2. Not Taking Meds as Prescribed
Pain medications prescribed after surgery should be approached with caution. Understandably, many patients are wary of taking them for fear of developing dependence. Other reasons to avoid medications may be related to uncomfortable side effects (i.e., nausea, lightheadedness, constipation).
However, the opposite can also be true, and avoiding medications prescribed for pain following an operation can result in unmanageable pain that interferes with mobility, sleep, appetite, and causes depression.
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3. Too Much Rest
Following a surgery, doctors will often advise that you walk daily in order to get blood circulation flowing, digestion on track, and muscles moving again. In fact, according to WebMD, most physicians consider gentle mobility following surgeries for issues like pulmonary embolism or blood clots, essential for recovery. Plus, resting for too long can result in weight gain and physical weakness.
Even if it’s short daily walks until you strengthen your muscles, mobility will strengthen your energy levels, immunity, and even your digestion and bowels so normal bodily functions resume normal operation following surgery.
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4. Driving Too Soon
You’ve been out of work and in the hospital for almost a week following a major surgery. For financial reasons, it’s understandable that you want to return to your job as soon as possible. However, you may have a lengthy commute and not the luxury to be able to work from home.
Unfortunately, this may cause you to drive before your physically ready even though your doctor told you to avoid driving for a period of time due to a certain medication or due to slow reaction times while your body recovers. Until you can safely drive, please come up with an alternative plan (i.e., carpool, public transit, or work from home).