Surgery as a treatment plan is not just an operation. It has three steps: pre-op, the surgery itself, and post-op. Pre-op is just as important as the surgery itself because it conditions your body for a safe procedure and recovery. On the other hand, post-op care is also vital because it determines how effective the surgery will be and ensures that you recover successfully.
Here are topics to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon about post-op care.
Learn about the Dos and Don’ts
Orthopedic surgeons know what’s best for you after your surgery. Thus, you have to listen carefully to their instructions, especially the dos and don’ts after surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will explain any changes you may have to make in your daily routine until you fully recover. These changes may include alterations to your diet, exercise, hygiene, and sexual activity, among others. The type of operation you will get done will define what will be affected, so consult your doctor about what you need to do.
Cleaning Your Wound
Depending on your hospital, a visiting nurse will only be assisting you once per week when you are discharged. You will have to learn how to care for your wound at home without the assistance of a doctor or nurse.
Your surgeon will instruct you on cleaning and observing your stitches. You have to keep your wound dry and clean. Some orthopedic surgeons suggest switching from showers to sponge baths to avoid soaking the wound. Your surgeon will also educate you about the characteristics of healthy and uninfected wounds, so you know what to watch out for. By learning what to expect from your incision wounds, you’ll know when to call your doctor for emergencies.
Take Your Medication as Instructed
Your orthopedic surgeon will also prescribe you post-op medication. Your prescription will be dependent on their observations during your post-op stay at the hospital. From your in-patient stats, your doctor may suggest medication to ease your pain and avoid blood clots. Pain medications include narcotics, so be sure to take them at the prescribed doses and at safe times only. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent secondary infections or diseases.
Some pain medications can induce constipation. However, before taking laxatives to solve it, consult with your surgeon first to avoid complications and adverse drug interactions. Your doctor might instead suggest a dietary change to aid in your bowel movement.
Ask for a Referral to Physical and Occupational Therapists
Regardless of how invasive your surgery was, your body will need extra time to heal. You will not be able to return to regular activity for some time, and there will be particular rules you will have to follow until you are fully recovered. Your doctor will discuss what you should and should not do until then.
Nonetheless, your body will benefit from regular exercise and movement for a speedy recovery. Physical activity can also help eliminate the risk of blood clots and swelling in your wound.
Medical professionals, such as physical therapists and occupational therapists, are educated and trained to help you recover quickly and healthily. Physical therapists help you regain your strength and mobility, while occupational therapists assist in returning you to your daily activities. You can ask your orthopedic surgeon to refer you to their most trusted physical and occupational therapists.
Schedule Your Checkups
After surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend that you undergo various evaluation tests to determine your body’s response to the surgery. They will be helping you recover efficiently and effectively, so make sure you attend your checkups to update your provider on your progress.
You will need to regularly consult your orthopedic surgeon for about 6 weeks after your operation. The exact number of checkups will vary for each patient. Through regular consultations, your doctor will keep track of your recovery to help you take the necessary precautions against any compilations. There may also be long-term follow-ups scheduled every year or every six months to monitor your recovery.
Orthopedic Surgeons in San Antonio, TX
Surgery will fix your orthopedic condition’s root problem. However, after surgery, your body will need enhanced care. Your doctor won’t always be there to assist in your recovery, especially once you’re discharged, but they will still support your progress by giving you post-op care instructions for your medication, mobility, hygiene, and diet.
Here at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we will care for you from the pre-op to post-op phases. We have specialists and modern equipment to treat various conditions through medication, surgery, and other modalities.
You may visit our clinic in San Antonio, Texas. For questions and concerns, please call us at (210) 692-7400. You can also book an appointment online. We look forward to helping you improve your condition and quality of life.
