What to Expect When Returning Home After Surgery

Surgery can have a dramatic impact on your well-being. Therefore, getting your home transition care right is essential. It can be the difference between full recovery and failing to get back on your feet. 

This post explores what to expect after surgery. We explore various factors included in home transitional care like pain relief, wound care, and what to eat. By the end, you should be fully prepared for the post-surgical experience. 

Your Doctor Will Prescribe Painkillers To Reduce Discomfort

First, your doctor or surgeon should prescribe various painkillers port-surgery, along with instructions. Follow their advice closely. 

Pain after most surgery should be manageable. If not, contact your medical team or go to the emergency room. Severe discomfort can indicate complications. 

You Will Need To Care For Your Wounds

Also, always follow the surgeon’s instructions for caring for the wound. 

Surgeons will leave some open (letting you see the flesh below). Wash these out regularly according to their instructions, usually with warm soapy water. 

Sutured (stitched) wounds may require dressings and cleaning. Again, you should follow instructions, changing and cleaning these when necessary. 

Adhesive strips (modern stitches) should be left in position until they fall off (usually after a few weeks). Removing them early might prevent proper wound healing from occurring. 

You Should Continue Taking Existing Medications As Normal (Unless Instructed Otherwise)

Surgeons will tell you which medications to take and when. Most medications will continue as normal. However, doctors may advise you to temporarily stop blood thinners and other drugs that might inhibit wound healing. 

You May Need To Manage Your Drains And Stomas

Surgeons sometimes attach a drain to wounds to drain excess fluid produced by the immune system. These reduce swelling and can make recovery more comfortable. 

You should talk to medical professionals at the hospital about how to manage these devices. Passing this information on to your home transition care team can help them. 

Some surgeries also require a stoma – a breathing apparatus placed in the neck after lung, mouth, or neck surgery. Again, medical professionals should teach you how to use this device. 

You May Need To Follow A Special Diet

After returning home, surgeons may recommend you eat a special diet. This helps you feel less nauseous after surgery and get the nutrients you need to recover. 

The best foods are rice, dry toast, and bananas. These simple carbohydrate foods don’t place too many demands on the stomach and provide concentrated energy.

You May Need More Rest Than Usual

Finally, you might need more rest than usual. Spending more time in bed is normal as the body tries to recover. 

Your surgeon will usually tell you how much exercise you can do. Too much physical activity may damage sutures and cause bleeding. 

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