Tips for Recovery from Colon Cancer Surgery
After colon cancer surgery, a patient will wake up with some pain that will alleviated through the use of pain medications for two to three days. For the first couple of days after surgery the patient is given IV fluids because the patient is not allowed to eat. The IV fluids will keep the individual who is undergoing recovery from colon cancer surgery nourished and prevent dehydration.
An individual who has just had colon cancer surgery will have to stay in the hospital for a few days. The length of the hospital stay is determined by the type of colon cancer surgery performed. During the recovery period the individual may need to work with a physical therapist or an occupational therapist in order to gain strength back. This type of therapy may start while in the hospital and continue once the patient returns home.
Recovery from colon cancer surgery takes a few weeks. During this time period it is very important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions. The instructions will help you in your recovery period. After colon cancer surgery you may want to consider changing your diet or beginning an exercise plan, once healed. Diet and exercise are the two biggest prevention methods to stop colon cancer from returning.
There are several suggestions to follow when returning home from colon cancer surgery. A patient who is recovering from colon cancer surgery will experience a certain amount of pain after the procedure is performed. To lessen the pain a patient should use a long-handled reacher in order to grab things or to turn on/off the lights. The long-handled reacher prevents the individual recovering from surgery in putting unnecessary strain on the body when reaching for things. A long-handled reacher can be purchased at any medical supply store.
Another important tip to remember is to wear an apron when carrying objects around the house. The objects can easily be put into the apron and this leaves the hands free to balance or to use crutches. The apron is a preventive measure against falls after surgery.
Laparoscopic colon surgery has a shorter period of recovery time. It has actually been proven that chewing gum a few times a day after colon cancer surgery reduces the amount of time it takes for bowel function to return. Patients who chewed gum four times a day actually went home a day sooner then patients who only took sips of water after surgery.
Recovery from colon cancer surgery is different for every individualy. The most important quality to have is patience. You will recover, but just know that it takes time. Before you know it you will be performing your daily activities with no trouble at all.
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