Going through surgery, whether minor or major, is a big step to take towards good health and personal wellness. While many people go home and do just fine after surgery, if you live completely alone, you may want to consider getting help and support during your recovery process. Here's why you may need assistance even if you're typically strong and independent.
Why Being Alone Is a Problem
Many people live alone comfortably, but that doesn't always make it the safest option. When you're alone and physically limited, like you will be after having surgery, it's much more likely for you to become injured by things like losing your balance, falling, or slipping in the shower. Continuing to move around and caring for your personal hygiene is an absolute must after surgery, as it helps to speed up the healing process, prevents infections, and prevents problems like blood clots from forming from a lack of movement. Being alone means that if you encounter problems with any of these things, you may not be able to get help when you need it. You could even end up having to go back to the hospital.
How You'll Feel After Surgery
Many people underestimate how they'll feel after having surgery. While it's true that you'll only be sent home once it's safe, and you'll likely have pain relievers on-hand, that doesn't mean that you'll be feeling like a million bucks. Chances are you'll be sluggish, drowsy, and possibly even dizzy from your pain medications. Add to that the discomfort and stiffness or pain you'll be in around the areas of your surgical procedure, and you may find that even simple things like rising from a chair or bending over may be difficult or practically impossible.
Getting Help
The good news here is that you don't need to go to a nursing facility or spend more time in the hospital to prevent these problems. Instead, you can hire a personal care provider for a short period of time to look after you while you get better.
Personal caregivers help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, taking medication, and even prepping meals. While all of these tasks are something you probably handle just fine when you're well, the combined pain, mental fog, and general exhaustion that comes with recovering from surgery can make any of these tough. With a personal caregiver, you'll have a second set of eyes and hands helping you to do what you need to do without making matters worse.
