Table of contents:
- Tips to speed up recovery from the effects of anesthesia
- 1. Drink water
- 2. Adjust your diet
- 3. Get enough rest
- 4. Take medication regularly
- 5. Consult a doctor
After surgery, most patients usually complain of weakness, headache, nausea, or even vomiting. This is a sign that the anesthetic you were given during the surgery may still be in your body. But there's no need to worry. There are several things you can do to speed up your recovery from the effects of the anesthetic. How to?
Tips to speed up recovery from the effects of anesthesia
The effects of the anesthetic administered during surgery generally last in the body for 24 hours from the time it was administered. As long as there is still some anesthesia in your body, you can still feel headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other side effects of the anesthesia.
Over time, the effects of the anesthetic will gradually diminish and the body returns to normal functioning. Instead of being silent all the time, there are several ways you can do to speed up recovery from the effects of anesthetics, including:
1. Drink water
After surgery, make sure your body's fluid needs are still met. Apart from drinking water, you can also consume clear soup or fruit juice to keep your body hydrated.
Drinking enough water can help flush out any remnants of the anesthetic that are still left in the body. It can also help speed up recovery after surgery, so that your body will be fit and healthy faster.
2. Adjust your diet
Many patients complain of a lack of appetite due to nausea or constipation after surgery. The sensation of nausea and constipation is a side effect of the anesthesia given during surgery.
However, this doesn't mean you just let your stomach stay empty, huh! In fact, you have to keep eating so that your body's vitamin and mineral needs can be fulfilled. In addition, food intake is also important to speed up recovery and minimize the risk of complications after surgery.
As much as possible, try to keep eating as much as you can. If you are not able to eat 3 normal meals a day, try to divide it into smaller but frequent portions.
Also pay attention to the type of food consumed. Increase your intake of foods that are high in fiber, for example vegetables, fruits, or whole wheat bread, to prevent constipation. As well as being uncomfortable, constipation can also increase pain and hinder the healing process.
You should also avoid various sweet or spicy foods for a while. Because, these types of foods can inhibit bowel movements and worsen constipation.
3. Get enough rest
Because the effects of the anesthetic remain in the body for at least 24 hours after surgery, it is not recommended that you engage in activities that require high concentration. For example signing important documents, walking long distances, and so on.
This is because drugs can affect your body's coordination and the way you think or respond to things. This is also the reason why you should be accompanied by your family, partner, or other adult while in the recovery room. They are the ones who will look after you until you fully recover.
So, make sure you get enough rest every day to speed up recovery. Let the side effects of the anesthetic diminish little by little until your body recovers and is fit after surgery.
4. Take medication regularly
The doctor will usually give pain medication to reduce postoperative pain in the body. However, some patients sometimes feel hesitant or even refuse to take medication for fear of addiction.
This point needs to be straightened out. The more you can control your pain with medication, the faster the recovery process will be. So, don't wait until your body hurts, then take your medicine. Follow the rules for taking medication from the doctor, both the schedule and the dosage, so that recovery is faster.
5. Consult a doctor
The most important key to speeding up recovery from the effects of anesthesia is to always follow the doctor's instructions. The reason is, many people underestimate the doctor's advice so that in the end it hinders the recovery process after surgery.
For example, you are asked to remain in bed for 24 hours after surgery. This recommendation is certainly not without reason, one of which is useful for reducing headaches that often appear after surgery. Lying on the bed is also important for preventing infection and speeding up healing of the surgical scar.
If you still experience headaches, nausea, or vomiting without stopping, you should immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will monitor your health progress and carry out follow-up treatment to reduce the side effects of the anesthesia in your body.
