Your recovery after surgery

Everyone recovers at different rates after surgery. It depends on the surgical procedure you had, your health prior to the surgery, as well as many personal factors.

It is important that you listen to your body, follow the directions of your health care team, and actively work on getting better.

There are a number of things that your health care team may ask you to do during this time, which will help you to get better. This can include walking, or sitting on the edge of your bed, very soon after surgery, and deep coughing and breathing exercises. Nurses will also be very busy following the care instructions from your surgeon. This may include things like changing your bandages, giving you pain medication and antibiotics, inserting a catheter, and catering for any special requirements.

Your discharge process will begin once your health care team are assured that you are amply recovered.

Depending on your level of recovery, you could be discharged to another health care facility to continue your rehabilitation until you are well enough to go home.

When you are able to return to your home the medical staff will provide a list of discharge instructions specific to your needs, including specific instructions about medication and wound care. It is important that you share this information with your GP, and work with them to follow these instructions closely.

Some of the important parts of the Recovery phase in your surgery journey are: