What Should Be Done Post-Operation?

Recovery After Appendectomy:

After surgery, you will be taken to your room to recover. The bandages will be kept clean, dry and will be checked regularly. Minimal pain, irritation and discomfort are part of the recovery process. Taking care of yourself post operation is just as important as the entire process of surgery. There are risks involved in this condition just as in any other surgery. The risks include bleeding, infection or other allergies which is why you need to be extra careful during your recovery period. You will not need to stay at the hospital too long unless the appendix has ruptured or an abscess has formed. Some people may develop other health problems because of allergies; they might also need to stay longer. Although you will be discharged from the hospital in 2 to 3 days, you should give yourself 4 or 6 weeks before resuming your usual daily activities. The period of recovery may differ depending upon the age and the overall health of every patient. Young children and older people may require a longer time to resume day to day activities.

Recovery After Laparoscopy:

After the surgery is over, apart from feeling groggy and tired because of the anesthesia, one also feels pain in certain places of the body. The abdomen and the places where the incisions are made are painful and tender. Women also often sense a sharp pain in the shoulder due to the gas used to distend the abdomen during surgery. All these symptoms are very common. You will be prescribed medications and given meals accordingly. Most of the people who have laparoscopy are discharged the very same day, or at a maximum they may be asked to stay overnight. You cannot drive on your own after the surgery so you need to make sure you have someone who can drive you back home.

In both cases, after being discharged from the hospital, some may complain of fever, traces of blood in urine or vomiting, dizziness, infection, pus on the incision etc. You need to go to the hospital at once and get yourself checked to be on the safe side. Normal activities such as walking, lifting light things, driving and going to work can be resumed after the complete recovery time. If you give your body adequate time to improve before you return to your normal activities, you will decrease the chances of complications.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while recovering:

1. A healthy and nutritious diet is a necessity. Your doctor will advise you on which kind of foods to include and to avoid.
2. All your medicines need to be taken regularly as prescribed.
3. Adequate rest and sleep is necessary to help the wounds heal faster and to make you stronger.
4. Make sure you support your abdomen when getting up, lying down, walking or coughing during the initial stages of recovery.
5. Last but not least, do not force your body to return to your normal activities if you are not up to it. Your body is still tender and sore and needs time before returning to your usual lifestyle.