The recovery period after a surgery can be slow-going. Depending on the type and purpose of the operation, it may take up to 8 weeks for you to completely heal.
If you’re a busy person and used to an active lifestyle, the wait can definitely be frustrating. However, it’s important to let your body recover completely so you don’t cause further injury to yourself. Nevertheless, if you want to speed up the healing process a little so you can get back to action sooner, here are some tips to follow:
Follow Your Doctor’s Prescription
One of the best things to do to aid your recovery post-surgery is to listen to your doctor. In particular, you should follow your doctor’s prescription for antibiotics to prevent infection. Make sure to take the medicines on time. If the prescription says “take every 4 hours,” follow it to the letter; set an alarm if you must! It’s also crucial to finish the full course of antibiotics to guarantee effectiveness.
You’ll also be given some over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain and inflammation. Search for “buy medicine online Philippines” and pick a reliable drugstore to ensure the quality. Unlike antibiotics, you may take these painkillers on an as-needed basis. That said, be careful about taking them too frequently to prevent overdose. To be sure, ask your doctor about the dosage and frequency so you can stay safe.
If the pain is too severe, you may be given high-strength pain relievers like narcotics or opioids. These require a prescription and careful use so that it doesn’t lead to dependence.
Eat Foods That Promote Healing
Your body needs nutrients to perform all of its functions, which includes healing your body. As such, if you want to recover faster from a surgery, you need to eat well. Some of the most important foods that can promote your healing include:
- High-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These help prevent constipation, a common complication that people experience after surgery.
- Lean meats and seafood, which are rich in protein. This nutrient plays a key role in promoting the growth and repair of tissues.
- Healthy fats, including those from seeds and nuts, which help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
- Dairy products, which are rich in calcium. Aside from improving bone health, calcium is also important in maintaining proper muscle function.
Of course, make sure to take note of any allergies and replace anything on the list with suitable alternatives. For example, if you’re lactose intolerant, you can instead eat leafy greens instead of consuming dairy. Kale and spinach are particularly rich in calcium.
Stay Hydrated
Aside from eating right, you should also drink plenty of water so you can heal faster. This is because water helps thin the blood, which results in better circulation of nutrients. If you’re getting bored of plain water, try infusing it with lemon or orange for some zest. Certain fruits like watermelon can also help with hydration.
Practice Proper Wound Care
Part of postoperative recovery is taking care of your surgical wound so it doesn’t get infected. Keep it dry for the first 48 hours by covering it with a waterproof bandage. If you’re advised by your doctor to keep the stitches covered for longer than 48 hours, replace the bandage every 2 days or if the wound is bloody and/or oozing pus.
When taking a shower, make sure to be quick to prevent the wound from getting soaked. It’s also best to avoid scrubbing the skin around the wound so as not to pull at the stitches. Once you’re done, pat the area dry and apply an antibacterial cream or ointment if prescribed.
Rest and Take It Easy
Last but certainly not least, in order for your body to recover faster, you should give it time to heal. Just rest and take it easy for a while. In fact, even if you feel like you’re all better, it’s still best to slow your pace and not get too eager to get back to your usual level of activity.
Some of the key things to avoid include high-intensity exercises, particularly those that involve jumping or lifting. You also shouldn’t carry anything heavier than 10 to 12 pounds to avoid straining and avoid the reopening of your wound.
Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Your body underwent incredible stress during the surgery and it needs a lot of rest to recover from the experience. What’s more, your body naturally heals faster when you’re asleep. The first 48 hours are the most crucial, but you should still strive to get as much sleep as you can afterwards.
You should also go to your doctor if
- You have a fever
- You experience increased pain
- Your wound reopens, bleeds excessively, oozes pus, or the skin around it reddens
It’s definitely frustrating to be confined to your bed for a couple of days and limited in your activities while you heal from a surgery. However, by being more conscientious about your healing process, you’ll actually be able to heal faster.
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