Any surgery puts a strain on our bodies, and healing can sometimes be very painful. We can feel scared and think about how will the operation go? Will I recover well after my surgery? To take a load off your shoulders and to regain your independence as quickly as possible, nothing beats proper preparation before leaving for the hospital.
Here are some tips that will help you better face your surgery and put the odds on your side for a good recovery.
Plan the journey from hospital to home before the intervention:
Health teams follow up after you leave, but it is important not to be alone at home the night after your operation. And to avoid the stress of departure, make arrangements for the journey from the hospital to your home upstream, especially if you live far from the place of the intervention.
Organize the first days at home
Fill the fridge, plan for the care of pets and children, clean up, do the laundry, fold the carpets to avoid falling. All these little details must be settled before leaving for the hospital. So that the return and recovery are going in the best possible way.
Before surgery:
Your body will need to work hard to repair the damage caused by the surgery. The operation may also reduce your appetite and increase your feeling of fatigue. It is why you must take some things into account before your surgery.
- Stock your kitchen with foods and liquids dense in nutrients and energy.
- Make sure that there is someone to look after your kids during your surgery if you have any.
- Ask someone to drive you home after your operation.
- If you go home on the same day of your surgery, ensure to have someone responsible with you overnight.
- Ask your spouse or a loved one to get your prescription after you get discharged from the hospital.
- In case you develop any symptoms of cold, rashes, or sore throat before your surgery, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
The day of surgery
To help you feel better on the day of surgery, consider eating a little lighter the night before. Ensure that you carry out the following errands.
- Make sure to follow all the instructions that your doctor gave you.
- Shower with an antibacterial soap.
- Do not wear any kind of makeup.
- Remove nail paint before the surgery.
- Wear comfortable clothes that will be easy to put on after the surgery.
- Do not wear any kind of jewelry and take off before if you are wearing any.
- Leave all other medications at home.
- If you are staying overnight, make sure to bring your essentials with you, such as towels, slippers, toiletry, etc.
The day after surgery - If you are receiving an outpatient surgery with anesthesia, advance with your diet very slowly.
- For the first few days, eat very light and easily digestible liquids such as tea, broth, etc.
- Advance with your food as per your tolerance with every passing day.
- Avoid making any kind of important business deals or important decisions for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
Constipation: a disorder that causes a lot of hassle!
Pain medication and decreased physical activity can cause constipation. Whether constipation occurs before or after surgery, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare team.
Follow your doctor’s advice!
Having surgery is a difficult step to go through. It is why you must apply the advice of your doctor precisely to guarantee the desired result and to avoid any post-operative complications that may arise and spoil the happiness of his promise of recovery!