What Should Be Done Post-Operation?
Recovery After Appendectomy:
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:
- A healthy and nutritious diet is a necessity. Your doctor will advise you on which kind of foods to include and to avoid.
- All your medicines need to be taken regularly as prescribed.
- Adequate rest and sleep is necessary to help the wounds heal faster and to make you stronger.
- Make sure you support your abdomen when getting up, lying down, walking or coughing during the initial stages of recovery.
- 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.