6 Common Mistakes After Surgery That Can Slow Your Recovery

America grows stronger through surgery. Surgeons performed more than 14.6 million elective surgeries in 2017. That number accounts for only a fraction of the surgeries performed that year. 

Yet many people experience problems with their surgery. This is because they commit many different mistakes after surgery. 

How much time do you need to rest? What sorts of food should you eat? Should you exercise after surgery, and in what ways? 

Answer these questions and you can keep the complications down after all types of surgery. Here are six mistakes you can avoid. 

1. Getting Back to Work 

Post-surgery recovery can take weeks, if not months. Many people hurry back to the office because they grow impatient. This can just delay their recovery and make their pain more significant. 

After you are discharged from the hospital, stay home. Find a comfortable place to relax for a few days. 

If you are feeling restless, try to get some work done at home. Do some basic things like making phone calls or typing up emails. Do not do any heavy lifting. 

2. Skipping Meals 

Medications for recovering from surgery can make a person feel full. A person may be so tired they cannot cook for themselves. 

But food provides essential nutrients for the body to recover. You should eat a full lunch and dinner at a minimum. You can add in breakfast and several nutritious snacks like a trail mix. 

3. Remaining Sedentary 

Most people assume they have to remain on their backs after their surgery. Laying down for long periods of time can cause pain and muscle stiffness. 

Try to get up and perform some basic exercises. Walk from one end of the room to the other. Lift some books to build muscle. 

4. Staying up Late

Your body needs sleep so cells can recover from a day of work. This is especially important after surgery. 

Go to bed at an early hour and try to get at least eight hours of sleep. If you cannot fall asleep, do some light reading or journaling. 

5. Going Without Physical Therapy

Physical therapy appointments let you deal with pain and develop your mobility. Schedule them as soon as you leave the hospital. 

You can also take advantage of other resources. A massage after surgery can reduce stiffness and soothe inflamed cells. It works for minor and major surgeries, including cosmetic operations. 

6. Not Taking Medications

You do not have to take opioids if you don’t want to. But you should take some medication that helps you recover and reduce pain. 

Follow your doctor’s instructions about your pills. Try to take them on a regular schedule so you do not take two doses at once. 

The Six Most Common Mistakes After Surgery

You can avoid many mistakes after surgery. Let your body heal after an operation. Be prepared to spend several days at home before returning to the office. 

Eat three full meals with plenty of water every day. Fight back against bed sores by performing some basic exercises for recovery like walking and lifting weights. 

Go to bed early and perform a winddown activity like reading. Get physical and massage therapy for yourself. Take your medications while following your doctor’s guidelines. 

Keep finding strategies to promote your strength. Follow our coverage for more health guides.