Recovering from Surgery

Many people fear the actual surgical procedure, but the recovery period can be just as critical in ensuring your success on the road to better health. Read on to learn about some of the most important considerations and precautions to ensure a safe, successful and speedy recovery! And, be sure to increase your odds of success by staying at an America’s Best Hospital for Patient Safety!  

Recovery During Your Hospital Stay

Once you’re out of surgery you will be monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Following this, you will be taken to your recovery room. Become familiar with your surroundings by locating the nurse call button and your remote, as well as identifying where your medical equipment is on or around you. Take note of any furniture on wheels so you don’t use them to help you maneuver about the room.

Physical Activity Based on your surgical procedure and medical history, your doctor will provide you with the requirements and restrictions on your activity. There are several types of physical activity that will help you heal. You may be asked to get up out of bed within just a few hours so that you can move around. This promotes blood circulation and can help prevent blood clots. If you’re restricted to bed rest, you may be told to stretch or turn in bed every couple of hours. By changing positions in bed you’re increasing blood flow to the muscles and to your skin, which will help prevent bedsores. If you’re permitted to get up and walk around, do so with caution. You will likely be weak, dizzy or experience side effects from the medication and anesthesia- so get up very slowly. You may need assistance while getting up. TIP: If you are experiencing pain (and depending on your procedure), you may want to slowly roll to your side and then drop your legs before trying to get up all at once.

Blood Clots Blood clots occur when blood does not flow properly, and they can cause serious complications or even death. So ask your healthcare team what is being done to prevent blood clots. There are two main types of blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the arm or leg. A blood clot can partially or completely block the flow of blood. If the blood clot breaks off it can travel to the lungs. A blood clot in the lungs is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and can be fatal. There are two main preventative measures for avoiding blood clots. Anticoagulants are medications given to patients to prevent clots from forming. The other preventive measure is wearing compression socks of some type, which squeezes the legs to promote blood flow.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing exercises help with the healing process. Taking deep breaths can cause some discomfort after surgery, but it’s important to practice deep breathing to avoid serious lung problems, such as pneumonia. Ask for assistance on how you can practice deep breathing- and how often the exercises should be done throughout the day.

Bowel Function

Don’t be surprised if your healthcare team asks if you’ve passed gas. Anesthesia and pain medication can cause constipation, and passing gas is a sign that your bowels are getting back to normal. Your doctor may even prescribe a stool softener after surgery. Drinking plenty of water (especially warm liquids), walking around, eating slowly, and chewing your food well can all help.

Wound Care

To prevent an infection, it’s critical for you and your healthcare team to wash their hands before touching your wound. Learn how you’re supposed to take care of your wound (i.e. can you shower?; how often should you change the bandage?). And before you are discharged, ask what the warning signs are for identifying an infection.

Heal with Laughter

Laughter really is the best medicine! Did you know that when you laugh your brain sends signals to produce endorphins? These endorphins are natural mood boosters. Laughter boosts your immune system, lowers stress, relieves pain, and even helps with healing. Just laugh with caution if you have an incision on your torso, head or face, as you don’t want to tear your stitches! And Don’t Forget…

• Check your I.D. band/wristband to ensure the information is correct- and make sure your healthcare team (nurses, doctor, etc.) checks it each time they come to administer any medications, to draw blood or to perform any tests.
• Make sure staff members wash their hands before treating you. And always wash your own hands before touching your surgical incision. Hand washing is critical to preventing infections.
• Wear non-skid footwear. You will likely be given proper socks to wear, but if you change into your own footwear, be sure they have grips on them to prevent slipping and falling.

Going Home Your recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital, so it’s critical to be prepared for the recovery process that will continue when you go home. Plan ahead to make sure you have someone to drive you, as well as someone who will be your caretaker or ‘health advocate’. This person should be with you when you’re given your discharge instructions. Make sure you have clarification on medications, and that you know how to take care of your surgical incision and any equipment (such as drains). Get clear instructions on what is recommended or restricted during your recovery and set a date for a follow up appointment. Also ask what side effects or changes should alert you to seek medical attention.

Resources: Women’s Choice Award: America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Safety: https://www.womenschoiceaward.com/best-hospitals-for-patient-safety/

Make sure your doctor and surgeon are board certified. Go to Certification Matters: www.certificationmatters.org

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice or to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or condition.  Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider. Content Provided by Women’s Choice Award®