After your surgery, our staff will check on you often. Depending upon the type of surgery you have, you will be given specific instructions for your recovery. Be sure to follow them closely so you can heal faster and feel better.
During Recovery
If you have inpatient surgery, NCH therapists, dietitians, social workers, clergy and others will be on-site as needed
If you are having outpatient surgery, you will need a trusted adult to stay with you for at least 24 hours to help you move about, prepare meals and get medications
You might want to have the following foods on hand: clear liquids, soup, crackers, toast, gelatin and juice
Your healthcare team will review written instructions with you before you go home, including advice about walking, taking deep breaths and eating
Don’t drink alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours after surgery
Don’t drive while taking pain medication that makes you drowsy
Walking After Surgery
Walking helps your blood flow and your body’s functions get back to normal
Be sure to have someone help you the first time you get out of bed and begin walking
Eating After Surgery
Food may be hard to digest after some types of surgery
If you’re in the hospital, you may have an IV for nutrition
Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders about eating and drinking
Breathing and Coughing After Surgery
In the hospital, you may be asked to use a spirometer or deep breathing exerciser
Deep breathing clears the lungs and helps prevent pneumonia
You may be asked to cough; this may be difficult at first
If you have an incision, holding a pillow over it when you cough can help
Pain Management After Surgery
You may receive pain medication in the hospital or be sent home with a prescription
Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance, so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse for pain medication
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any side effects from medication
Home Care
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may qualify for home health care for a few days or weeks
Most patients are referred through their physicians. However, you may request services directly if you have difficulty leaving your home and require intermittent, skilled healthcare
Your doctor may recommend that you begin physical therapy after you have recovered from surgery
NCH offers a complete Physical Rehabilitation Services department staffed by highly trained and licensed physical therapists and certified assistants
They will consult with your doctor to design an individual program for you to help build up your strength and treat any possible post-surgical problems with standing, walking, range of motion, balance, coordination or endurance
For more information on the Physical Rehabilitation Services department, call 847-618-3550
To schedule an appointment for physical therapy, call 847-618-3700 (a physician’s order is required to schedule an appointment)
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