Having back surgery can come with a long healing process. While you may know what to expect before and during the surgery, it is just as important to prepare for your recovery period. It is important that you take every measure to ensure you have as smooth a recovery as possible, so consider some of these tips for a calming experience:
Menu Plan
You may be wondering why what you eat after surgery would have an impact on your recovery. It can actually be very conducive to your healing and overall well being. Take some time to make sure you have the right kind of foods in the house that are healthy and can help you move in the direction of healing.
High fiber foods are crucial. Pain medication can lead to painful constipation, and you will likely be taking this medication for some time during your recovery. You can combat constipation with high fiber foods in your diet. Some great options include berries, apples, pears, beans, oatmeal, popcorn, and broccoli. Water is also key to avoid constipation.
Dark chocolate is a great treat to indulge in. It can have an impact on your endorphins and help you feel better while your body is on the path to recovery. Ice cream can also have a similar effect.
Also remember to make eating as simple as possible. Before your surgery, take the time to make some healthy meals for your freezer. This way, you or your caretaker can quickly pop it in the oven without worrying about preparing it or having to clean up. Some things to consider would be hearty soups, pasta casseroles, grilled chicken, and so on. If you are not a person who enjoys cooking, see if there is a meal delivery service in your area. These services will deliver ready-made meals for the freezer that can feed you and your family quite easily.
Have Necessary Essentials
Another thing to do is have the things you need on hand to help you live a little easier after surgery. Silky pajamas are a great thing to lounge in immediately following surgery. They can easily slip on and off, and they glide easily on the sheets so that you can get in and out of bed a little easier. A walker or can may also be necessary for a little while post surgery. A stool or shower chair is a must when it is time to shower because it will be painful to stand for some time. Also have all of your pain management items on hand—ice packs, over-the-counter pain killers, and heating pads should be right next to your chair or bed so that you can access them quickly.
In addition to these essentials, also think about some things for you to do while you are recovering. Boredom can quickly set in and make the time seem quite slow. Have your favorite movies on hand. Have your computer or tablet chargers close by, and keep a stack of books handy. All of these simple things can help you overcome a long recovery period with some comfort. For more information, visit websites like http://swfna.com.