Post-Operative Care at Home

Are you scheduled for a surgery in near future? If yes, then are you mentally and physically prepared for it? Is there any guidance about care after surgery? for how long rest is required and why? what should be an ideal diet? how should you take care of yourself for a speedy recovery? Is there any special routine to be followed? what are the danger signs?

This blog would guide you and give answers to these queries, as all post operative patients need proper guidance and exceptional care for a speedy recovery and return to normal daily life activities.

Can we improve the recovery rates?
Yes, by following doctor instructions and certain guidelines, a successful and speedy recovery is possible.

Is recovery different for each patient?
Yes, it depends on type of surgery (major or minor), it’s time duration, any procedure related complications, any preexisting health problems, any risk factors, and general wellbeing of patients.

What is the role of anti-inflammatory drugs in healing?
All patients need adequate pain relief which is possible with various groups of medicines (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS) and opioid derivatives which not only in reduce inflammation and relief pain but also help in early return to normal life.

How important is rest after a surgery?
Body needs more energy to heal itself, during rest all energy is consumed to reduce inflammation which accelerates tissue repair; hence result is quick healing.

What is the role of protein diet in healing?
Proteins are building blocks of body they help in repair and making new tissues, therefore high protein diet is usually recommended which includes:

• Eggs
• Red meat (poultry, mutton, beef)
• White meat (fish, poultry)
• Pulses and cereals
• Dried fruits and nuts

Are fruits and vegetables helpful in healing?
A balanced diet is required for maintaining a good health, but in stressful times of fighting against diseases and in wound healing, all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals help in healing process.

Do dairy products delay wound healing?
It is a misconception that milk could delay healing and can infect wound. In fact, milk and dairy products, cheese is rich source of calcium which help in healing. Similarly, yogurt is a probiotic with beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilli) which increase immunity, reduce inflammation and chances of infections.

Why adequate hydration is important after surgery?
Damaged tissue during healing and repair produces toxic waste products (oxygen free radicals, lactic acid) which need early removal from body. Adequate hydration maintains a normal salts (electrolytes) and water balance and removes wastes from body.

Does excessive sugars delay healing?
A normal healthy person’s body easily control blood sugar levels but in known diabetics, impaired blood sugar levels, potential diabetics, hormone imbalance, obesity patients high blood sugars would delay wound healing process.

Does stress effects healing?
During stress, steroids, oxygen free radicals, toxic materials are released in body which lower immunity and delay healing. Therefore calm, comfortable, and relaxed patients with low stress levels have more healing abilities.

What is the role of exercise in healing?
Early mobilization after surgery and after certain time starting appropriate physical exercises and activities like walking, cycling, running, and swimming improves healing process. The activities increase the tissue blood flow and reduce risk of blood clot formation but remember to exercise after consultation with your doctor. Similarly, relaxing techniques like yoga, meditation also shorten the recovery time.

What are warning signs of any problem?
There are certain danger signs which if picked earlier can save you from complications. You should consult your doctor immediately, if you have:

• Fever
• Uncontrollable pain
• Vomiting
• Feeling of uneasiness, dizziness, breathlessness, racing of heart
• Any abnormal excessive bleeding

Are there any changes needed at home?
You need to have family or friends support at home for taking care of you. Stock your pantry with right diet, precooked food, fruits, and vegetables. If your bedroom is upstairs, then make sleeping arrangements on the ground floor. Sleep in a bedroom near a bathroom, keep your hallway lights on. Clean and try to make your home clutter free for lowering the chances of fall.

How could the daily routine activities affect?
Your time to return to daily activities would depend on surgery and type of anesthesia, as major surgeries with general anesthesia take longer recovery time.

After how long could you climb stairs?
You cannot climb stairs for at least a week but can be shifted upstairs with support. After few weeks you can once or twice climb stairs.

What about return to work?
You should start working only after your doctor permission. Prolong sitting hours should be avoided, to prevent clot formation.

When could you start driving?
You can drive but it depends on surgery area and medicines you take for pain relief. Driving is not possible due to delayed responses of judgement or using brakes, which could be extremely dangerous and life threatening.

What about traveling?
Air travel is dangerous after eye surgeries, pregnancy, and cardiac diseases. Critical patients should always seek medical guidance before air travel.

Remember care does not stop after surgery. Diligent care along with medicines and proper guidance can improve recovery, early return to daily routine and prevent complications.

Dr. Ayesha Azam Khan