Recovering from surgery is a delicate process that demands care, patience, and, most importantly, sticking to medical advice. Unfortunately, many patients make unintentional mistakes during surgery care, and that puts their recovery in jeopardy. Let’s talk about five of the most common errors patients make during after surgery care and how to avoid them.
Doing Too Much, Too Soon
After surgery, you’ll want to get back into your regular routine, especially when you start feeling better. This leads many people to think they can handle activities like heavy lifting, vigorous chores, or even exercise sooner than their doctor recommends. Doing these things before you’re ready can lead to complications such as reopened incisions, prolonged swelling, or even infections.
Why This Happens:
Patients often underestimate the extent of healing needed beneath the surface. While you might feel fine outwardly, your body is still repairing tissues internally, and any undue strain can cause setbacks.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Follow your doctor’s guidelines closely, even if you feel ready to do more. Start with gentle movements, like walking to promote circulation, and gradually increase activity levels as your doctor recommends. For instance, short strolls around your home can boost blood flow without straining your body. If you’re unsure about specific activities, don’t guess—ask your doctor for clarification.
Neglecting Pain Management
Pain is a normal part of the healing process but ignoring it or skipping prescribed medication can be a mistake. Some patients worry about potential side effects or addiction, which is valid and understandable. However, unmanaged back pain, for example, can interfere with your ability to move, rest, and heal effectively.
Why This Matters:
Pain that’s not managed can lead to a domino effect—limiting your mobility, disrupting sleep, and causing additional stress. Prolonged pain can even impact mental health and delay recovery.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Take pain medications as directed by your doctor, even if you feel hesitant. If you’re concerned about addiction or side effects, talk with your doctor about alternative options like non-opioid pain relievers. Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen, for instance, can provide relief without risking dependency. Staying ahead of the pain, instead of waiting until it becomes severe, makes movement and healing more manageable.
Staying in Bed Too Long
Rest is important after surgery, but taking too much of it can lead to complications. Prolonged immobility increases the risk of blood clots, muscle atrophy, and poor circulation. It can also slow digestion, leading to discomfort or constipation.
The Risks:
Remaining in bed for extended periods can cause serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in the legs. If it’s not treated, this condition can escalate into life-threatening complications.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Start moving as soon as your doctor approves it. Even small actions like standing up, stretching, or walking to another room help prevent complications. For example, taking short walks every two hours can stimulate circulation and aid digestion. If you feel unsteady, ask a family member for support or use a mobility aid. Remember, small, consistent efforts add up over time to promote healing.
Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
When you’re feeling good and notice your incision is healing well, follow-up appointments may seem unnecessary. However, these check-ins are important for your healthcare provider to monitor progress, identify subtle signs of complications, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Why It’s Important:
Your doctor may spot issues like infections, improper healing, or medication side effects before you notice them. Skipping appointments can cause these issues to go undetected, potentially requiring additional interventions.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Keep all scheduled follow-ups, even if you think everything is fine. During these visits, your doctor can assess your incision, remove sutures or staples if necessary, and address concerns you might not realize are significant. If attending appointments is difficult, explore telehealth options or discuss flexible scheduling with your provider.
Overlooking Nutrition and Hydration
Surgery does a number on the body, and proper nutrition and hydration are key to recovery. However, nausea, a lack of appetite, or discomfort can make it challenging to eat and drink enough. Many patients overlook this step, not realizing the impact it has on the healing process.
The Impact:
Without proper nutrition, your body lacks the resources it needs to repair tissue, support its immune system, and produce energy. Dehydration can also make side effects from anesthesia and medication, such as fatigue or constipation, worse.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support recovery. Protein is especially important for repairing tissues, while vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc, boost immune function. If solid foods are difficult to consume, opt for protein shakes or broths. Hydration is just as important—sip water throughout the day to support digestion and flush out anesthesia-related toxins. To remind yourself to drink water, have a water bottle handy.
Recovery Done Right
Recovering from surgery requires patience and proactive care. By avoiding these common mistakes—overexertion, neglecting pain management, staying immobile, skipping follow-ups, and poor nutrition—you can support your body’s healing process and reduce the risk of complications.
Take charge of your recovery by following your doctor’s advice, listening to your body, and addressing concerns promptly. Remember, your health is worth the effort, and every small step you take brings you closer to resuming the life you love.
Resources
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/rehab-mistakes
https://osgpc.com/5-common-mistakes-avoid-surgery/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/post-surgery-recovery-tips-and-guide-3156833
