Best Gifts to Celebrate Recovery from a Hernia Surgery
Hernia surgeries are procedures that have been around for quite some time.
They are a common surgical procedure that have been reinvented over and over again because of time and technology.
Although many techniques are available for this type of surgery, they all aim for the same goal, which is to provide a relief of symptoms, decrease the chance of recurrence, and create a quick recovery.
A hernia occurs when an organ or surrounding tissue pushes through a weak area in the muscle or connective tissue wall.
The primary care doctor will recommend hernia surgery based on lab work, clinical history and imaging studies.
A hernia repair is when the displaced tissue or organs are returned to their proper position, and in some cases, involve the placement of a mesh wire to keep the tissues from bulging in the future.
There are various techniques for different types of hernias, and the doctor will choose the correct one based on the severity of the symptoms and any complications that the patient may present.
However, being there for a patient having hernia surgery have to doesn’t start after the surgery.
There are many things you can do to prepare for the surgery.
A good support system is important from the very beginning.
Having a hernia surgery is for the best and is a procedure that will definitely improve the life of the patient and the people surrounding them in a positive way.
There are many ways to celebrate this change in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.
After the surgery, the patient will most likely be hospitalized for a couple of days. If minimally invasive surgery was done, they will go home the same day.
The patient will feel better as the days go by and the pain will gradually go away.
A hospital stay does not need to be boring or dull for the patient and caregivers.
There are many ways to brighten the patient’s day, ranging from loving visits to simple gifts.
Getting creative and gifting something out of the ordinary and more personalized will definitely be special.
Some creative ideas include:
A recovery basket
There are many types of recovery baskets, and anything can be added into a basket. If the patient is a woman, add chocolates, books, pajamas, candles, perfume, or anything that will make her feel better about her body and more relaxed. If you’re making a basket for a man, add magazines featuring their favorite topics, cookies, chocolates, ready-made food, bee and popcorn. If the patient is a child, there is nothing better than adding toys, stuffed animals, crayons, markers, coloring books, and candy.
A sleep set
Hospital beds are comfortable, but sometimes one may be assigned an old one where the mattress isn’t as fluffy. Why not gift them with a comfortable pillow with a warm blanket? The patient will definitely get some rest and feel more at ease.
A grabber
Gifting a grabber is the holy grail of all gifts and should be gifted with any type of surgery. The patient may have people helping them, but what happens when there is no one around? The grabber will help them grab things that are on the floor, shelf, or table. This will lower the risk of the patient having to bend constantly after surgery.
A card
A card with a written message inside is a great idea as well to enhance your loved one’s mood.
A sound machine
This gift may not apply to everyone, but if the patient has a private room, does not like to hear outside voices, and has trouble sleeping, then this gift might be perfect for them. A sound machine helps block outside noise and has the ability to provide white noise and other types of noises that help with sleep.
A tablet
With technology nowadays, there are many types of tablets that can be gifted. A tablet can be used for many different things and is something that definitely takes the boredom out of a hospital stay.
Flowers/balloons
Why not gift the old-fashioned way? Everyone loves a balloon and flowers.
Recovery
Once discharged, patients that have gone through hernia repairs need to take into consideration certain things like bending, stretching, lifting and bathroom routines.
That’s why a good welcome back gift for would be to fix a patient’s house and prepare it with items that aid them in these movements, so they don’t strain themselves when doing any of the above tasks.
Patients will need to take medication for a couple of days after surgery, so it would be best to create a medication area near the night table or the kitchen counter with instructions.
Also, patients will not be able to bend or stretch for a few days.
It would be a great idea prepare the bathroom by putting a basket with towels and other necessities that would usually require some bending.
Furthermore, as a caretaker be sure to help the patient follow the guidelines, including not lifting anything that is heavier than 10 pounds for the first couple of weeks.
Now, this does not mean that the patient should not be active. It is actually recommended that the patient stay active by walking at least 30 minutes per day.
However, the patient should wait at least a few weeks before having intimacy.
Some outpatient gifts and celebrations to do include preparing a post-surgery vacation. This is always recommended for any type of surgery.
Celebrate with your family or friends doing a fun activity that you weren’t able to do so prior to the surgery. Another idea is to do a ‘welcome back’ party at their job.
Welcome the patient back and show them that the team cares and they only want the best for the patient.
The good thing about hernia surgeries is that recovery time is short and in some cases, the patient will go home the day of the surgery. This makes the recovery period better not only for the patient, but for the caregiver as well.
More time can be spent at home together with family or friends. It is always important to look out for any complications or adverse effects such as infection, purulent drainage, bad odors, or open incisions from the wound.
Also, it is important to contact the doctor should any questions or concerns arise.
The technological advances of today have made it possible to lower the risk of complications after having a hernia surgery while using the latest medical equipment and knowledge to date. This has also provided an opportunity for patients and caregivers, making the hospital stay and the post-operative period have a more positive outcome. Overall, not only is technology important for recovery, but the people surrounding the patient are important as well.
References
- “What to Expect after Hernia Surgery?” John Hopkins Medicine and University, 2020, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hernia_center/repair_recovery/what_to_expect_after_hernia_surgery.html.
- Witt, Perkins, et al. “Impact of Inguinal Hernia Repair on Family and Other Informal Caregivers.” Jama Surgery, vol. 141, no. 9, 2006, pp. 925–930., DOI:10.1001/archsurg.141.9.925.
- “Your Hernia Recovery from Surgery.” Medtronic, 2020, www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/hernia-surgery/about-recovery.html.
