Recovering from surgery is no small feat. There is so much to deal with and so many side effects. Let’s touch base on these.

Anesthesia:

Going under anesthesia is different for everyone. Recently gone under myself, I literally thought “this is what it must feel like if you were abducted by aliens”. Why this was at the forefront in my mind, I have no idea! Your mind is altered, your vision is blurred along with all your blunted senses but your are aware enough to see people standing around you, the bright lights above you, along with noticing the surgical attire everyone has donned. In a matter of seconds you are off in never never land.

Oh, and coming out…that’s the UGGH part. You feel the surgical pain - owwwyyy! More fentanyl or whatever it is the surgeon gave the recovery nurse orders for to address acute post op pain. Of course, nausea! Another strong feeling hopefully warded off by a dose of zofran - another order your recovery nurse usually has in her back of tricks for you.

The rest of the day follows with grogginess, weakness, slowly awakening from the island of never never land. Your gut is slowed so nothing is moving along easily…more nausea…more zofran that you brought home from the pharmacy. Crackers and water never tasted so good! Take it slow:)

Pain: Be sure to only take what your doctor prescribes and ask your doctor about any other medications both prescribed and OTC ***

Pain pills may bring you relief but can also bring you constipation, brain fog, dizziness, nausea. The last thing you wanna do is struggle to poop! You have to manage your pain - you have no choice. Here is where my advice comes in (***) and for you to make sure you have everything you need at your bedside or couch side table as you recover.

Stool Softeners: Good ol over the counter docusate sodium. I was taking 1- 3 times a day initially and cut back as pain meds weaned down.

Ibuprofen: If you can take and doc allows, this anti-inflammatory is helpful for joint surgery recovery but must be approved by your surgeon and taken as directed- check your personal allergies too!

Tylenol or acetaminophen: If you can take and doc allows, this is a not an NSAID but also over the counter pain reliever. I was using both Tylenol and ibuprofen when my pain meds were done at 2 weeks post op joint surgery. Once again, take as prescribed by your doctor/surgeon.

Seriously, make a simple chart and mark down when you take your meds and scatter them out to cover your pain. Your body definitely tells you what you need.

Magnesium powder drink: I started using a teaspoon a night to relax my muscles and help loosen stools. Had to increase to twice a day to help with the whole soften stool thing. Those opiate pain meds are brutal on your routine!

Fibergy drink: 1 teaspoon once to twice a day to support my GI tract and keep the stools soft. I’m telling you, life saver.

Water: A must to keep the toxins flowing out and keep the GI tract happy. 64 oz or more a day!

Love and Support: If you don’t have someone to help you, make you meals, help you move, wait on you, you better line up some peeps before you head to surgery. Tell people to not wait until you ask for help. They can visit you - distract time away from boredom and pain. Play a game with you. Or just be there to answer to you when you need. Boredom eventually sets in and you may crave interaction with someone.

If you are a family member or friend reading this DO NOT TELL THE PERSON WHO JUST HAD SURGERY TO CALL YOU IF NEEDED - REACH OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS AND CHECK IN ON THEM - YOU ARE NOT BOTHERING THEM. BRING THEM A MEAL OR JUST DROP IT OFF IF THEY ARE NOT UP FOR COMPANY.

***Here are my supps I used in my recovery: If you have a Usana account, order prior to surgery if approved by your doctor. If you don't, click to get! ***

1. Fibergy
2. Better Brain and Sleep (magnesium L threonate to relax muscles and help bowels)(find in DR Anna's products)
3. Cellsentials
4. Docusate sodium
5. Collagen powder (wound healing, tendons, ligaments, skin - with vitamin C, biotin, collagen, hyaluronic acid).

***Before taking or ordering, please check with your doctor and get their approval first! This advise may be helpful but should not replace your doctors orders***

Ready to EAT:

Have some melons, veggies, fruit all pre cut in mason jars.

Have smoothie ingredients on hand.

Filled water cups by your side.

Time to HEAL:

Relinquish menu planning, cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping to anyone else but you!

Activity:

You will hurt! Move within your ability and follow your post op instructions. Don't let the pain get away from you! If ice is prescribed, use it. Anything that helps with the inflammation is your friend. Use meditation, be hopeful, this too shall pass. Do your best to NOT sink into the downward spiral. Get visits from friends and family!

Short term Disability:

Make sure if you know you are having surgery, contact your employer right away and get your STD application filled out and the physician statement sent to your surgeon to fill out and get faxed to your short term disability provider. Most of this stuff you can find on your employer’s website for employees under “benefits”.

Move, cough, deep breathe, eat healthy, sleep, RECOVER.

Meditation apps can help when you feel difficulty sleeping or confined to the same bed/room for too long. Find what you like. Get your ear buds charged and your meditation loaded on your phone. TV, books, photos, hobbies, etc also help pass time but you gotta mix it up or you will get bored.

And by all means, if physical therapy is needed/ordered, do it and do the best you can.

PT can be painful after joint surgery. PTs will help you understand what you can and can't do. Embrace the pain and know that you are healing and take it day by day!

Happy Recovery!

Janet

*** Medical Disclaimer:

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website or in this blog.

Do not use the information provided on this website or in this blog for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.