If you are getting surgery in the near future, it is likely that one of your biggest concerns has to do with the length of your recovery. While the surgery itself is generally a pain-free process, especially if you are put under anesthesia, the post-surgery process of getting back to your normal life can be brutal.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with a better idea of what you can do to raise the probability that you have a quick, stress-free recovery. Let’s take a look at five pre-op tips that should help you with this:
1. Follow the Advice of Your Doctor
If there is one problem that prevents patients from an expedited recovery process, it is that they do not follow the advice of their doctor prior to and after surgery. Your doctor or surgeon understand the unique needs that you have and can provide advice that helps to ensure a smooth process. It is in their best interest that your surgery and recovery go smoothly, so follow their advice.
2. Do Not Smoke
If you are a smoker, you will want to do your best to stop smoking for at least two weeks prior to your surgery. While this may seem impossible, using an e-cig or vaporizer can help to ease you through this process. You will also want to be sure that you lay off smoking for a few weeks following surgery as it can greatly increase the likelihood of complications.
3. Take Your Supplements
One of the best ways to speed up the recovery process following surgery is to take vitamins and supplements. Interestingly enough, it has been proven that taking only about 250 mg per day of vitamin C can cut your post-surgery healing time in half. This works best when you take these supplements for a few weeks before surgery and continue to do so in the following weeks after surgery.
4. Prepare for Life Following Surgery
Many patients fail to prepare themselves and their home for the post-surgery and recovery process. This then leads to individuals attempting to do too much too soon following surgery, which obviously is a no-no. To help with this, be sure to get things in order prior to your surgery. Create meals that can be easily heated and eaten, prepare ice packs, fill your prescriptions, and make sure your bedding is in order.
5. Line Up Caregivers
If you are married, hopefully your spouse will be available to serve as your temporary caregiver post-surgery. If you live alone, be sure you line someone up to drive you to your home after the surgery and that they can check up on you at different times throughout the recovery process.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, recovering quickly from surgery comes down to listening to your surgeon and understanding what needs to be done to prepare for the recovery process. Hopefully this short guide will help ensure that you have a quick and stress-free recovery.