What recovering from surgery looks like will largely depend on the type of surgery you’ll be getting. For example, a minor procedure such as replacing or repairing tendons in your hands or feet will look drastically different, in terms of recovery, than a major surgery such as a total hip replacement.
Regardless of if your upcoming procedure is going to be either inpatient or outpatient, here’s an idea of what it’s going to be like as well as a few tips to aid you in the recovery process.
Anesthesia Recovery
Whether you are going to be staying in the hospital for the days following your surgery, or you’ll be in your own home that night, you’ll likely be put under for the procedure itself. Anesthesia is powerful and its side effects are to be taken seriously. It’ll take a few hours for it to completely wear off and during that time you’ll likely feel quite sleepy.
If the plan is for you to go home that night, you’ll still be staying put, at the doctor’s office or hospital, until the anesthesia wears off so your doctor can make sure you are breathing and functioning normally.
A few side effects that often come from being under anesthesia include aches, constipation, and a sore throat. These are normal but do make sure to consult your doctor if these side effects last for more than a few days beyond the surgery date.
Controlling Your Pain
For minor and major surgeries, pain unfortunately is going to be a part of the recovery process. The important thing here is to keep that pain under control as best you can. This will ensure you are able to get all the rest you’ll need for a speedy recovery.
For minor pains, check what your doctor prescribes you first, but you’ll likely be taking over-the-counter options such as Advil or Aleve to get you feeling as comfortable as possible. If you are getting more intense surgeries, your doctor might prescribe you the painkillers already mentioned in addition to stronger opioids to help manage your pain.
Getting Comfortable At Home
Your doctor should let you know the amount of physical activity you’re expected to have in the days and weeks following your surgery. If the surgery is along the lines of the mentioned hip replacement, you might need physical therapy as part of the recovery process.
Either way, actively monitor your pain and see what you feel capable of doing. Of course, take it easy during this time but not moving at all can bring on its own set of issues. As you settle into your comfortable clothes at home, you’ll also want to consider wearing post-op garments as a measure of making your recovery all the easier. Doing so will not only provide the needed support but also provide compression which will help blood flow, therefore helping to prevent blood clotting while you’re less active than you normally would be.
