Introduction
Surgery is a common life event that almost every person experiences at least once in their lifetime. Throughout the world, there are over 48 million surgical procedures done every year and 72% of all surgeries are experienced by those over the age of 45.
However, despite the banality of the experience, taking proper care of yourself after a surgery, right from following a healthy diet to using a post surgery pillow, is extremely important so as to nurse your body to its original, healthy state.
Post Operative Care Within the Hospital
This is the first stage of post surgery care that a person receives after their surgery.
Usually, after the surgery is complete, the patient is moved to a recovery room wherein they are expected to rest and recover till their vitals are back to normal.
You’ll probably stay there for a couple of hours while you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll feel groggy when you wake up. Some people also feel nauseated. While you’re in the recovery room, staff will monitor your blood pressure, breathing, temperature, and pulse. They may ask you to take deep breaths to assess your lung function. They may check your surgical site for signs of bleeding or infection. They will also watch for signs of an allergic reaction. For many types of surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Once you’re stable, you’ll be moved to a hospital room if you’re staying overnight, or you’ll be moved elsewhere to begin your discharge process.
Outpatient surgery
Outpatient surgery is also known as same-day surgery. Unless you show signs of postoperative problems, you’ll be discharged on the same day as your procedure. You won’t need to stay overnight.
Before you’re discharged, you must demonstrate that you’re able to breathe normally, drink, and urinate. You won’t be allowed to drive immediately following a surgery with anesthesia. Make sure you arrange transportation home, preferably ahead of time. You may feel groggy into the following day.
Inpatient surgery
If you have inpatient surgery, you’ll need to stay in the hospital overnight to continue receiving postoperative care. You may need to stay for several days or longer. In some cases, patients who were originally scheduled for outpatient surgery show signs of complications and need to be admitted for ongoing care.
Your postoperative care will continue after you’ve been transferred out of the initial recovery room. You will probably still have an intravenous (IV) catheter in your arm, a finger device that measures oxygen levels in your blood, and a dressing on your surgical site. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may also have a breathing apparatus, a heartbeat monitor, and a tube in your mouth, nose, or bladder.
The hospital staff will continue to monitor your vital signs. They may also give you pain relievers or other medications through your IV, by injection, or orally. Depending on your condition, they may ask you to get up and walk around. You may need assistance to do this. Moving will help decrease your chances of developing blood clots. It can also help you maintain your muscle strength. You may be asked to do deep breathing exercises or forced coughing to prevent respiratory complications.
Your doctor will decide when you’re ready to be discharged. Remember to ask for discharge instructions before you leave. If you know that you’ll need ongoing care at home, make preparations ahead of time.
Post Operative Care at Home
It’s very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions after you leave the hospital. Take medications as prescribed, watch out for potential complications, and keep your follow-up appointments.
Don’t overdo things if you’ve been instructed to rest. On the other hand, don’t neglect physical activity if you’ve been given the go ahead to move around. Start to resume normal activities as soon as you safely can. Most of the time, it’s best to gradually return to your normal routine.
In some cases, you may not be able to care for yourself for a while after your surgery. You may need a caregiver to help tend your wounds, prepare food, keep you clean, and support you while you move around. If you don’t have a family member or friend who can help, ask your doctor to recommend a professional caregiving service.
Contact your doctor if you develop a fever, increased pain, or bleeding at the surgical site. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you have questions or aren’t recovering as well as expected.
Ideal Diet Post Surgery
It is important to follow a well rounded diet after a surgery, as the body needs all the nutrients and minerals it can be given to fully recover from the surgery.
1) Berries
Antioxidants are a powerhouse of nutrition that help the body repair damage.2 Perfect for after surgery!
You can find high levels of antioxidants in:
1) Grapes
2) Pomegranates
3) Blueberries
4) Raspberries
5) Strawberries
6) Goji berries
7) Blackberries
Berries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which research shows is helpful in rebuilding collagen and soft tissue, meaning your incision site will heal quicker.
2) Vegetables
The vitamins and minerals you will find in vegetables are some of the most important nutrients in your healing diet.
Eat these vegetables as a snack or part of a meal:
1) Carrots
2) Sweet bell peppers
3) Broccoli
4) Cauliflower
5) Cabbage
6) Brussel sprouts
7) Sweet potatoes
8) Potatoes
Including these veggies in your day adds in healthy sources of carbohydrates which help to battle the fatigue you feel coming home from the hospital. Carbohydrates provide your brain with energy and stops muscle from breaking down. Your body will also get a boost of vitamin A and C. Another great benefit is that the fiber in a diet high in vegetables reduces constipation, which is a common side effect of pain medication and decreased mobility.
3) Fats (nuts, oils, fish)
Remember, healthy fat is your friend.4 Especially following surgery, healthy fat can help your body to absorb all those yummy vitamins you are getting from your fruits and veggies. Fat is essential for strengthening your immune system and decreasing your chance of infection.
Healthy fats to include:
1) Olive oil
2) Avocados
3) Coconut oil
4) Nuts
5) Seeds
Fats provide you with a long lasting source of energy. Many types of fats and nuts are high in vitamin E, particularly almonds. Vitamin E helps wounds heal faster and reduce the appearance of scars.
Importance of Using a Post-Surgery Pillow
It is very crucial to provide the body with the right kind of support it needs to recover from any kind of surgery, especially when the limbs are involved. In the case of surgeries that involve the leg, we highly recommend the use of a wedge pillow to keep the leg firmly in place while sleeping so as to provide the optimal angle and elevation for recovery.
Healthy Avenue’s elevating leg rest pillow is expertly designed to maintain the lower spine and coccyx’s natural curvature, relieving leg pain, back pain, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins, and phlebitis. It provides a wide platform for both legs to rest comfortably on it, reducing swelling by improving your circulation.