Surgeries can be stressful. You have to stay at a hospital, undergo different medical examinations, and wait for the anesthesia machine to put you under. It doesn’t end there, either. Once out of the hospital, you have to recover from the procedure. Fortunately, there are many things you can do before and after your surgery to recover faster.
Below is a list of things that can speed up recovery, ranging from adhering to whatever your doctor says and keeping a positive mindset to eating healthy meals and surrounding yourself with loved ones.
1. Follow your doctor’s advice
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a magic pill or a magical method of healing. If you want to recover faster after surgery, then you must follow your doctor’s instructions.
That means you listen to and follow whatever they say to you. If they tell you to rest in bed for a couple of days, for example, then that’s what you do.
A lot of people rush themselves when it comes to healing from plastic surgery or another medical procedure, but this is a mistake. Your body needs time to heal, and rushing it will only make the recovery process take longer. Instead, the fastest route involves taking the time to do what your doctor says.
Also, make sure to listen to what your doctor says regarding your diet. They might tell you to stay away from certain foods, for instance. If that is the case, then do so.
2. Before and after surgery, optimism helps you recover faster
It is okay to be nervous about getting surgery. It’s a big step and likely something you haven’t done before so it’s natural to worry.
But, it’s important not to allow fear to get the best of you. Continue to remind yourself that everything is going to be okay. Your doctor would not approve a procedure if they did not think it was what is best for you.
No matter how painful or scary it may seem at first, it will all be fine. Sooner or later, things will start to look up. That is the way of life; it has ups and downs and more ups.
3. Surround yourself with positive people
When you are recovering from surgery, you need upbeat people around who will help you through hard times and who will support you. Positivity is good for the mind. And what’s good for the mind, is good for the body.
If you’re lucky enough to have people in your life who make you happy, make you smile, and tell them how grateful they are to have you in their lives. Tell them also that you appreciate the positivity they bring you. Now, more than ever, that is exactly the environment that you need.
4. Healthy eating
If you eat the right things and avoid certain foods, then your recovery will go much smoother than if you don’t eat well. That makes sense given that you’re putting the best fuel in your body to propel it forward.
Before and after the hospital stay, eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, provided that your doctor approves this eating plan. Your body will go, or has gone, through tremendous strain. Help your physical self out by giving it the nutrients necessary to perform its best.
5. Stay busy after surgery to recover faster
Staying busy doesn’t necessarily mean being physically active. Your doctor will advise you whether or not that is a good idea. It can simply mean keeping your mind occupied by catching up on emails, reading a good book or two, writing down thoughts, and more.
Staying busy is very important when recovering from surgery. First of all, it keeps your mind off of any pain you are in, even for a few minutes, which can be a welcome relief. Secondly, it means that you won’t have time to worry about recovery.
Anything will help. Even if you start feeling better before your scheduled doctor visit, don’t stop doing these things. Keep up the good work, and it will speed up your recovery.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help when recovering from surgery. After all, who wants to admit that they need help. But you should never be afraid to ask for assistance if it is needed.
This could mean asking for a hand around the house doing chores like cleaning up. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help with things like getting a glass of water or a snack if personal mobility is limited.
If you show your appreciation for the support, the chances are good that those around you will feel good about helping you and continue to do so. Everyone likes to be useful and to be appreciated.
Your recovery from surgery is the chance to give those around you precisely those two important things. Take advantage of the opportunity.
Takeaway on faster recovery after surgery
Now you know six things before and after surgery to speed up the recovery process. It may seem like a lot of work, but it is worth it. Your doctors will know the best route, so listen to them and take their advice.
Also, listen to your body. When it tells you to relax, then you relax. And don’t be afraid to communicate your needs with those around you.
Good tips, Christy. I can’t imagine why anybody would chose to have elective surgery though, far to much pain involved.