If you have recently had surgery, recovery is probably one of your major concerns right now. Your body had just undergone trauma, and it needs time to heal. The question now is how long does it have to take before you can resume your regular activities.
Of course, there is no single answer to this question since recovery time varies from person to person. Aside from your body’s health condition pre-surgery, there are many other factors that could affect the body’s healing process.
The type of surgery, the success of the procedure, as well as any complications that were encountered during and post operation can all contribute to the speed of your rehabilitation. Age is also a critical factor in estimating the recovery timing. Provided that both are in good condition prior to the surgery, a younger patient generally can bounce back faster than an older one.
Finally, your own mindset and attitude also matter a great deal, because negative thinking and depression can slow down your recovery while a positive attitude can help your body heal better and faster. This is why it is important to work together with your post acute physician partners in order to optimize your rehabilitation plan. Here are a few tips that can help you recuperate faster after a surgery:
1. Give Yourself Time To Heal
This may sound contradictory, but you will heal faster if you slow down. Your body needs proper rest as it repairs itself and recovers from the trauma of the surgery. As much as you want to resume your daily pursuits, forcing yourself to be active when your body is not yet ready for it may only backfire and causes delays in your recovery.
Don’t be in a rush to go back to work just yet. If you are concerned about the tons of work waiting for you in the office, talk to your supervisor and discuss options of farming out your tasks temporarily so you won’t get stressed worrying about your work deadlines when you are supposed to be resting.
2. Keep Yourself Mobile
While you are expected to slow down and rest during your recuperation, it does not mean that you should be staying in bed the whole time. Immobility can also lead to complications such as blood clots, muscle weakness, and pressure ulcers. Part of the rehabilitation process is to get yourself moving, but the key is to not overdo it especially when your body is still adjusting.
Ask your physician what kinds of activities you are allowed to do at each stage of your rehabilitation. They might start you with light exercises like short, 5-minute walks around your house. As your condition improves and you slowly get your strength back, they may ask you to lengthen the duration of your walks and add simple stretches as necessary.
3. Listen To Your Doctors
Pay attention to the instructions given by your rehabilitation doctors. Ask for a list of things that you are allowed and not allowed to do, then follow these guidelines accordingly. Aside from the restriction on physical activities, your medication should also be followed strictly.
If you have concerns about taking too much or too little medicines, make sure to bring them up with your physician first. Don’t make changes on the schedule, dosage, or the type of medicine without the approval of your attending doctor.
Proper nutrition should also be followed as your body needs the right food and fluids to recharge and re-energize itself. Even if you don’t have the appetite, try to eat in small portions just to give your body the fuel it needs to get going. Eat more proteins while consuming less of the processed, sugary types of food. Make sure to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated all the time.
4. Practice Healthy Habits
Get your body in the best condition for recovery by maintaining healthy habits. For example, smoking not only damages your lungs but also increases the risk of blood clots and prevents enough oxygen from being carried to your muscle tissues. This can significantly delay the healing period for the wounds in your body.
Work with your physician and find ways to try and stop yourself from smoking. Not only will it help speed up your recovery, but it will also improve your quality of life.
Sleep is also an important factor in your recuperation. This is the time when your body heals and repairs its different functions, as well as getting your hormones back to their normal levels. Aside from promoting faster healing of wounded tissues and restoring damaged muscles, quality sleep also enables your body to strengthen its immune system so you can fight off viruses and bacteria that could cause infections and impede your recovery.