Important Factors when Recovering from Surgery

A successful surgery depends on a successful recovery. While the things that happen in the operating theatre matter a great deal, the same can be said of the healing process that follows. 

If you're going to enjoy the best possible outcome, therefore, it's a good idea to approach recovery in the right way. But what might this mean in practice?

Be realistic

Different people will recover from different kinds of surgery at different rates. While it can be tempting to compare yourself to other people, this can be a source of misery and confusion – even if those other people are of the same age, and the same apparent physical condition, as you are. Give yourself a break, and try not to rush things.

Prioritize rest

Your surgeon may have instructed you to spend a certain amount of time in bed. Heed these instructions. Rest is essential if your mind and body are going to repair themselves. That doesn't just mean bedrest: you'll want to spend a chunk of your day inactive, whether that's on the sofa or in the office. You can slowly introduce spells of low-intensity physical activity, until you're back to normal.

Don't be scared to take your pain medication

The right medication will make your recovery that little bit less painful – which in itself might be a welcome thing. It also might allow you to be more active, more quickly, which – provided you don't overexert yourself – might help to accelerate your recovery. 

Eat well

When you're recovering from surgery, nutrition becomes critical. All of the advice that applies in day-to-day life applies double, here. If you're not moving as much, you'll want to reduce your calorie intake accordingly. Then, you can gradually build it back to previous levels.

Look out for signs of infection

Successful recovery means looking after the cuts left by your surgery. This means changing dressings, washing, and, above all, being on the lookout for the symptoms of an infection. If you do get infected, then you're at risk, and the earlier you correct things, the better!

If your surgery goes poorly and you suffer an infection as a result, then you might be entitled to a legal remedy. Surgical error claims require a particular sort of solicitor with a particular sort of experience. Get one onside before you start legal proceedings!

Listen to your doctor

The advice we've provided here will apply to the overwhelming majority of patients. But your circumstances might require a particular approach. Listen to the advice given to you by your doctor, taking notes if required. You might even decide the film the appointment so that you can refer back to it, later.

This is a guest blog entry.