The steps you take after your surgery can impact your healing time as well
as decrease your chance of infection. And while patients often have many
questions about the surgery itself, post-op care tends to be an afterthought.
By preparing for recovery, and following these tips, you can be back on
your feet in no time:
Keep a Regular Diet
For many, eating after surgery can seem unappetizing. Medications and
the after-effects of anesthesia can often leave you feeling constipated,
nauseous, or without appetite. However, eating and staying hydrated will
help ease the effects of anesthesia, promote healing, and minimize common
complications.
Get Moving (If Possible)
Laying in bed and not moving can lead to clots and vein issues. The sooner
you get up and get moving, the better. You might even find that you’re
asked to get up and walk the day of surgery. Attend physical therapy and
be sure to ask when you can return to more strenuous activities.
Attend Your Appointments
Though you might feel better and ready to take on the world, follow-up
appointments are critical to long-term healing. If your doctor is asking
for a follow-up, there is a reason for it. Most often, they will discuss
how you’re feeling, check for signs of infection in or around the
incision, or adjust your medication as needed.
Control Pain
If pain is impacting your recovery or making it hard to be mobile, you
must explain that to your doctor. Inactivity can lead to further complications
and can set you back in the recovery process — another reason why
you don’t want to miss your follow-up appointments.
Is pain taking over your life?
Power River Orthopedics & Spine (PROS) is here to help in Gillette, Wyoming. We can evaluate your options
so you can rest assured that you get the best possible outcome and are
back to a happy and active life in no time.
Call the PROS at 307.686.1413 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/PROS to learn more.
PROS is a Campbell County Medical Group
Clinic with
Campbell County Health