When you find out that you need surgery, even if it’s as minor and routine as a wisdom tooth extraction, most people’s first thoughts are about recovery. Depending on what surgery you’re undergoing, recovery time will vary. But don’t worry, there are things that you can do to ensure a speedy recovery. Next time you’re having surgery, use these tips to speed up the recovery process.
Follow Directions
Typically your physician or surgeon will provide you with a set of instructions to follow during the first few days after surgery. Most often, they are pretty standard, but occasionally they will include directions about what kind of activities you can or cannot do. Even if you feel well enough to do something, if your instructions say not to, don’t do it. Following those directions will help you make a speedy recovery.
Eat Well
Common post-op feelings include nausea and constipation. When you’re nauseated or constipated, the last thing you feel like doing is eating, but you should do your best to eat well after surgery. A healthy diet promotes healing and will lead to a speedy recovery process.
Take Care of Your Wound
While not every surgery results in an incision or wound that needs tending to, most surgeries do. Be sure to take proper care of your wound by cleaning and dressing it as needed. Even a small infection could send you back to the hospital. Help your body heal by taking care of it.
Rest Up
Even though you’ve had surgery to fix something, the surgery will cause physical stress and trauma to your body. Relaxing is essential to a speedy recovery process. Allowing your body to rest will help you regain energy and reduce the physical stress that was placed on your body. Take this time to finish that book you started or catch up on your favorite TV show!
Contact Your Doctor If Needed
After your surgery, you should be on high alert for anything that seems amiss. If you notice anything even a little off, don’t be afraid to contact your doctor. If it turns out to be nothing, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
When you’re recovering from surgery, you’ll be counting the days until you can get back to your normal life. Use these tips to ensure a speedy recovery, and relax and rest up
Physical therapy can help you recover from injuries, and even surgery! Find out what physical therapy can do for you!
