Post-Surgery Home Care Tips to Promote a Smoother Recovery

April 19, 2022

Postoperative care is the care you receive after a surgical procedure. The type of postoperative care you need depends on the type of surgery you have, as well as your health history. It often includes pain management and wound care.

Postoperative care begins immediately after surgery. It lasts for the duration of your hospital stay and may continue after you’ve been discharged (Healthline).

Around 15 million Americans have a surgery every year. If you’re scheduled to undergo surgery, you’ll want to take the steps to prepare for it to help ensure you have a successful outcome. There are also steps you can take after surgery to heal faster and return to the things you love.

No matter what age you are, recovering at home after a surgery can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Patients are often tired, stressed an in pain after a surgery and usually require help doing simple tasks, such as walking, eating or bathing.

Here are a few crucial post-surgery considerations to help you into a smooth recovery

Stay Ahead of the Pain

Problems with pain management can affect a patient’s ability to recover. Not to mention, it also makes the recovery process more uncomfortable than it needs to be. Staying ahead of the pain, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress levels will help you manage your pain.

Be aware of nausea and excessive bruising

Medications and anesthesia have adverse effects for most patients. If you or a loved one have trouble, it may be normal. Nausea isn’t alarming, but if it persists, it may stop you from completing daily activities or feeling comfortable.

Blood tends leak and spread to other places under the skin. It’s not uncommon to find bruising around the surgery site.  While bruising won’t hinder healing, it can slow it down. As always, if you’re concerned, contact your doctor.

Maintain good nutrition

Drink lots of water and eat a healthy diet after surgery to help promote healing and minimize complications. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can, as well as whole grains and lean proteins. Eat regularly to keep up your strength.

Get lots of sleep

When you sleep, there are less demands made on your heart. Your blood pressure will drop, and your heart will be able to take a break. Sleep also causes the body to release hormones that can slow breathing and relax other muscles in the body. This process can reduce inflammation and assist with healing (Chicago Tribune).

Get in some steps

If you’re able, try to get up and walk at least a few times per day, even if it’s just a short walk. Don’t hesitate to seek for assistance or help. A family member, friend, or registered nurse.

Walking can help prevent serious complications such as blood clots, and it helps get your bowels moving, which is helpful since anesthesia can cause constipation.

Give your body time to heal

After surgery, you may need to recover for two to three weeks or longer, depending on the procedure. When you begin to feel better, don’t rush back to your old activities at the same pace that you used to.

Consider at home Post-Operative Care

Just Like Family Home Care refers nurses who work directly with you in your home or temporary accommodation setting to provide you with superior care. They provide daily drop-in care, day or night care, as well as extended hours and after-hours home care.

Nursing care includes administering medications, helping with drain tubes, and wound care. They can also assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, light housekeeping, laundry, and general household management.

While you are receiving your services, your nurse can transport you to your follow-up appointment if it is scheduled during that time. Our staff will be happy to arrange transportation to or from your surgery and/or post-operative appointments if needed. Learn more about post-operative care here.

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