Managing pain after surgery:
You will be provided with pain relief in a variety of methods. Some discomfort after surgery is normal, but if it is affecting your deep breathing, coughing or ability to get out of bed and walk then please let your nurse know.
Enhanced recovery: Enhanced recovery is worldwide initiative to enable patients to get better sooner after surgery. As part of this, you should try to drink plenty of water - aim for 1.5-2 litres per day. Eat regular meals, little and often. You maybe be given supplementary drinks if required. Also try to get dressed and out of pyjamas as soon as you feel able.
Preparing to go home: Before coming into hospital it is a good idea to think about how you will manage once you are discharged. Some things to consider or prepare for are:
- Do you have help at home?
- Do you anticipate problems with getting washed/dressed?
- Can anyone help with shopping? Stocking up with freezer foods before coming in may be useful.
- Is your home free from trip hazards? Are the things you need in handy places?
If you anticipate you may have any problems then please let your surgical team know before coming in to hospital at the earliest opportunity.
After discharge: Below is general advice applicable for most people recovering from a procedure or surgery. People undergoing more minor procedures may recover more quickly than described below. It is important that you follow the advice of the team looking after you if it differs from anything advised below.
- In the first 2 weeks after discharge, you should be able to slowly increase the amount of walking you do but you should not be carrying any weight.
- Two to four weeks after discharge you can begin carrying light weights no more than 3 pounds (e.g. a bag of shopping) and undertaking light household tasks.
- After 4 weeks the intensity of exercise can increase and you can begin brisker and longer walks, with an aim at 6 - 8 weeks after your surgery to be carrying out most tasks as long as you feel comfortable with them.
- Remember that you will need time to rest after being active, particularly in the early days after discharge from hospital.
- Listen to your body and rest as much as you need to. As with all tasks, if it begins to hurt, then stop what you are doing.
- You should be able to return to driving 4-6 weeks after your surgery as long as you can perform an emergency stop without pain. You will need to inform your insurance company that you have had recent surgery.
- You should discuss with your team when you should return to a gym and at what level of intensity.
If you have any concerns please contact your surgical team.
Occupational Therapy:
Occupational Therapists (OT) try to get you back to your own home as soon as possible. If you think that you may struggle and may need some equipment after your surgery, please call the OT Team.
- Self refer if you live in Hampshire via OT Direct 0300 555 1378
- Self refer if you live in Portsmouth City via Adult Health & Social Care 023 926 0810