Postoperative Care
Postoperative care is the care you receive after a surgical procedure. It often includes pain management and wound care. Before you have surgery, ask your doctor what the postoperative care will involve. This will give you time to prepare beforehand. Your doctor may revise some of their instructions after your surgery, based on how your surgery went and how well you’re recovering.
Postoperative care at home
It’s very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions after you leave the hospital. Take medications as prescribed, watch out for potential complications, and keep your follow-up appointments.
Don’t overdo things if you’ve been instructed to rest. On the other hand, don’t neglect physical activity if you’ve been given the go ahead to move around. Start to resume normal activities as soon as you safely can. Most of the time, it’s best to gradually return to your normal routine.
In some cases, you may not be able to care for yourself for a while after your surgery. If you don’t have a family member or friend who can help, ask your doctor to recommend a professional caregiving service. Contact if you develop a fever, increased pain, or bleeding at the surgical site.
Appropriate follow-up care can help reduce your risk of complications after surgery and support your recovery process. Ask your doctor for instructions before you have your surgery and check for updates before you leave the hospital. Contact back if you suspect you’re experiencing complications or your recovery isn’t going well. With a little planning and proactive care, you can help make your recovery as smooth as possible.
