I have had 3 major brain operations and 5 minor surgeries. I understand some of the apprehension and anxieties faced before and after having a operation.
There is a lot of information already available about what to except or could happen with surgery. I want to keep my articles positive; though I am not going to lie. Having surgery is not fun. Theses are things that helped me recover from surgery.
1) Knowing The Outcome
When I woke up after surgery, the first thing I wanted to know was did the operation go ok. In the early days, I asked the doctors to let me know as soon as possible. I gradually realised whatever the outcome, I needed to focus on my recovery.
Knowing the outcome did two things. It either heightened or lowered my anxiety. It was only by putting in place strategies to mange it that I settled down a little.
2) Family and Friends Around Me
Having family and friends around me was incredibly important for my recovery and not just in hospital but at home too. Having people there immediately after surgery I found really comforting. I was asleep most of the time but they helped me by passing water over for my sore throat. Just chatting to me and being silly made me smile, though I was struggling to reply, they understood.
At home, family friends would bring my meals which made it a lot easier for my mum and dad. My Parents also rearranged some of the furniture so I was less likely to trip up as I was a bit clumsy on my feet. All people need to do was be there and that’s what they did.
3) Nutrition
After surgery, I would feel more sick than I usually did. It took time for me to realise cancer how important nutrition is when receiving treatment for cancer. As soon as I felt able to, I would try to have something small to eat and sip a USANA Nutrimeal drink.
My mum explained. it’s a chicken and egg situation. To make yourself feel better sometimes you have to force yourself to do things you don’t want to do. You won’t start feeling better unless you help yourself!
4) Movement
A few hours after surgery, once I started to feel a little better, the doctors encouraged me to move around though I never wanted too but I it helped a great deal. It stopped me feeling too sluggish and stiff.
5) Having Things To Do
When I had an operation I would always stay in hospital for days, if not weeks. As you can imagine, if I didn’t find ways to occupy myself I would just start thinking, the consequence being, I’d notice every pain and then feel ever more anxious.
Planning things before you go into hospital about what you would potentially like to do to occupy yourself is important for your sanity! It was for mine. I used to love making my video journals, watching movies, being creative and planning business ideas. Find things that you will enjoy doing to keep you busy.
6) Managing Digestion
There were times when I was constipated because I was not eating, drinking or moving so much. Some of the drugs caused this too. I ate vegetables and this did help with my bowel movements. Eating was difficult. I found USANA Digestive Enzyme very useful and think it prevented me from taking laxatives. After my treatment, I found my bowel movements improved and with a healthy diet I didn’t need it anymore.
You need to keep a note of how often you empty your bowels so you can prevent constipation as it can become extremely painful. The staff at the hospital should also be monitoring this so ask for help if you need it!
7) Looking To The Future
What always helped me, was thinking about and looking forward to things. Whether that was creating a bucket list, thinking of business ideas or even just making a cup of tea at home and then snuggling up with my duvet. I found all of this very comforting.
8) Staying Positive
At first, I found the road to recovery really hard. Sometimes it would take months but by putting my strategies into place I managed my feelings.
Being positive is a massive factor and can help you heal more quickly. Why don’t you have a look at 10 Things I Wished I’d Known Before Undergoing Cancer Treatment and My 5 Tips On How To Manage Anxiety.
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Brilliant post Matt. Thank you for sharing these great tips. Very useful for me also. xx
Thanks for the comment Sandra, glad you found it helpful. Do you have any tips yourself?
All the best
Matt