Post Operative Care: How to Heal Faster After Surgery?

A doctor helping a patient in walking exercise after surgery

Surgeries, both major and minor, are pretty common in today’s age. While surgeries are mainly performed to help the patient lead a fitter and more fulfilling life, without efficient post-operative care, even the most successful and well-planned surgeries may take a toll on the patient’s health and spirit.

Even when well-intentioned and planned, surgery requires cutting through several layers of a person’s body. Therefore, it is normal for the body to react adversely for some time, just like it does to an accident or a cut. During this healing period, the patient requires special care, attention, and nutrition to help the body recover naturally from the inside.

Common Complications That May Arise After Surgery

  • Infections – One of the most common side-effects of surgery, post-operative infections are generally mild and occur in the area around the surgical site. The common symptoms to watch out for are redness around the area, pus or fluids draining from the site, itchiness and fever. Although these issues can be addressed easily by health practitioners, they slow down the healing process. A hygienic resting space and good protein-rich nutrition generally help avoid infections and prepare the body for a proper recovery.
  • Pain – Pain is a common complication after surgery. Nearly all patients experience some sort of pain. However, there are multiple medical procedures available to tackle it. It is always suggested to speak to your health practitioner before the surgery to gauge the intensity of pain and take adequate measures to ease the healing process.
  • Anesthetic Reactions – Anaesthetic reactions are also common post-surgery complications. They are limited to minor side-effects, like feeling nauseous, having a sore throat, confusion and fever that don’t last long. However, in some rare cases, the reactions might take a severe turn causing memory loss in patients that might last more than a week. In extremely rare cases, extra doses of anaesthesia might cause heart attacks, stroke, and lung disease.
  • Constipation –  Constipation is a postoperative complication that can be caused by both anaesthesia as well as certain painkillers and medicines. On the brighter side, normal laxatives, a good water intake, and a fibre-rich diet may solve this issue in no time
  • Malaise – Operations cause trauma to the body, even if you don’t feel it. Besides, the strong medications and antibiotics with the inability to follow a proper nutritious diet often weaken the body. This is why health practitioners worldwide prescribe a healthy diet that helps the body cope with this trauma.
  • Blood Clots – Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT happens to people who have undergone leg or hip surgeries. Although an extremely rare side-effect, DVT can cause serious health complications, including pulmonary embolism. The symptoms to watch out for include chest pain, cough and shortness of breath. The best way to avoid having blood clots is to follow a nutritious diet that would help you get off the bed and move as much as possible.

How to Heal Faster and Recover Well?

In order to ensure speedy recovery, it is imperative that you start preparing ahead of time for the recovery process and learn about post operative care. Enquire about as many things from your doctor as you feel before going for the surgery. If you are the primary caretaker of your family and may need to manage your discharge from the hospital post-surgery, learn about the discharge procedure and required documents.

Depending on the type of surgery you are about to have, you may need a caregiver; if you don’t have anyone to look after you post-surgery, arrange help before getting the surgery done. Learning about potential complications, apart from the common ones mentioned above, related to your specific procedure is also a good idea; this way you can prevent complications and get medical help in the early stages.

Apart from noting your symptoms post-recovery and taking adequate rest, a well-chalked out nutritious diet plays an important role in the road to recovery. Since the patient might not always be able to eat everything, a healthy nutritional drink, like Prohance HP, must be a part of the patient’s diet.
 

Prohance Protein powder presents a balanced combination of essential carbohydrates, good quality protein and necessary fats to enable a person to gain energy and heal faster even when he is unable to follow a strict diet. Prohance also has sugar-free protein powders for diabetes patients as well as weight watchers.

The well-balanced approach to holistic nutritional values taken by Prohance is championed by patients and medical practitioners and is sure to make you recover well and move faster after surgery.

Post operative care at Home

Many times, the post operative care is almost as important as the surgery for helping a person get better. Following your doctor’s recommendation religiously during the recovery period of your surgery can yield positive outcomes for your overall health. It is good to be curious and open about any doubts or thoughts related to your health during this time period.

Here are some post-operative health tips to help you recover at home after surgery:

  • Follow doctor’s orders 
  • Watch out for signs of potential complications 
  • Go to every follow-up consultation 
  • Take it slow and focus on small bits of progress 
  • Avoid strenuous exercises 
  • Drink plenty of fluids 
  • Consume a nutrient-rich diet (supplement with high protein powder if needed) 
  • Return to your normal routine gradually 
  • Get ample rest 
  • Take prescribed medications on time 

If you develop fever, unusual redness, or swelling at the surgical site, contact your doctor immediately.

Add Prohance HP to Your Surgical Aftercare Plan

Adequate post operative care is essential for making a complete recovery after a surgery; this is especially true for older people and young children. Ask your doctor before leaving the hospital about surgical recovery tips or a post-surgical care plan and contact them if you have any doubts to avoid any complications.

Moving the body according to the doctor’s instructions (if advised), resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and consuming nutritious meals is crucial in helping you return to your regular routine as soon as possible. Managing nutrition can be difficult with just your diet; thus, we recommend adding a nutrition supplement like Prohance HP Vanilla. A high protein powder, Prohance HP provides you energy, helps you build muscles, supports gut health, and boosts your immunity to support your speedy recovery after a surgery.

Disclaimer: This blog is meant for awareness purposes and does not constitute or imply an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of any products. Please consult your doctor before starting any diet, medication, or exercise.

Enhancing the lives of recovering individuals

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