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5 Tips to Improve Recovery After Surgery

Experts at Medcare offer tips on making your recovery after surgery easier

Posted on

6 August 2019

Last updated on 6 August 2019
5 Tips to Improve Recovery After Surgery

After undergoing surgery, you will be sure to want to recover as soon as possible so that you can return to work and your other daily activities faster.

Is seems straightforward enough – all you need to do is follow your surgeons discharge instructions. However, healing from surgery requires care and diligence when it comes to looking after your incision and body. Here are five helpful tips from Dr. Geetha Karbeet R. Pai, Laparoscopic & General Surgeon at Medcare Hospital Sharjah.

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions

Your doctor will be able to provide you with tailored recovery instructions depending on the type of surgery you received and your individual condition. If your doctor tells you not to get bandages wet and not to lift anything heavy for the first few weeks after surgery, there is likely a very good reason for this – so make sure you stick to the rules! This will help speed up recovery and get you back to regular activities as soon as possible.

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2. Book a follow-up appointment

Surprisingly, some patients do not book and attend their follow up appointments if their wound is healing well. But it is incredibly important to see your doctor who can holistically assess your recovery. They may want to know how you are feeling, see your wound and look for other signs that you’re healing that only a trained specialist can. They may do follow-up blood work, look for signs of infection, or want to make sure the surgery has ensured a good outcome for your condition. You may also require adjustment of your medications in the weeks following surgery.

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3. Look for signs of infection

In order to ensure your wound does not get infected, make sure to always wash your hands before touching it or the area of skin around it. Check and look for any signs of infection such as pus or if it is surrounded by inflamed skin. Also check your stitches or staples are intact. Do not scrub your incision to remove the scabs that form, or use alcohol or peroxide to keep the area free of germs. Unless your surgeon specifically instructs you to do any of those things, a gentle wash with soap and water is more than adequate.

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4. Try to cough or sneeze slowly

You can do serious damage by coughing or sneezing in the wrong way after surgery, especially if you have an abdominal incision. A violent movement can cause a surgical incision to open up. Bracing your incision, which means applying pressure to the incision with your hands or a pad, is essential when coughing, sneezing or even going to the bathroom.

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5. Try to rest and eat as normal

We all know its important to rest after surgery to regain strength and to let wounds heal. Some people do not have an appetite after undergoing surgery, but staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet is key to promote healing, minimize complications and give your body the fuel it needs to recover fully.

Take your prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor to keep any residual pain at a tolerable level to keep you mobile and to speed up the healing process. Make sure to drink lots of water with pain medication as it could lead to constipation and dehydration. Good pain control can make it far easier to rest or sleep, which also promotes healing.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit Medcare or press ‘Click to Contact’ to submit your inquiries.

Dr. Geetha Karbeet R. Pai

Written by Dr. Geetha Karbeet R. Pai
Laparoscopic & General Surgeon
Medcare Hospital Sharjah

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