A medical operation or procedure can be daunting and the thought of not being your full self afterward can be scary for many, especially those who are used to doing plenty around the house and being active. Post-op recovery isn’t easy as it can be uncomfortable and painful, but the key is all about rest. However, resting can feel unachievable due to daily life tasks.
To help make your recovery better, safer, and smoother for you there are items for your home that can assist you and make you more comfortable. Try these must-have handy items for post-op recovery at home and put yourself and your health first to get back to your full, happy self.
A good book, movies, and programs for entertainment
When in recovery from surgery and operations, there is a prolonged period of rest required. For those with active lifestyles and plenty of daily tasks to do, this can get quite boring very quickly. Having something to keep you entertained is a priority to keep you wanting to rest and avoid doing something that can make your health worse.
Get a few good books to read and make a list of exciting movies and programs you want to watch to keep you entertained throughout your recovery time. Get recommendations from family and friends and invite them over sometimes to read or watch with you, helping you to feel less alone.
A grabber tool
After an operation, it can be hard to move, and you can experience mobility restrictions. The most you may be able to do is move slowly and carefully to not aggravate your healing body. This can make it difficult to reach items needed around the house. A grabber tool can massively help with this as you can reach items far away, on the floor, or off a shelf. This tool prevents you from bending down or twisting your body in a harmful manner.
A comfortable pillow and mattress for good sleep
Good sleep is a priority in any circumstance, but it is a huge priority for a recovering body. The best healing occurs when you are asleep and being tired, needing naps, and staying in bed is expected more when you are recovering. Due to this, you need comfortable bedding, a good pillow, and a supportive mattress. Comfort begins from the top so having a comfortable, plump pillow promotes good spinal alignment and lulls you to sleep quicker. This ensures you have a good night’s sleep.
A supportive mattress allows you to aid your healing body and get better sleep to make the healing process quicker and easier.
Help
No matter how independent you are and strive to do chores or be active, when in recovery these can painful and potentially damaging. It is best to have help at home who can do chores around the house for you while you rest and who can assist you when you need it. Arrange for family or friends to come to your home and help you during the recovery period so that your house remains clean and tidy. Plus, having this help gives you the opportunity to socialize with others, reducing the feelings of loneliness.
Easy meals to make
Stocking up on frozen meals or prepping your own versions before surgery is the best way to minimize the risk of preparing and cooking food every day which can strain your healing body. Having frozen meals that can go into the microwave and be done in minutes will keep you and your family fed without you needing to go into the kitchen.
Comfortable clothing
Comfortable and loose clothing can really help you when in recovery, especially if you are recovering from surgery that was done on your pelvis, abdomen, or lower back. Avoid tight clothing where collars or waistbands can rub against the part of your body that’s been done. Instead, wear soft, loose, and easy-to-put-on clothes that are in breathable fabrics to move around easily in and prevent anything from rubbing or digging into your affected area.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
If you have medication on prescription, ensure that it’s filled out before you have your operation so that you can get them ready and waiting for you when you return home. You may also need over-the-counter medications such as pain relief tablets and vitamin or fiber capsules. Make sure to get these beforehand too and keep stocked up so you don’t run out of medications during your recovery period.
Back support or assistive seating
Good posture and excellent support are paramount for a healing body. To prioritize comfort, get a back support cushion for a chair to encourage you to sit in the correct position, correcting your posture and making you comfortable. You can also invest in assistive seating if your recovery time is a long period. Furniture such as rise and recline chairs can help out a lot as they can be adjusted to the perfect relaxing position and can assist with getting up to your feet.
Ensure to have these must-have handy items for post-op recovery at home to help your recovery period be easier, smoother, and more restful. Try to do the bare minimum, keep yourself entertained, and stay comfortable getting plenty of sleep to nurse yourself back to full health.