Make Recovery More Convenient And Comfortable In The Weeks After A Spinal Fusion
Recovering from spinal fusion surgery takes weeks, if not months, which can cause some extra stress and inconvenience in your life. Your doctor will provide you with recovery instructions that are custom-designed to help you get back on your feet again, but there are a few things you can do to make the recovery process even more comfortable—consider implementing these tips and tricks:
Pack an Activity Box
During the weeks after your spinal fusion surgery, you'll need to take it easy and spend a lot of time off your feet as you heal. The chances are that because of this, you will get bored if you don't plan ahead of time and make sure that you have plenty to do when relaxing at home. Buy a large plastic tub with a top and fill it with a variety of different activities you can enjoy as the days pass and you get stronger. Consider packing the following items:
- Crossword puzzle books.
- A macrame set.
- Personal finance statements to balance.
- Books from the library.
- Old magazine editions for making vision boards.
- Paint and small canvas boards.
The idea is to make a large variety of options easily available for you so they can be utilized whether you're full of energy or barely have enough motivation to open the lid to your activity tub.
Consume Natural Antibiotics
About ten days into recovery, infection development is common, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms, which include a fever of at least 101 degrees, increased pain, severe redness where the incision is, and a significant change in the appearance or odor of drainage from the incision area. Luckily, there are many foods that work as natural antibiotics that you can enjoy to reduce the chance of an infection developing. While you heal, consume one or more of the following foods on a regular basis:
- Garlic -- Chop it up into homemade salsa and guacamole, saute it with stir-fry veggies, or add it to your favorite soups.
- Oranges – Juice it with a little ginger or eat them plain as a snack.
- Cinnamon – Make a tea out of it, add it to your morning smoothies, or simmer a stick in some apple juice for a warming evening drink.
Try to consume at least one natural antibiotic every day to help keep your body healthy, so it can fight off any infections that may try to develop. Better yet, choose one food for each meal throughout the day if it's possible.
These tips should help ease your tension and stress during recovery while making the experience a more comfortable and convenient one overall. For more information, talk to a doctor at a location such as the Family Medical Clinic.
Share