After Surgery Or Accident - The Lawyer Recovering At Home

Surgery may be anticipated and scheduled - termed elective surgery, or it may be unexpected, following trauma. The information provided deals with the post surgical period in elective surgery or recovery after a minor accident. Typically, the course of recovery after surgery for a major accident or trauma is lengthy and requires a wide range of health care support.

Leaving The Hospital Or Treatment Centre

Before leaving the hospital or treatment centre, you will receive discharge instructions to assist you in recovery. Specific instructions concern:

 

• Medications
• Incision care
• When to bathe or shower
• Signs and symptoms to watch for
• When to resume normal activities
• Emergency numbers.

Upon discharge from the treatment centre make arrangements for a responsible adult to accompany you and drive you home from the hospital. If possible, a family member or friend should also remain with you in the early post surgical recovery period.

Common Concerns

Nausea, Decreased Appetite
At first you will find that clear fluids such as water, popsicles, clear juices, tea and jello, are most easily tolerated. if it is difficult to eat or drink even these fluid items, wait another hour or two, then begin again with sips of water.

After beginning with clear fluids, slowly progress to a bland diet crackers or dry toast, plain cereals, puddings, applesauce or ice cream. Then gradually resume your normal diet, avoiding heavily spiced or rich foods.

N. B. If nausea and vomiting persist, contact your physician.

Pain Management
Pain levels will vary depending on individual pain tolerance and the particular surgery. Before leaving the treatment centre ask your nurse or doctor what kind of pain can be expected and approximately how long it will last.

Activity Level
Resting will be important for the first few days after discharge; expect a certain amount of fatigue. However, physical activity increases circulation, decreases the risk of complications, and gives a sense of well being. Unless contraindicated by your physician, take short walks around your room, or down a corridor, and do the exercises prescribed by the hospital physiotherapists. As strength returns, slowly increase your activity level.

Deep Breathing And Coughing
As a precautionary measure, to help keep the lungs clear and prevent complications, post surgical patients are encouraged to deep breathe and cough every 1-2 hours. Lung complications can occur after surgery, particularly in people who have had underlying respiratory conditions.

You may have obtained a spirometer in hospital; its function is twofold a) measuring the depth of the breath and b) it serves as a reminder to breathe deeply.

Emergencies
Most people recover very well at home, comfortably and uneventfully. In a few cases emergencies arise which require immediate medical attention.

Call your surgeon at once if the following situations occur:

• Bleeding (apply pressure to the site, elevate the affected area, if possible)
• Severe, acute pain
• Respiratory difficulty
• Any opening in the incisional area
• Changes of sensation or colour in an operative arm or leg
• Fever above 38.6 C
• Any acute symptoms which concern you
   

Recovery From Surgery Or Accident - Points For Consideration

Muscle Aches and Pains - During surgery the body is placed in a stable, secure position for the operation; such immobility can result in unusual aches and stiff muscles. These symptoms will subside with time and activity.

Getting Rest in Hospital - can be quite the feat! Treatment centres are busy places, and throughout your stay, you will be surprised at the number of people doing different tasks in one day. During the day nap when possible; at night you may need sleeping medication, even if you rarely take such medication at home.

Recovery is not a straightforward process!! After surgery; an expectation exists that one's progress will be swift and sure and that most recovery takes place in the hospital. This is not so. Recovery is an uneven process, "two steps forward and one step back". Major surgeries may require six months to a year for complete recuperation. Periods of quick progress may be followed by a day or two of fatigue, irritability, and frustration. Tasks that were accomplished one day cannot be easily duplicated the next. Recovery takes time and patience: your energy level and abilities will return.

Supporting Your Recovery At Home

Take good care of yourself in the post surgical period and pay special attention to:

 

• Nutrition: Surgery and recovery increase the need for calories and nutrients.
• Fluid Intake: Dehydration in and of itself can cause a feeling of tiredness, fluids are also important for the healing process.
• Fresh air and moderate exercise.
• Rest as needed: Pay attention to your body and respect your limits in this time.
• Reduce stress: Defer those ultra stressful projects until your health and energy returns.

Returning To Work

The optimum time for a lawyer to return to work is whenever he or she has sufficiently recovered, both physically and mentally, to undertake the intellectual work of practice. Dealing with clients and making decisions requires a high level of functioning and well being. For the lawyer recovering from surgery, the timing of return to work will depend upon physical stamina and the ability to concentrate.

To facilitate your return to work consider the following:

 

• Begin with a modified schedule; half days or shorter days.
• Pace yourself. You may find that mornings or afternoons are your most productive time.
• Take breaks at scheduled intervals. Put the time in your diary.
• Moderate exercise during the day.
• Pay attention to your nutrition and its timing; six small meals throughout the day help maintain a steady energy level.
• Increase water and fluid intake.
• Be aware of the effects of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar on your system.
• Avoid lifting or other activities that may strain the surgical site.
• Ergonomics are important after surgery - chairs, desk heights, configurations of furniture - all of these can be rearranged for optimal comfort and efficiency.

Sources of Help

In cases of a prolonged recovery period, or if you do not have support within the home, the following community resources may be options for assistance.

 

• Meals on Wheels
• Homemaking Services
• Community Nursing Services: VON or St. Elizabeth's Nurses
• Transportation Programs

References

• Baker, Robert. Successful Surgery. Pocket Books, New York: 1996.
• Macho, James MD. Everyone's Guide to Outpatient Surgery. CMA, Somerville House Publishing, Toronto: 1996.