Should we learn about complications after surgery?

An operation , or surgery, is something that we all dread a little. But sometimes, to cure an illness or solve a big problem, surgery is necessary. To be precise, even if it is done with good intentions and planning, our body feels like a small wound. When someone cuts our skin and does something inside our body, it is normal for the body to react to it. Just like when we accidentally cut ourselves or get hit somewhere, it hurts.

Most of the time, your doctor will explain to you what to expect after your surgery. But sometimes, complications , or additional problems that are not a normal part of the healing process, can occur. Most of these are not serious, but some, like blood clots, can be dangerous. And, these problems can delay your recovery time.

So, be very careful about what happens to your body and how you feel in the days and weeks after your operation. If you are unsure about anything, or if you feel like “something is wrong,” be sure to talk to your doctor.

Pain after the operation

Almost everyone experiences some level of pain after surgery. The amount of pain depends on the type of surgery you had and your health before the surgery.

But because many surgeries are now less invasive, meaning less damage to the body, there is less pain and less recovery time. Also, there are many better options for managing your pain. Don't put up with the pain. Before your surgery, talk to your doctor about pain management and what method is best for you.

The body's response to anesthesia

When you wake up after an operation under anesthesia , meaning you are asleep, you may not feel very well. These are the common symptoms you may experience:

• Feeling nauseous
• A little bit of confusion
• Feeling like you're going cold
• Itching all over the body
• Feeling a sore throat

But these symptoms usually don't last long and get better after a while.

Severe reactions to anesthesia are very rare, but not unheard of. Some people may experience symptoms such as confusion and memory loss for up to a week. This risk is especially high in people with certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about these risks if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Lung-related diseases
• If you have had a previous stroke

Can you have difficulty breathing?

Anesthesia can interfere with your normal breathing pattern and suppress your urge to cough. Especially after chest or abdominal surgery, it can be painful to take a deep breath or exhale forcefully. This can cause fluids, such as mucus, to build up in your lungs.

You may not have any symptoms at all. But if a large part of your lung collapses, meaning it's not working properly, you may experience symptoms like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Increased breathing and heart rate
• Bluish discoloration of the lips or skin

To prevent lung congestion, your doctor may ask you to use a small device called an incentive spirometer . It measures your breathing and helps you practice slow, deep breathing exercises.

Will the wound fester? Should I be worried about infection?

Most infections after surgery are minor. They only affect the skin around the incision. They can delay the healing process a bit. But sometimes an infection can become serious and even life-threatening.

Keep an eye out for these signs:

Typically, fewer than 3 in 100 people who have surgery develop an infection. But the risk is higher if you are older, smoke, are overweight, have diabetes or other medical conditions. The risk is also higher if you have emergency surgery or surgery that takes more than a few hours.

Your doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers should keep their hands and all the equipment they use clean. While you are recovering, follow your doctor's instructions about how to care for your wound exactly . Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before caring for your wound. Ask friends and family who visit you to wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer.

Is it normal to have difficulty going to the washroom?

Some types of anesthesia can make it difficult for you to pee. If you feel like you need to pee but can't, your doctor may need to insert a catheter , a small tube, to empty your bladder. This is usually a short-term problem. However, if left untreated, it can lead to infection or bladder damage.

Similarly, constipation is common after surgery. It can be caused by things like anesthesia, some pain medications, changes in diet, or prolonged bed rest.

Your doctor may prescribe laxatives or stool softeners to make it easier to pass stool. Drink plenty of water. When your doctor gives you permission, get up and walk around.

Blood Clots – Something to be concerned about!

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can be a dangerous condition, especially after hip or leg surgery. Simply put, it's when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the thigh or abdomen. This can cause swelling, redness, and pain in the leg. But sometimes it can occur without any symptoms.

This DVT is dangerous because the blood clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, blocking blood flow there. This is called a pulmonary embolism . This is a very dangerous condition that requires emergency medical treatment.

The risk of developing a blood clot is highest in the first few days after surgery. The best way to prevent this is to get up and walk as soon as possible . Even simple exercises like raising and lowering your legs while you're in bed can improve your circulation and reduce your risk of DVT.

Will staying in bed weaken your muscles?

You might not think that a few days of bed rest would cause your muscles to weaken, but it really does happen. Even a healthy young adult can lose about 1% of their muscle mass in a single day of complete bed rest. For an older person, that amount can be as much as 5% per day.

Your body may become weak, and it will take longer to fully recover. So, get up and sit up, walk around as often as possible. Get out of bed as soon as the doctor gives you permission . Eat nutritious foods to recover quickly and give your body the energy it needs.

Surgery, operation, complications, post-surgery, pain, infection, blood clots