Following abdominal surgery, your body is in an extremely sensitive state. The core muscles are a crucial component of mobility, and the smallest issue can lead to post-surgical complications. While you want to recover quickly, it’s more important to recover correctly, which is why the staff at Ozark Surgical Group in Mountain Home, AR, wants to share several do’s and don’ts for recovery. These will not only keep your body and surgical site safe, but they will also help you return to regular activities as soon as possible.

Do:

Rest at first.

Regardless of the type of surgery, rest is imperative, especially right after the procedure. Whether you’re in a bed or on a sofa, create a comfortable environment with good pillows and support where your core will be stable. You should also feel comfortable sleeping there. Find plenty of activities to keep yourself occupied and reduce the temptation to move around.

Protect the surgical site.

To avoid infection, you need to properly clean and dress the surgical site. Follow your doctor’s instructions and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. You also need to protect against bodily actions that may damage the abdominal walls. Sneezing and coughing are two of the most common. To combat this, press a pillow carefully against your stomach to lessen the physical effect.

Don’t:

Wait too long to get moving.

While rest is crucial, you do need to get up and move around at some point. Walking several times helps with circulation and lung health, which reduces the risk of post-surgical complications. It will also promote better recovery. Pace yourself, though, and stick to the strict resting period your doctor suggests before moving too much.

Forget to talk with your doctor.

Many minor side effects can come after abdominal surgery, and you should never discount them. No matter the severity, remain in constant contact with your doctor or surgeon’s office. They need to address any physical or mental health issues that have manifested. This will ensure nothing serious arises and that you recover without any lingering complications.

Following these guidelines will significantly impact your recovery from abdominal surgery, and the staff at Ozark Surgical Group can help. They offer a number of surgical procedures, and their surgeons will work closely with you to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery. Call (870) 425-9120 today to speak with their staff and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their practice.