Eight Ways You Can Speed Up Your Recovery After a Surgery
In-hospital admissions in the United States exceed 35 million per year. That’s 12% of overall visits to the hospital every year. Of these, approximately 7 million are readmissions within 30 days of discharge. An additional 2 million enter the hospital through the critical care unit.
While some readmissions are unavoidable, many are potentially preventable with better care coordination and improved discharge planning. Reducing readmissions is a crucial focus of the Affordable Care Act, and hospitals are working to find ways to improve care transitions and reduce avoidable readmissions.
One of the most common procedures that happen in a hospital is surgery. About 19 million surgeries occur in the United States. This is a fairly standard process, and people have learned a few ways to hasten their recovery after surgery. If you’ve just gotten a recent surgery, here are ways you can recover faster.
Get Plenty of Rest
Human cells recover after a good night’s rest. When we’re asleep, our bodies are working to heal cuts, fight infection and regenerate damaged cells. However, a study of sleep-deprived rats found a significantly harder time recovering from tissue damage than rats allowed to sleep.
Sleep is also vital for the immune system. For example, a study of flu patients found people who sleep less are more vulnerable to cases of flu and other infections. This is problematic for someone who’s trying to recover from surgery.
So if you’re looking to recover quickly from surgery, make sure to get plenty of rest. It may be hard to sleep at first due to the pain, but your body will thank you in the long run. If you want to have a better sleep, consider getting a heater. There are specific heaters you can get. For example, you can rent a heater for sports. This kind of heaters can help sport-related injuries or are great if you want to do some in-home workouts inside your home.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is critical for recovery after surgery. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help promote healing, fight infection, and reduce inflammation.
There are specific nutrients that can be particularly helpful for healing after surgery. Vitamin C is involved in collagen production, which helps repair wounds. Zinc is important for cell growth and regeneration. Protein is necessary for the formation of new tissue.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise has been shown to speed up recovery from surgery and improve overall health. Exercise increases blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It also helps remove waste products from the cells.
In one study, people who exercised regularly before surgery recovered more quickly and had less pain after surgery than those who didn’t exercise. Exercise has also been shown to improve immune function, which can help fight infection.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can delay healing and cause complications after surgery. Chronic stress has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression. It can also make the pain worse.
If you’re feeling stressed, there are a number of things you can do to manage it. Exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature can all help to reduce stress.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re having trouble recovering from surgery, talk to your doctor. They can help you manage pain, understand the recovery process, and address any other concerns you may have.
Seek Support from Family and Friends
Recovering from surgery can be a difficult and lonely experience. Family and friends can provide much-needed support during this time. They can help with things like childcare, cooking, and cleaning.
If you don’t have family or friends nearby, there are many online support groups available. These groups can provide emotional support and practical advice from people who have been through the same thing.
Take Some Time for Yourself
Recovery after surgery can be a long and daunting process. It’s important to take some time for yourself to rest, relax, and heal. Once you’re feeling better, you can start to slowly add activities back into your life. But make sure not to overdo it. Pushing yourself too hard can delay recovery.
Manage Your Pain
Pain is a common symptom after surgery. It can range from mild to severe and can last for days, weeks, or even months.
There are a number of things you can do to manage pain. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help. You can also use ice or heat to reduce pain and swelling.
If you’re having trouble managing your pain, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe stronger medication or suggest other treatments.
Recovering from surgery takes time, but there are things you can do to speed up the process. Getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing your stress can all help you recover more quickly. Talk to your doctor if you’re having difficulty with the recovery process. They can provide guidance and support.
