Tips to Speed Up Your Recovery After Surgery (2024)

FAQs

How can I speed up healing after surgery? ›

Conclusion: We propose a mnemonic for postoperative complication timing and frequency, independent of fever, as follows: Waves (myocardial infarction), Wind (pneumonia), Water (urinary tract), Wound (sSSI and dSSI), and Walking (venous thromboembolism) in the order of likelihood.

Simple and minimal procedures may result in shorter durations of post-surgical fatigue, often lasting a few days to a week. On the other hand, more complex surgeries or those involving major organs and systems may lead to more prolonged periods of fatigue, with recovery extending over several weeks or even months.

Inadvertent postoperative hypothermia (a drop in core body temperature to below 36°C) occurs as an effect of surgery when anaesthetic drugs and exposure of the skin for long periods of time during surgery result in interference with normal temperature regulation.

Infections can delay healing. Wound infections can spread to nearby organs or tissue, or to distant areas through the blood stream. Treatment of wound infections may include: Antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can impede healing, so staying well-hydrated is important after surgery. Drink eight glasses of water per day or more if you're thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, alcohol, coffee, and tea. These can all lead to dehydration.

Generally speaking, post-surgical pain is at its worst for the first 24 to 48 hours after a procedure. 9 This can vary depending on several factors, including how well your pain is being controlled.

Sleep plays a vital role in the recovery process

Surgery of any kind places the body under stress. Your body needs time to regenerate, recuperate and heal from the surgical procedure. Sleep helps your body do just that. In fact, quality sleep plays a vital role in your recovery in many different ways.

You may continue to sleep, but it's a lighter sleep, until you wake up completely. It can take a few hours to feel completely oriented again. General anesthesia drugs can stay in your system for up to 24 hours, so it's important not to drive or do anything that requires your full attention during that time.

How long does surgical stress last? ›

Immediately after surgery, ultradian pulses in ACTH and cortisol both increase. Adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations return to baseline within 24 h, but plasma concentrations of cortisol remain increased for at least 7 days after major surgery.

Light activities like resistance training, daily walks, stretching, or yoga can be hugely beneficial, especially if you're feeling fatigued after a procedure or sickness. Be sure to work with your physician to determine what's best for you.

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for your muscles, brain and nerves. You'll need this energy for healing. Top 3 foods: whole grains, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Fibrous connective tissues like ligaments and tendons as well as bones, cartilage, and nerves tend to take the longest to heal. Below are the various body parts that take the longest as well as a general time period of what to expect: Nerves typically take the longest, healing after 3-4 months.

Healing Food Containing Micronutrients

Foods high in vitamins: citrus fruits, bell peppers, whole grains, eggs, dark leafy greens, fish, lean meats, leafy greens, soybeans, almonds, sweet potatoes, and milk.