Why should you walk right after surgery?
Walking is one of the most important things you can do after having a surgical procedure. It may seem like a simple thing, but a quick walk every hour or two can help prevent serious complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pneumonia. It can also help prevent one very common and annoying side effect of anesthesia: constipation.
Your first time or two up may seem like you are climbing a mountain, but with good pain control and an encouraging nurse, this important task will get easier and easier.
A few tips:
- Your first time up, just sit at the edge of the bed if that is all you can tolerate.
- Go slowly, you may feel short of breath or dizzy that first time up. Take good deep breaths.
- Take the medications your doctor has ordered, especially those first couple of days. The better pain control you have, the more mobile you will be.
Why does my throat hurt after surgery?
Pain in your throat following surgery is is usually due to endotracheal intubation, that is the breathing tube is placed past your vocal cords into your trachea. This type of discomfort generally lasts just a few hours to a couple of days. Some tips to ease the discomfort…Do not have anything acidic like citrus foods. Drink ice cold water. Suck on a cough drop or piece of candy. Try a popsicle!