Recovering from a Major Surgery

    A journey of healing, one day at a time.

    Recovering from major surgery can be a challenging yet hopeful time. It involves physical rest, emotional support, and a focus on rehabilitation. Whether the surgery was planned or emergency, recovery requires patience and a commitment to following medical instructions. From the first few days in the hospital to the weeks spent at home, this process is about regaining strength and regaining your sense of normalcy.

      Time

    • 7:00 AM: You wake up in the hospital room, groggy but starting to feel a little more alert, as the nurse enters to check on you.

      9:00 AM: Family visits to offer support, while you begin a light breakfast and start moving around the room with help.

      12:00 PM: The physical therapist comes by to help you with light exercises or mobility training.

      3:00 PM: You have a follow-up with your surgeon to discuss your recovery plan and any concerns.

      6:00 PM: At home now, you’re in bed resting and managing any discomfort with prescribed medications.

    • Must See Locations:

    • Local Hospital (St. Luke's Medical Center, 1301 W 12th St, Denver, CO 80204)

      Overview: A reputable hospital offering post-surgery recovery rooms and skilled care teams.

      Landmarks: Patient rooms with windows, a nearby physical therapy room.

      Tips: Ensure family or friends are present for support as you begin the healing process.

      Rehabilitation Facility (Pinnacle Rehabilitation Center, 2130 Valley Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15201)

      Overview: An inpatient and outpatient center dedicated to post-surgery rehabilitation.

      Landmarks: Exercise rooms, therapy pools, and spacious patient lounges.

      Tips: Keep up with daily physical therapy to maximize your recovery and mobility.

      Home (Your Recovery Home, 4512 Maple St, Chicago, IL 60630)

      Overview: The home environment where your recovery continues after leaving the hospital.

      Landmarks: Comfortable bed, easy access to the bathroom, and a cozy space for healing.

      Tips: Set up a recovery area with everything you need-medications, snacks, and a support system.

    • More Locations:

    • Cleveland Clinic (9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195)

      Mayo Clinic (200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905)

      NYU Langone Health (550 First Ave, New York, NY 10016)

      Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048)

      Massachusetts General Hospital (55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114)

      Johns Hopkins Hospital (1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287)

      UC San Francisco Medical Center (505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143)

      Northwestern Memorial Hospital (251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611)

      Mount Sinai Medical Center (1468 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029)

      Stanford Health Care (300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305)

      UCLA Medical Center (757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095)

      Hospital for Special Surgery (535 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021)

      University of Michigan Hospital (1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)

      Mayo Clinic (4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224)

      Parkland Health & Hospital System (5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235)

      Houston Methodist Hospital (6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030)

      NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital (301 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003)

      Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157)

      Rush University Medical Center (1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612)

      Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (3600A W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77025)

      Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center (4867 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027)

      Children's Hospital Los Angeles (4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027)

      Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065)

      Columbia University Medical Center (177 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032)

      Good Samaritan Hospital (1225 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93711)

    • Themes

    • Physical Healing, Mental Health, Patience, Support, Resilience

    • Interactive Businesses

    • 1. St. Luke’s Medical Center: Healthcare Services

      2. Mayo Clinic: Medical Care Services

      3. Cleveland Clinic: Healthcare Services

      4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Cancer Care Services

      5. NYU Langone Health: Medical Services

      6. Johns Hopkins Hospital: Healthcare Services

      7. University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Healthcare Services

      8. Rush University Medical Center: Medical Services

      9. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Hospital Services

      10. Stanford Health Care: Medical Services

      11. Northwestern Memorial Hospital: Healthcare Services

      12. Mount Sinai Medical Center: Healthcare Services

      13. Houston Methodist Hospital: Healthcare Services

      14. UCLA Medical Center: Healthcare Services

      15. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Healthcare Services

      16. University of Michigan Hospital: Healthcare Services

      17. Kaiser Permanente: Healthcare Services

      18. The Recovery Village: Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services

      19. Acute Rehab Hospital: Acute Care Services

      20. Pinnacle Rehabilitation Center: Rehabilitation Services

      21. LifeCare Hospitals: Rehabilitation Services

      22. MedStar Health: Healthcare Services

      23. Northwell Health: Healthcare Services

      24. Parkland Health & Hospital System: Healthcare Services

      25. Ascension Health: Healthcare Services

      26. BMC HealthNet Plan: Health Insurance

      27. HealthFirst Medical Group: Medical Services

      28. Visiting Angels: Home Care Services

      29. Comfort Keepers: Home Health Care

      30. Care.com: Home Care Services

      31. Home Instead Senior Care: Senior Care Services

      32. Amedisys Home Health: Home Care Services

      33. Nurse Next Door: Home Healthcare Services

      34. Walmart Pharmacy: Medications and Recovery Supplies

      35. CVS Pharmacy: Pharmacy Services

      36. Walgreens: Pharmacy Services

      37. Amazon: Delivery Services for Medical Supplies

      38. EBay: Purchase Healthcare Equipment

      39. GoodRx: Prescription Savings

      40. Rite Aid: Pharmacy Services

      41. Express Scripts: Prescription Management

      42. Health Insurance Marketplaces: Healthcare Services

      43. Humana: Health Insurance

      44. Blue Cross Blue Shield: Health Insurance

      45. WellCare: Health Insurance

      46. Cigna: Health Insurance

      47. Anthem: Health Insurance

      48. OptumCare: Health Insurance

    • Set-Up Spots

    • 1. Amazon: Purchase recovery supplies such as medication organizers, heating pads, or comfort items.

      2. CVS Pharmacy: Get medications and over-the-counter supplies.

      3. Walgreens: Pick up any recovery supplies you need like bandages, painkillers, and tissues.

      4. Walmart: Get comfort items like pillows, blankets, and warm clothing.

      5. Home Depot: Buy items like grab bars for safety during mobility at home.

      6. Comfort Keepers: Hire home healthcare services if necessary.

      7. Visiting Angels: Consider hiring a professional caregiver to assist during recovery.

      8. Physical Therapy Clinics: Schedule post-surgery physical therapy appointments.

      9. Local Hospital (St. Luke’s Medical Center): Schedule post-surgery check-ups.

      10. Local Doctor’s Office: Confirm follow-up appointments and recovery progress.

    • Must-Haves

    • • Prescription Medications: Follow the prescribed medication regimen for pain relief and healing.

      • Mobility Aids: Crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs for limited mobility.

      • Comfortable Clothing: Loose, breathable clothing for ease of movement.

      • Ice Packs: For reducing swelling and discomfort.

      • Medical Supplies: Bandages, gauze, and other post-surgery necessities.

      • Recovery Chair: A recliner or comfy chair for post-procedure lounging.

      • Pillows and Cushions: For added comfort and support while resting.

      • Transportation: Arrange for rides to appointments if necessary.

      • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during recovery.

      • Medical Records: Keep track of your surgery details and post-op instructions.

    • Notable Product Mentions:

    • • Tylenol (Pain Relief)

      • Band-Aid (Adhesive Bandages)

      • Neosporin (Antibiotic Ointment)

      • Benadryl (Allergy Relief)

      • Advil (Pain Relief)

    • Drawbacks

    • • Recovery Time: It can take weeks to fully recover from a major surgery.

      • Discomfort: Pain and swelling are common during the healing process.

      • Limited Mobility: You may experience difficulty moving or performing normal tasks.

      • Post-Surgery Fatigue: It may be hard to stay awake or energized during recovery.

      • Dependence on Caregivers: You may rely on family or friends for assistance.

      • Boredom: Spending long periods of time in one place can be mentally draining.

      • Possible Setbacks: Complications can arise that extend recovery time.

      • Emotional Strain: Surgery and recovery can sometimes cause frustration or sadness.

    • Habits

    • • Medication Schedule: Keep track of your medications and take them as prescribed.

      • Rest: Take frequent naps and rest to promote healing.

      • Staying Hydrated: Drink water regularly to help with recovery.

      • Follow-up Appointments: Attend all post-surgery check-ups and therapy sessions.

      • Managing Pain: Use prescribed pain relief methods as needed.

      • Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when necessary.

      • Self-Care: Focus on maintaining a positive mental state as you heal.

    • Exit Strategy

    • • Transition to Full Mobility: Once your recovery is further along, resume normal activities.

      • Complete Recovery: Gradually ease back into your routine as you regain strength.

      • Home Care Finalization: End any home healthcare services once you’re fully independent.

      • Take it Slow: Don’t rush the recovery process, and give yourself time to heal.

      • Plan for Preventative Care: Start thinking about future health plans to maintain your recovery.

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