and move around at least a little bit each day. Your body needs some light exercise to stay strong and prevent the muscles from deteriorating from lack of use. Keep tabs on your reaction to any exercise and adjust the length and intensity so you aren’t straining yourself too much.
Ask for Help
A lot of people have difficulty asking for help, especially if they have always been independent. But surgery changes the rules. You aren’t doing yourself any favors by falling and breaking your stitches from trying to walk to the kitchen by yourself. Ask for help, whether you need a steadying hand or assistance with everyday tasks until you get back to normal.
After surgery, your body is especially vulnerable, so it’s vital that you take the best care of it that you can. Listen to all medical advice and pay attention to how you feel. By making an effort to regain your strength without pushing yourself too hard, you can get back to feeling like yourself soon.
