Things You Should Do after Orthopedic Surgery to Avoid Complications

Once you get home after having had orthopedic surgery, you will want to follow your doctor’s advice as closely as possible to ensure that your recovery progresses as expected and that the surgery will yield the desired results. You know that if you take the time to take care of yourself now, you will be able to look forward to a life with greater mobility and quality of life.

Orthopedic Surgery

Here is a short list of some of the most important points to follow after orthopedic surgery. Read more about the dos and don’ts after orthopedic surgery and get set for a full recovery.

Don’t Be Anxious to Drive Too Soon

Although many people believe they are not allowed to drive after surgery because of the effects of anesthesia which may impact your reaction time, in reality, you should also avoid driving because any sudden jerky movements may impact your recovery, particularly if you hit the area where you were recently operated against the car door, window, or steering wheel.

Don’t Lift Anything Heavier Than Your Cellphone

Unnecessary bending, straining, and lifting may result in the wound opening up and the recovery taking much longer. Ask for help with anything that needs to be lifted or moved until you get the green light from your doctor.

Avoid Smoking

Studies have shown that smoking lowers the amount of oxygen that can reach your wound. Oxygen is vital in speeding healing and preventing inflammation of the wounded area.

Go To All Your Appointments

After surgery, your doctor will want to see how the healing progresses, stitches may need to come out, and your mobility may need to be tested. Don’t skip any appointments thinking that now that surgery is over you can go on with your life as if nothing had happened. Take advantage of the time you have with your doctor to ask any questions you may have.

Don’t Start Exercising Right Away

Depending on your condition and the surgery you just had, your doctor may want you to wait a couple of days, a couple of weeks, or even a couple of months before you can start exercising again. Follow your doctor’s orders and do not jeopardize the progress of your recovery by exercising too soon.

Don’t Stop Taking Your Antibiotics

It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics to avoid post-op infections which represent a great risk for all surgery patients. Also, by stopping your antibiotics halfway, you may develop resistance to them, and they may not work the next time you need them. Keep an eye on your wound and report any oozing or reddening of the skin to your physician since these may be signs of infection.

Receive Physical Therapy

If your doctor has prescribed physical therapy sessions, go to them faithfully and follow all home exercise instructions. This is important to achieve a full range of motion after your surgery.

Pamper Yourself

After surgery, it is common to feel a bit disoriented when you get home. Relax, get your strength back, and take the time to eat and drink properly. Don’t skip meals and drink plenty of fluids. And if you are feeling weak or tired those first days, ask for help.