If you have to undergo a surgical procedure, you’ll need to set aside time to recover and follow your doctor’s instructions. The professionals at the surgery center of Santiam Hospital, serving Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley, will make sure you have all the information you need. Specifically, the specialized care team at this clinic recommends keeping the following suggestions in mind.

Surgery Center Experts Offer Do’s & Don’ts for After-Surgery Recovery

Do:

• Ask Questions: Don’t worry if you feel like your doctor hasn’t been clear in their post-surgery instructions. You should feel comfortable asking them any questions you may have. The better you understand your condition, the easier the recovery period will be.
• Walk to the Degree You’re Comfortable: Unless your surgery center team says otherwise, walk a little bit each day after the operation, but stop as soon as you start to feel tired. Over the course of the next few days and weeks, you’ll slowly see an increase in your mobility.
• Shower Daily: Take daily showers, and thoroughly but carefully wash any incisions, using soap to keep them free of bacteria.

Don’t

• Lift Heavy Objects: Walking will have to serve as your exercise for the next several weeks. Avoid lifting heavy objects and engaging in other forms of strenuous activity.
• Drive: At least, don’t drive until you have permission from your doctor. If they don’t address this issue in their instructions, ask them when you can start driving again.
• Engage in Unhealthy Habits: You need to be vigilant about maintaining your health during this period. Don’t drink heavily, smoke, overeat, or engage in any other bad habits.

Although these general tips will help during your recovery, it’s still important to ask your doctor any questions you may have. At the surgery center of Santiam Hospital, they’ll be happy to address any and all of your concerns. They have nine locations to serve your needs and pride themselves on their short emergency room wait times and comfortable setting. Contact them online for more information, or call (503) 749-4734.