Optimizing Your Outcome after Surgery
Communication
Success after surgery does not occur by accident. It is the product of hard work and collaboration between the patient, the surgical team, the physical therapists, and the coaches and trainers. Fear, anxiety of the unknown, and improper expectations all have the potential to derail the best outcomes after surgery. However, effective communication can avoid these issues!
Make sure that you are comfortable with the decision to proceed with surgery, as well as the surgical plan. Please seek out a second opinion if you would like. Dr. Fury encourages this, as he believes that medicine is a collaborative mission with a singular purpose—to help the patient! If you would like a referral to another specialist, Dr. Fury is happy to provide recommendations.
Make sure that all of your questions are answered. Writing down your questions and concerns is helpful, and you should bring this to your preoperative appointment. It is normal for new questions arise after this appointment, so don’t forget to browse our website and refer to our surgical packets for information. If you are unable to find your answer, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Confirm that you and Dr. Fury have a mutual understanding of the expectations after surgery. We are here to support you on this journey of returning to function, and it is critical that we are on the same page before proceeding with surgery.
Recovery after surgery can be a long and daunting process, and some ups and downs may be normal. However, if you are worried or if you feel like something is wrong, do not hesitate to contact the office.
Nutrition
Nutrition remains one of the most critical, yet controllable factors in your recovery from surgery. Around the time of surgery, your body will need healthy calories to support the healing response and the development of new tissues.
Beginning before surgery, you should ensure that your diet is high in protein with a diverse arrangement of vegetables at each meal.
Protein shakes can be used as snacks or supplements to further provide building blocks for healing.
Ensure adequate water intake.
Immediately after surgery, your appetite will be diminished. Begin with clear liquids and light foods (jello, soup, etc.) before progressing to the above diet as tolerated if you are not nauseated. You should avoid greasy or spicy foods for the first 24hrs to avoid GI upset.
Special Note: High-protein diets may not be suitable for all patients. Please consult with your primary care physician to review your medical history, and you should abide by their recommendations.
Alcohol and Nicotine
Alcohol and nicotine are detrimental to healing after surgery. Their use raises the risk of infection, wound complication, and soft-tissue healing issues in addition to increasing stress and anxiety. Abstaining from these substances can significantly improve your surgical outcome.
Sleep
Sleep plays a critical role in your surgical recovery, so it is important to get a sufficient amount of high-quality, restful sleep to help your body heal. However, Dr. Fury does not prescribe sleep medications since natural improvement of your sleep hygiene produces a safer, more effective route to quality sleep. Here are some guidelines to help optimize your sleep during the recovery period:
Establishing a bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Consider taking a hot shower before bed to help relax your muscles and calm your mind. This is also a great time to incorporate a brief wind-down meditation exercise.
Minimizing electronics before bedtime is important, as exposure to screens can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle and diminish your sleep quality.
Creating a cool and dark sleeping environment can also help improve sleep quality. A temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for most people, and making sure your bedroom is dark can help promote restful sleep.
Consistent sleep and wake times can also help regulate your body's internal clock and promote restful sleep. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends or days off. Many studies recommend between 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night.
Mental Health is Critical in Surgical Outcomes
Optimizing mental health is crucial for successful recovery after surgery. Your mental health affects your physical health, and stress and anxiety can increase the risk of postoperative complications. Here are some evidence-based tips for optimizing your mental health to improve outcomes after surgery:
Practice relaxation:
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety. Try to set aside time each day for relaxation and mindfulness practices. There are many apps, including Calm and Headspace, that can help guide beginners introduce a meditation practice.
Stay connected:
Recovery from injury can be lonely. Social support is essential for mental health. Stay connected with your teammates, loved ones, friends, and support groups. Joining a support group specifically for people going through a similar surgery can be helpful. Ask Dr. Fury if you need help finding people going through a similar injury.
Focus on positive thinking:
Positive thinking and effective gratitude practices can help maintain a healthy perspective during a long recovery after surgery. Surround yourself with positive people and environments.
Visualize your outcome:
Elite athletes and high-performers practice visualization in order to rehearse the physical outcomes that they would like to achieve.
This powerful strategy can be incorporated into your recovery from injury by following these steps:
Think about what activity you want to return to after injury. It might be getting your hand overhead, throwing a 95mph fastball, or making a tackle.
Twice a day, close your eyes for 3 minutes. Play a mental highlight reel of yourself performing this activity. The more “real” this feels, the better. Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of your environment.
Share this vision with Dr. Fury during your recovery, so we can all aspire to your goal!
Stay active:
Exercise can help reduce stress, boost mood, and promote healing. However, be sure to follow Dr. Fury’s recommendations for physical activity after surgery.
Seek professional help if needed:
If you are experiencing severe anxiety or depression, seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. They can provide support, guidance, and possible medications that can be beneficial during the recovery process.