Millions of people worldwide undergo major surgery each year, ranging from organ transplants to delicate spinal or brain operations. Doctors with years of training and experience perform these surgeries using their expertise. However, their work is done when the procedure is complete.
Afterward, the recovery process begins while a patient remains in the hospital. Once a patient gets home, they must manage this themselves with their support network of friends, families, and caregivers. Here are some tips to help a loved one recover from major surgery:
Getting sufficient rest
The human body experiences significant trauma during invasive surgery. A vital part of the healing process is getting enough rest. While doctors encourage patients to get up and move after an operation, they also stress the importance of rest and sleep. A regular bed might be uncomfortable for someone recovering from surgery, so many people invest in a bariatric bed from Shelden Healthcare to make the patient comfortable, allowing them to get some quality sleep.
It is normal to tire quickly after surgery, and patients who push themselves beyond what their bodies can handle often prolong their recovery. They should prioritize rest to allow their bodies to heal to get back to their regular lives as soon as possible.
Wound care
Major surgery typically involves one or more wound sites that must be cared for properly once a patient is discharged from the hospital. Patients and their caregivers should listen carefully to doctors’ and nurses’ instructions about incision care and follow them without fail.
Not caring for a wound properly can lead to an infection that requires extensive medication to treat and could land the patient back in a hospital bed. Any discoloration or weeping indicates that something is wrong with a cut. Patients should not wear any clothing that irritates the wound area. Once the incision heals, apply Vitamin E or tissue oil to it to promote healing.
Medication
Few patients leave the hospital after major surgery without a prescription for medications they require. Do not ignore these medications and their dosage directions. Doctors prescribe them to facilitate a patient’s recovery process, and caregivers must ensure they are taken. Examples of medicine that a patient might receive after surgery are antibiotics and painkillers.
Strong painkillers can become habit-forming and post-operative consumption can lead to an addiction when medications are not managed and dispensed according to directions. Patients should not exceed the maximum painkiller dosages, trying to use the minimum and wean themselves off the tablets as soon as possible.
Get moving
Spending too much time in a sedentary position will hinder a patient’s healing process. During the hospital stay, medical professionals will discuss what types of movements and exercises a patient should undertake when they get home. It is vital to balance getting back up and about without compromising the wound or causing additional complications.
Many people are so eager to recover that they overdo it, causing a setback that requires additional recovery time. In contrast, other patients are reluctant to get moving again, slowing their healing and getting back to normal.
Follow-ups
Doctors and surgeons will schedule follow-up appointments after major surgery to monitor their patient’s recovery. Patients must attend these sessions to give their healthcare professional some feedback about their recovery. Doctors need a detailed progress report to determine if they need to change the prescribed medications and advice about becoming mobile.
Caregivers should keep a log of their patient’s recovery, noting how much pain they experience, what exercises they do, whether they are resting, and monitoring their medication. They should also report their patient’s eating and drinking habits to the doctor, sticking to a healthy diet.