Recovering After an Operation

You have had an operation and now you are home, perhaps sore, tired and not sure what is normal. Many people are surprised by how drained and emotional they feel after surgery. This is common, and there is a lot you can do to help your recovery.

What is happening

Surgery is a planned injury, and your body works hard to repair it. Tiredness can last for weeks, even after a small procedure, because healing uses energy. Anaesthetic and pain medicine can affect sleep, appetite, bowels and concentration for a while.

Mood dips are common too. You may feel low, irritable, tearful or worried, especially if you are used to being busy or the main earner. Some people feel anxious about their wound or about the illness that led to surgery. These feelings usually settle as you get stronger, but they deserve attention.

Moving early and gently, as advised by your team, helps prevent blood clots and chest infections and speeds recovery. Eating enough protein and staying hydrated help wounds heal.

Signs to notice

• Tiredness that slowly improves week by week is normal
• Pain that gets steadily better, even if slowly, is expected
• Feeling weepy or flat in the first couple of weeks is common
• Constipation from pain medicine is common and should be managed
• Worry about going back to work or money is natural
• Pain, redness or tiredness that gets worse instead of better needs a check

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no.

• Is your pain getting worse instead of better?
• Is the wound red, hot, swollen or leaking?
• Have you stopped eating or drinking properly?
• Are you staying in bed most of the day?
• Have you felt low or hopeless most days for over two weeks?
• Are you unsure what you are allowed to do, lift or drive?
• Are you out of medicine or unsure how to take it?

0-1 yes: Your recovery looks on track. Keep resting, moving gently and following your discharge advice.
2-3 yes: Some things need attention. Phone your clinic or doctor this week, or sooner if the wound is involved.
4 or more yes: Please see a doctor or nurse soon. Ask about support for your mood as well. Someone qualified can help with this.

What you can do next

• Today: Get up and walk around the house a few times, as your surgeon allows. Short, frequent movement is better than one long effort.
• This week: Keep your follow-up appointment, and write down questions before you go: lifting limits, bathing, driving, sex, work.
• This month: Build up activity slowly. Many people benefit from a physiotherapist's guidance after joint, back, abdominal or heart surgery.
• Eat simple, affordable protein at each meal: eggs, beans, lentils, pilchards, chicken, maas or peanut butter.
• Ask your doctor for a sick note that covers the recovery time you need, and talk to your employer about a phased return.
• Accept help with cooking, children and chores. It is part of healing.

Your tool

Recovery Readiness Check - a short checklist that shows whether you are ready to step up activity or return to work, and what to sort out first.

When to get professional help

See a doctor or go to the clinic today if you have a fever or chills, a wound that is red, hot, swelling, opening or leaking pus, pain that is getting much worse, vomiting that will not stop, or you cannot pass urine. A calf that is swollen, warm and painful can be a blood clot and needs same-day care. Call 10177 or 112 for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, heavy bleeding, or signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble). If low mood lasts more than two weeks, speak to your doctor or a counsellor.

Who can help: doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, counsellor

Getting help in South Africa

If you had your operation at a public hospital, your discharge letter should say where to go for follow-up; your local clinic can check wounds and remove stitches. Private members can contact their surgeon's rooms or GP. Physiotherapy may be available at the hospital's therapy department or privately, and may be covered by your medical aid. If worry or low mood is affecting recovery, the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline, 0800 212 146, can connect you with a counsellor.