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The recovery process after an operation is a tedious and challenging time. The last thing you want to worry about is the potential for problems during your recovery process. If you are worried, don’t be! Your surgeon will go over these risks with you before the operation, but it’s important to remember that there are many ways things can go wrong in this delicate time period. Here are 11 ways that your recovery process can go wrong so that you know what to avoid!
1. Not Eating Enough Food and Drinks after Operation
One of the worst things you can do when recovering from an operation is not to eat enough. This can lead to many problems such as nausea, vomiting, and slow metabolism, making it harder for your body to heal your wound correctly. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications that cause constipation, so eating fiber rich foods will also help relieve this problem. Make sure to stay hydrated, and avoid caffeine as much as possible. Revive offers some essential oils that can alleviate your nauseous feeling.
2. Infection
One of the most common reasons for poor recovery after an operation is an infection. Your wound will need time to recover, and if it’s constantly exposed to bacteria, your chances of getting an infection increase significantly. One of the best ways to prevent infection is to make sure you keep your wound clean and dry. Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
3. Not Resting as Prescribed
It may seem impossible to rest and relax when you can barely walk after an operation, or it’s difficult for you to move around. However, it would help if you remembered that resting is important for several reasons. If you don’t rest enough after your op, it might cause blood clots, leading to a pulmonary embolism. The more active you are, the more your blood will be pumping, making you more likely to get a pulmonary embolism. This is why you must rest as much as possible without becoming too inactive.
4. Being Discharged From Hospital Too Soon
It might seem tempting to leave the hospital early because of how uncomfortable you’re feeling or because you just want to go home. However, being discharged from the hospital too soon can be very dangerous. If you’re not fully recovered, you might fall or get an infection and have to return to the hospital. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions, and only leave the hospital when you are completely healed!
5. Developing a Blood Clot
One of the dangers of being inactive after an operation is developing a blood clot. This can happen if you’re sitting or lying down for too long in the case of tummy tuck surgery, and it can be life-threatening. To prevent blood clots, make sure to stand up and stretch your legs every now and then. One of the main reasons tummy tucks are done is because people want to wear certain clothes without exposing their stomachs or feeling self-conscious. If you do this, make sure not to remove the garment too often, sit down for long periods or not walk around as much as you’re supposed to.
6. Not Eating Proper Food
As we’ve already mentioned, it’s important to eat properly when you’re recovering from an operation. Not eating enough or eating the wrong foods can lead to many problems such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Make sure to eat high-quality protein foods, fruits, and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. If you’re struggling to eat, your surgeon may prescribe medication to help you digest food better.
7. Becoming Too Active
One of the ways this can go wrong is if you don’t give yourself enough time to heal properly after an operation. Even though you might feel ready to exercise or return to work, you must allow your body time to recover. This means not only resting but also following your surgeon’s instructions carefully. Returning to work or exercising too soon can actually delay your recovery and even cause more problems.
8. Not Taking Prescribed Medication
Another common reason for poor recovery after an operation is not taking prescribed medication. This might be because you’re struggling to afford the medication, or you just don’t want to take it. However, not taking prescribed medication can lead to serious health problems. Make sure to ask your surgeon or pharmacist if you’re unsure about any of the medication you’ve been prescribed.
9. Smoking
Smoking is a major contributor to poor health, and it can also delay your recovery after an operation. If you smoke, make sure to stop before your op and don’t start again until your body is completely healed. Smoking can cause many problems, including delayed wound healing or pneumonia, which can significantly lengthen your recovery time.
10. Not Washing Your Suture Line
When you have stitches, you must keep your wounds clean so that infection doesn’t set in. One of the best ways to do this is by washing your suture line every day with soap and water. Make sure not to rub or scratch your suture line too hard. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, pain, and swelling, make sure to seek medical attention immediately.
11. Not Staying Positive
Maintaining a positive attitude is important during the recovery period. When you’re feeling down, it can be easy to make mistakes like smoking or not taking medication which can exacerbate your problems. Make sure that you surround yourself with people who motivate and inspire you. This will ensure that you recover faster and feel great about your new body.
Conclusion
When you’re recovering from an operation, you must take care of yourself properly. You can achieve this by eating well, following your surgeon’s instructions, and staying positive throughout the entire process. If something goes wrong, make sure to seek medical attention immediately so that issues don’t worsen. Most importantly, enjoy your new body and be proud of your accomplishments!
