Do and Don’ts After Appendix Surgery
Located in the lower right side of the abdomen, the appendix is a small worm-like organ attached to your colon. An infection or an obstruction in the appendix can cause inflammation, requiring immediate surgical intervention. The surgery is called appendectomy and is carried out by a general surgeon in Navi Mumbai.
It’s considered an emergency in patients with a burst appendix, as the infection can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. After surgery, you will stay in the hospital for a few days, especially if you had surgery for a ruptured appendix. Here are some dos and don’ts after appendix surgery for faster recovery.
Do’s after Appendix Surgery
a) Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions:
Your doctor will guide you during recovery. You may also need to schedule follow-up visits to ensure you are healing well.
b) Take Prescribed Medications:
Your surgeon will prescribe painkillers and antibiotics for the first few days. Take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
c) Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Start small with light foods, preferably liquid. Move to the soft solids, like mashed potatoes, mashed fruits, oatmeal, rice, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to eat normal food. Once you get the doctor’s approval, add more veggies and fruits, with proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, to your diet.
d) Get Plenty of Rest:
Like any surgery, recovery from appendectomy requires adequate rest. You should limit your physical activity and take 2-3 weeks off from work.Practice Light Physical Activity: Rest doesn’t mean you should go on bed rest and not move. Light physical activity, like walking, is an important part of your recovery after surgery. It helps prevent blood clots and other post-surgical complications.
Don’ts after Appendix Surgery
i) Avoid Strenuous Activities:
Do not put pressure on the surgical site, and avoid exercising or any strenuous physical activity for the first four weeks following appendectomy. Cycling, swimming, running, and all kinds of heavy exercises should be avoided during this period.
ii) Don’t Lift Heavy Objects:
Weight lifting should be avoided. Don’t lift anything heavier than 7-8 pounds until your doctor says it’s okay.
iii) Refrain from Consuming Alcohol:
Alcohol can delay your recovery, as it affects your immune function, increasing the risk of complications after surgery. Besides, alcohol can interfere with your pain relief and antibiotic medication.
iv) Avoid Smoking:
Likewise, smoking increases your risk of infection. It can constrict blood vessels, interfering with the oxygen supply to the tissues. This can affect post-surgical recovery.
v) Don’t Strain During Bowel Movement:
Eat a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation. If necessary, you can ask your doctor to recommend a stool softener.
vi) Don’t Ignore Warning Signs of Complications:
If you notice pus or bleeding from the incision site accompanied by fever and vomiting, call your doctor immediately, as these might be signs of infection.
Conclusion
Recovery from appendix surgery in Navi Mumbai should take no longer than six weeks. Stay in touch with your doctor and update them about your healing. Eat small, frequent meals, stay hydrated, and sleep well.