Each year, nearly 9,000 Australian patients need to go for another corrective surgery after the first corrective surgery. What this means is that post the first surgery, the patients didn’t recover well. Surgical procedures are life-changing events as they could give you a better and pain-free life or if they aren’t precise, it could all go downhill. However, it isn’t the surgical method alone, your recovery process also determines how smooth your post-surgery transition would be.
The recovery depends upon factors like:
- The procedure
- Your age
- Your health status
Everyone who has been through surgery would like to heal faster and get back to their normal way of life as soon as possible. Recovery after surgery is a process that involves staying in line with discharge instructions. To heal quickly and completely, one needs both attention, efforts, and proper assistance.
Here are some steps that could help you recover faster post a surgery:
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
This may sound too obvious, however, most of us only follow the instructions that we think are important and make sense to us. For example, if the doctor says that you must only walk with assistance, it is important that you do not try any solo adventures. Post knee surgery, you might not yet be fit to walk on your own, and although, you may have made quick progress, remember even a small slip could be damaging. In such cases, if you are all by yourself, doctors recommend walking with the assistance of equipment like a walker or crutches.
- Inspect the incision:
Looking at your incision may not be your favourite thing to do, but you must take a good look at your incision, time and again during the day. If you can’t take a clear look at the cut yourself, have a friend or a family member look at it or you could also use a mirror. Watch out for signs like any colour changes, any discharge, a loose stitch or staple. Watch the incision carefully several times, and regular checkups would help you diagnose if there are signs of infection.
- Have a balanced diet
Some of us may lose our appetite after surgery. After-effects of a surgical procedure include mood swings, queasiness, constipation, and discomfort. However, having ample amounts of fluids, especially water, could enhance healing. Eating well and choosing a healthy diet after surgery promotes recovery. Eating good food in time can save you from the discomfort of constipation and bloating.
- Use the relevant post-surgery assistance equipment
Unfortunately, not everyone stays with family! Some of us have to be responsible for our recovery. This is where patient aid comes into the picture. Good quality equipment from companies such as Patient Handling Australia could be extremely helpful during the recovery process.
Here are some pieces of recovery equipment that could be extremely useful:
Bedside Commode Chairs- Installed with a concealed toilet pan, these chairs are great for facilitating easy relieving. They could be a great way to reduce the risk of bathroom falls. Shower equipment- Shower commodes and Shower chairs can make unassisted bathing easier for the patient, without hindering the recovery process.
The patient can just sit and take an easy shower while holding on to the frame. Belts- Soft Transfer Belts maximise the patient’s comfort while he or she is in recovery. These belts keep abdominal incisions safe while providing ultimate ease in sitting, standing as well as walking.
- Pain Management
Being pain-free is the goal of the entire process of surgery. Responsibly sticking to the routine suggested by your doctor and regularly taking the prescribed medication could help you deal with pain more effectively. A well-rested body would recover faster. It is, hence, crucial that you keep yourself away from stress.
Happy recovery!
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