Essential Items for a Smooth Surgery Recovery at Home

Whether minor or major, there is a good chance that all of us will undergo surgery at some point in our lives. But just as important as the surgery itself is the recovery. However, creating the perfect environment for surgery recovery isn’t easy as you may have to deal with limited space, funds and assistance. To ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, here are some items that will enhance the recovery process.

Hand Sanitizer

Preventing infections from entering your body is a crucial part of your recovery. Your body will likely be weaker when in recovery mode and won’t be able to fight off illnesses and infections. That’s why it’s important to prevent even illnesses as small as the common cold from entering your home.

Having hand sanitizer for you and your guests to use is one of the simplest ways to ensure cleanliness is maintained throughout your home.

Nutritious Food

The food and nutrients that you consume during recovery will go a long way to determining how quick and effective your recovery is. Foods that are high in fat and/or sugar should be avoided as they won’t help your immune system at a time when it needs added support.

On the flip side, greens will be a godsend for anyone recovering from surgery. Consider foods like kale, spinach and lettuce which are filled with helpful vitamins and nutrients. A good way to make sure you get your fix of greens is to consider foods that can be blended together to make a nutritious smoothie.

Dressing Essentials

It depends on what surgery you’ve undergone, but you may need care for a wound as part of your recovery from surgery. If so, you’ll need to ensure that you have all the necessary materials to care for your wound. This includes fresh bandages, gauze, hydrogels and scissors. This will allow you to stay on top of your wound, catch any leaks and prevent infection.

Be aware that different wounds require different types of dressing, so speak to your doctor or surgeon if you’re unsure on how to tackle your wound dressing.

Pain Relief

Unfortunately, most recoveries aren’t pain-free. So you’ll need to be well-equipped to manage and control pain through medicine. Your required medicine will depend on your individual circumstances and the surgery you have undergone.

You won’t be able to solely rely on painkillers and medicine so it’s worth looking into other methods such as heat therapy and acupuncture.

Oxygen Concentrator

If you’re recovering from serious surgery or you have respiratory needs, you may want to consider the oxygen levels in your home. This may sound easier said than done, but an oxygen concentrator can assist with filtering the air inside your home and purifying the oxygen you breathe in.

Maintaining a quality oxygen supply in your home can also assist with sleep which is an important part of recovery. Providing your body with good quality sleep will help boost your immune system which in turn should speed up your recovery.

Home Hospital Bed

If you are recovering from serious surgery, you may find yourself bedbound for a period of time. If this is the case, you may want to consider investing in a hospital bed for the greatest comfort and flexibility.

While this can be a costly expense, it can help to replicate the hospital environment which can prevent other issues from arising when recovering.

Entertainment Options

While most of these items focus on physical recovery, it’s important to consider the mental aspect of surgery recovery too. It’s important to consider ways to keep your brain occupied and entertained, especially if you are recovering alone.

Having options such as books, movies and games can be a good way to keep your spirits up and prevent boredom from kicking in.

Mobility Aids

Some people are fortunate enough for surgery to have no impact on their mobility. But the majority of people will need assistance when it comes to moving around after surgery. Trying to do this without mobility aids is highly dangerous and could lead to trips and falls.

Whether you need crutches, a Zimmer frame or a wheelchair depends on how strenuous your surgery was. You may also need to consider aids for tasks such as showering and using the toilet.

Whether you are recovering from plastic surgery in Manchester or brain surgery in Tokyo, there’s a high chance that a large part of your recovery will take place from the comfort of your own home. But for optimal recovery, you’ll need to incorporate some of the items mentioned in this article. However, it’s worth remembering that every surgery is different and so is every individual’s needs. Before deciding on which items can best assist you with your home recovery, consider consulting a doctor or health professional who will be able to outline which products and devices will be of best use to you.