The main objective for most patients post-surgery is recovery. All you want to do is get back to “normal” and get on with your life. The more time it takes to heal, the longer you have to abstain from your everyday activities and indulgences. Some patients become so anxious that they begin doing things they believe will speed up the recovery process. Unfortunately, they make mistakes that only set them back. Continue reading to learn more about post-surgery mistakes to avoid.
Jumping Back Into Routines
All too often, patients jump back into routines such as going to work, caring for children, completing household chores, and other everyday tasks. The idea is that their bodies will get used to it and essentially recover faster.
Putting too much physical or mental strain on your body before its time will set you back. You could tear stitches, strain muscles, break bones, and even cause emotional distress. Whether your doctor informs you that you need 24 hours or 2-4 weeks to recover from your surgery, take the time.
Being Lazy
There’s a healthy balance between doing nothing and doing something that you must follow after getting surgery. Some patients make the mistake of becoming lazy post-surgery. They lay in bed or sit on the couch all day. Though doing nothing may feel like a much-needed break your body deserves, it can hinder your recovery process.
Make it a priority once you get the go-ahead from your doctor to engage in some physical activity. While this doesn’t mean returning to everyday routines, it does mean making an effort to move around. Take a shower, get dressed, go for a walk, stretch, and even exercise so your body gets stronger.
Overdoing Pain Meds
Surgery patients are likely to experience pain and discomfort after an invasive procedure. Ultimately, prescription-grade painkillers are often provided to ease the pain. Unfortunately, some patients will take more than prescribed to try and numb what they’re experiencing.
Although it might provide temporary relief, overdoing prescription medications can lead to dependency and addiction. If you’re not getting relief from pain meds, your best bet is to turn to alternative solutions. For instance, using the Polar wave machine after back, neck, knee, or shoulder surgery can provide relief through cold therapy and compressions.
Not Taking Medication
While some patients rely heavily on medications post-surgery, others avoid taking medicine altogether. They come to believe that the medicine is prolonging their recovery or don’t like experiencing potential side effects, so they stop following the doctor’s orders. However, not taking medications can lead to worse problems. For example, not taking an antibiotic could result in an infection resistant to treatment.
Never stop taking medication post-surgery. If you believe a prescription is causing you to feel worse, talk to your doctor. Ask about higher doses, different medications, or alternative solutions to treat your condition.
Eating (And Drinking) Poorly
It’s not uncommon for unhealthy nutrition habits to develop or increase post-surgery. Medications may cause changes to your appetite, resulting in eating more or less than you should. Not to mention, the emotional impact of undergoing surgery can prompt you to indulge in comfort foods that taste good but aren’t good for you. However, failing to eat and drink as you should causes fluctuations in weight and dehydration, which slow your recovery process.
You should be drinking at least a gallon of water a day post-surgery. You should also eat three well-balanced meals that include lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Ultimately, staying hydrated and eating the proper nutrition will give your body the assistance it needs to heal itself.
You’ve made it through the surgery. Now comes the tricky part of recovery. Although you want nothing more than to get back to your old self, you must remember that it takes time. Do yourself a favor and avoid the mistakes mentioned above at all costs and instead do what’s necessary to heal truly.
