Recovery after surgery requires time, patience and some changes to everyday norm. These changes are noticeable for patients who have undergone more complex surgeries that require a longer time to heal.

Before a patient is discharged from hospital following a strictly supervised recovery period in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). A pain management relief plan will be designated to the patient and their caregiver. This includes at-home treatments (with or without medication). Assistance with regards to what medication to take, appropriate dosages, when to take them, how to properly apply them.

It is important that you often update your medical team about any difficulties or confusion you may have with your post-surgery procedures or complications. Any small pain shouldn’t be left unattended or untreated, as it could be the preliminary stage of something more harmful/malignant.

A patient may be required to make some changes to the facilities in their home pre-surgery. This is to create easy accessibility for them as they may be dealing with post-surgery aftermath that may limit their movement or strength.  

This may involve renovating several amenities or redesigning the living concept of your home to provide convenience for you while you are recovering from post-surgery limitations. This may include relocating to a bedroom which is on the ground floor or next to a bathroom.

For those who may find it troubling to constantly go back and forth to the toilet, it is a viable option to get a commode. Installing grab bars in the toilet can often be useful to help get in and out of the tub or to sit down or get up from the toilet.  

According to Medline Plus, when it comes to stocking up the kitchen, it is best to purchase pre-packaged canned foods or foods which can easily be reheated or frozen.  It is recommended that post-surgery patients consult their caregiver or doctor about which medications take precedence in priority.

Medication needs to be regularly monitored by caregivers at home. For example, medication that requires regular consumption are to be made easily accessible and caregivers should store medication with stricter intake in a shelf and cabinet, to avoid from being confused with regular medication.

Take note, that medication and pills must be easily reachable to you without getting on your tippy toes or bending down.

Food and other supplies is to be placed between your waist and shoulder level. Cutleries and other items you require in the kitchen is to be placed on the kitchen counter.

In case of any emergencies, your phone must be in close contact to you.

Tune in to Part 3 of our post-operative care series to find out more about the precautions needed and the long-term benefits of post-operative care.