Best Gifts to Celebrate Recovery After Surgery
Every once in a while, a situation might arise in our lives where we need to get surgery to heal from a medical condition or feel better generally.
Getting surgery is defined as the need to use operative instrumental techniques on people to treat or even investigate medical conditions, whether it’s an injury or disease.
Whatever the case, the end result is improving one’s quality of life or bodily functions, repairing damaged areas, or enhancing their appearance.
There are also many types of surgeries that range from long to short and invasive to noninvasive.
One of the important things to remember is that when we get surgery, not only do we need to prepare for the pre-operative, post-operative and recovery periods, but we also need to gather close family and friends that we can rely on for a smoother recovery.
No one likes to go through this journey alone, so having a close group is essential for the entire process.
Preparing for surgery is not easy and is something that the patient doesn’t have to go through alone.
A few weeks or days before the surgery, the doctor will most likely give the patient guidelines and instructions to follow.
In addition to the instructions, which vary depending on the type of surgery and procedure, there are many other things that the patient and caregivers can do to make preparation better and help the patient feel better as well.
One suggestion is to stop drinking carbonated and high sugar fluids and start drinking more water and caffeine-free tea. Other drinks that are acceptable to drink before surgery are fruit juices without pulp and black coffee, but in small amounts.
Experts recommend these drinks because they may help lower vomiting and nausea from the anesthesia effects. It is also recommended that fiber should be added to the diet because patients sometimes complain of constipation when given a mixture of medications and their exercise routines being reduced.
Maintaining fiber in the diet will help lower these complications.
One important recommendation is for patients that smoke to consider stopping or at least lower the number of cigarettes per day. Smoking increases many complications for surgery such as heart problems, trouble breathing and blood clots.
If the patient is elderly or is just an individual that has a hard time following through with instructions, feel free to help them through the instructions and recommendations.
Feeling good before surgery and keeping an open, optimistic mind is also very important.
Recovery
The recovery period for surgery varies and each surgery is different.
Recovery may take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months to a year.
This will depend on the doctor, the severity of the disease, the type of disease, and if surgery is due to a traumatic injury.
Either way, a good support group to confide in and to trust is greatly needed.
There are many ways that family and friends can help prepare a patient for recovery, such as:
- Preparing the patient’s home: Making sure that the home is clean, bedsheets are washed, rugs have been removed and cords have been hidden and picked up to lower the risk of any accidents.
- Meal prepping: Preparing meals so that patients won’t have to move around much.
- Drive to follow-up appointments: The patient won’t be able to drive, so driving them to appointments is essential.
- Staying the night: Emergencies can occur during any time of the day. Staying overnight the day of the surgery is important in case any emergencies or complications arise.
- Grocery shopping and errands: Most patients won’t be able to step out of the house for a couple of days or weeks, so having a caregiver run errands is extremely helpful.
- Assistance with bills: Sometimes surgery limits one’s ability to pay bills, move around, and open a laptop or computer. In this case, patients should have a trustworthy person to help them deal with monthly payments so they won’t fall behind.
- Encouragement: Companionship, friendship and encouragement are important qualities in caregivers and family members taking care of a patient, and help in providing the best care possible.
Now, not everything has to be serious, dull and full of responsibilities.
There can be a balance of fun and celebratory things to do.
Gifts are a great option to uplift patient moods. This is a great thoughtful gesture.
Such gifts include:
Get well basket
This is an awesome gift in which a basket can be filled with anything including magazines, candy, cookies, toys, flowers, clothing, gift cards, shoes, or pencils. It’s a matter of putting the creative mind to work.
Journal
For the patients that love to write, having a journal to keep a diary of their recovery is great.
Laptop/tablet stand
After surgery, doctors recommend a lot of rest. Getting a stand for a tablet or laptop will help a patient get work done or be up to date with the news without getting up. Some patients won’t be able to move at all, so providing a stand for their bed will help them out a lot.
New bedsheet set
Patients need to be comfortable. A good set of sheets is as comfortable as it gets.
Plant/flowers
Flowers and plants are great traditional gifts and give the room a more relaxing and comfortable feel. Certain plants such as the “tickle me not” plant closes when touched, which will definitely keep a patient entertained.
Set of magazines
Everyone likes to read. Getting magazines that capture their favorite hobbies and interests will be much appreciated by a patient.
Coffee mugs
Coffee mugs don’t always need to be for coffee lovers. Some people just enjoy some juice and water in a coffee mug. Gifting a personalized cup with a great message of encouragement will make the patient smile.
Personalized pillow
Not only will the patient be more comfortable, but customizing it with pictures from family and friends will make this a more personal gift that the patients can keep close to their heart.
Heating pad
After surgery, a patient may feel a little colder than usual. A heating pad for their feet or a heating blanket is a great gift that they will surely enjoy and will help them get a good night’s rest.
Toys/coloring books
This is a good gift for children that have undergone surgery. Many might feel confusion, anxiety, or sadness. Making them feel better and putting a smile on their face is important. One way to do so is by gifting them their favorite toys with some crayons and coloring books.
Overall, surgery doesn’t have to be a lonely journey for the patient, there are always options and people that will help out and make sure that the surgery and the recovery are successful.
A successful surgery and recovery period mean a better quality of life, a better chance of getting to do things that weren’t possible before the surgery, the opportunity of having a new start at life, and many more.
It is important to remember that caregivers should always be at the forefront of recovery with the patient. They are an essential part of the team and should make sure that the patient is taking their medications and following up with all their instructions.
References
- “Recovering from Surgery.” Stanford Healthcare, 2020, stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/g/general-surgery/procedures/recovering.html.
- “What Is General Surgery: Definition and Overview.” DocDoc, 2020, www.docdoc.com.sg/info/specialty/general-surgeons/.
