Any surgery will strain your body as it works extra hard to heal. Although most surgeries will require some time in the hospital, you’ll need to continue the recovery process at home. As a result, it’s critical to understand the discharge instructions and take proper care of yourself at home. They can include changing bandages, taking medications as directed, and resting. The body requires rest to heal properly post-surgery. Planning ahead and asking family, friends, or professional caregivers to help you after your operation can make your recovery process more pleasant.
If you ignore instructions, you risk injuring yourself or making your recovery longer and more difficult. You can’t control your health, but you can take steps to ease the recovery process after surgery. Making sure you’re properly set up at home for care after surgery is critical to your healing. So, in addition to following your discharge instructions, consider our tips for a quick and smooth recovery.
Get a Hospital Bed
Some people associate the term “hospital bed” with discomfort and sterility, but these perceptions are based on outdated understandings. Hospital beds have evolved significantly in the last years, and many of those available for home use are designed to look like regular beds, but they come with many more features. So, we recommend choosing an adjustable hospital bed since it’s far more suitable than an ordinary bed for your comfort needs in recovery.
You can adjust these beds in height and the head and foot of the bed. Today’s hospital beds come in various styles, designs, and features to accommodate a wide range of budgets. In addition, the high-quality adjustable beds can accommodate different medical needs and mobility. While all hospital beds can provide comfort and relief, your specific needs determine the best home hospital bed for you. Furthermore, such beds will provide the needed functionality while complementing your bedroom decor.
Create a Pleasant Environment
To maintain a pleasant environment, you must always keep an appropriate temperature, especially during the winter. A high-quality air conditioner will help you achieve this since it’ll bring the air to its desired state. If you don’t own one yet, consider installing a new one. So, before your surgery, research your local options and choose a professional installation company or have a friend do it for you. For example, suppose you live in Port Coquitlam, Canada, or anywhere in the province of British Columbia. In that case, you should seek a certified heating Port Coquitlam-based company that offers excellent service. And make sure your unit is serviced regularly so that you always breathe clean air, especially during your recovery.
Regarding air quality, it’s also a good idea to have a few indoor plants since they may contribute to better air quality and faster recovery. Being stuck indoors may negatively impact your mood. So, besides bringing some nature inside, bring more natural light as well. You can accomplish this by placing your bed near a window and possibly removing the curtains. Open the windows whenever possible to let in natural light, which can actually improve your mood.
Maintain Good Nutrition
Nutrition is an essential aspect of improving your health. Before surgery, consult your doctor about the diet you should follow. Choose foods that are healthy and simple to prepare to promote healing and minimize complications. It’s important to include protein in your meals since it’s needed for healing and repair. Of course, fruits and veggies will be a must in your diet. And avoid processed foods and sugary drinks as they impede healing and recovery.
Consume plenty of water and drink enough fluids according to your discharge instructions. Don’t drink alcohol post-surgery, especially if you’re taking painkillers. But don’t worry; your wine nights will be back in no time.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Make a clear path from your recovery area to the rest of your home’s important areas. This includes rearranging the furniture and removing stuff like rugs that may cause you to trip. Of course, your friends and family can help you with the heavy furniture lifting even before the surgery.
While limited mobility is a common side effect of surgery, don’t worry. It won’t be a long-term state.
Get Moving
Try to get up and go for a short walk a few times a day. Walking is essential after having surgery. It can prevent severe complications like blood clots. It can also help with bowel movement, which is beneficial because anesthesia may cause constipation.
It may appear challenging to get up and move at first, but there are some ways to make it simpler. Besides walking short distances, you can try doing simple exercises such as moving your arms and legs. Before starting any exercise program or if you experience discomfort, consult your doctor.
Wrapping Up
According to studies, patients recover more quickly and successfully at home after surgery. Your discharge instructions are a great place to start your smooth recovery journey. Read them thoroughly, double-check that you understand every word, contact your healthcare provider if you have questions, and don’t miss follow-up appointments.
Meanwhile, our tips for smooth post-surgery recovery should help ensure that you heal properly and quickly.