After Surgery: Discomfort and Complications
Jun 09, 2021
What are some common post-op discomforts?
The amount of discomfort you have after surgery depends on many things, includingthe type of surgery. Typical discomforts may include:
Nausea and vomiting from general anesthesia
Sore throat caused by the tube placed in the windpipe for breathing during surgery
Soreness, pain,and swelling around the incision site or minor pain around IV sites
Restlessness and sleeplessness
Thirst
Constipation and gas
What complications may occur after surgery?
Complications can sometimes occur after surgery. The most common complications include:
Shock
Shock is a severe drop in blood pressure that causes adangerous slowing of blood flow throughout the body. Shock may be caused by blood loss, infection, spine injury, or metabolic problems. Treatment may include any or all of the following:
Stopping any blood loss
Helping with breathing. This might be with a breathing machine.
Reducing heat loss
Giving IV fluids or blood
Giving extra oxygen
Prescribing medicines to help raise blood pressure.
Bleeding
Rapid blood loss from the site of surgery, for example, can lead to shock. Treatment of rapid blood loss may include:
IV fluids or blood plasma
Blood transfusion
More surgery to control the bleeding
Wound infection
When bacteria enter the site of surgery, an infection can happen. Infections can delay healing. Wound infections can spread to nearby organs or tissue, or to distant areas through the bloodstream. Treatment of wound infections may include:
Antibiotics
Surgery or procedure to clean or drain the infected area
Deep vein thrombosis
A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a large vein deep inside a leg, arm, or other part of the body. Symptoms are pain, swelling, tenderness, and skin redness in a leg, arm, or other area. If you have these symptoms, call your healthcare provider. In some cases, the clot can break off and travel to the lungs or brain. This can cause a pulmonary embolism or a stroke. Compression stockings are often used for treatment. They can also prevent DVTs.
Pulmonary embolism
The clot can break away from the vein and travel to the lungs. This clot is called a pulmonary embolism. In the lungs, the clot can cut off the flow of blood. This is a medical emergency and may cause death. If you have the following symptoms, call 911 or get emergency help right away. Symptoms are chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing (may cough up blood), sweating, very low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, light headedness, and fainting. Treatment depends on the location and size of the blood clot. It may include:
Blood-thinner medicines (anticoagulants) to prevent more clots
Thrombolytic medicines to dissolve clots
Surgery or other procedures to remove the clot
Lung problems
Sometimes lung problems happen because you dont do deep breathing and coughing exercises within 48 hours of surgery. They may also happen from pneumonia or from inhaling food, water, or blood into the airways. Symptoms may include wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and cough. Getting up and walking around, deep breathing, and coughing often can help reduce the chances for these problems. Treatment depends on the lung problem and the cause.
Urinary retention
This means you arent able to empty your bladder. This may be caused by the anesthesia or certain surgeries. It is often treated by using a thin tube (catheter) to drain the bladder. This is kept in place until you have regained bladder control. Sometimes medicines to stimulate the bladder may be given.
Reaction to anesthesia
This is rare, but it does happen. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Treatment of allergic reactions includes stopping specific medicines that may be causing the reaction. You may also be given other medicines to treat the allergy. Tell your healthcare team about any allergies you have before the surgery to minimize this risk. If an allergic reaction does occur, ask what caused the allergy so you can stay away from it for any future surgery.
Other Articles You May Like
The Role of Music and Arts in Senior Therapy: Healing through Creativity
In the realm of senior therapy, the integration of music and arts stands out as a transformative approach to holistic well-being. Recent studies highlight the profound cognitive benefits that music can offer to seniors, from stimulating memory recall to enhancing overall cognitive function. Whether through familiar melodies that evoke cherished memories or the joy of learning a new instrument, music becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and connection, particularly for seniors facing cognitive decline. Simultaneously, engaging in visual and performing arts provides an avenue for creative expression, offering a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The emotional impact of these creative endeavors is equally significant, alleviating feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences in choir singing or art classes.In essence, the incorporation of music and arts into senior therapy transcends mere entertainment, becoming a vital aspect of promoting the overall well-being of older individuals. By tapping into the creative spirit, seniors can find avenues for cognitive stimulation, emotional connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. As society recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to senior care, the role of music and arts in therapeutic practices emerges as a valuable and enriching endeavor for the aging population, contributing to a fulfilling and vibrant later life.
NCH Maintains 4-Star Rating From CMS
NCH Healthcare System is happy to announce that it has maintained a 4 out of 5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the fifth year in a row. This recognition underscores NCHs commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and a patient-centered approach to healthcare.The CMS Star Rating System is designed to assess the quality and performance of healthcare organizations across the United States. It evaluates various factors, including patient experience, safety measures, clinical outcomes and adherence to best practices. Securing and maintaining a 4-star rating is no small feat; this achievement reflects NCHs dedication to providing high-quality care that meets and exceeds national standards. NCH hospitals were ranked 4 stars with CMS last year as well.We are immensely proud to receive this prestigious recognition from CMS, said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. This 4-star rating reaffirms our dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to the individuals and families we serve.NCH remains committed to providing a compassionate and patient-centric approach to healthcare. Its state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology and a team of highly skilled medical professionals ensure that patients receive the best possible care and treatment during their time with us. Moreover, our emphasis on continuous improvement and innovative practices has been critical in maintaining this exceptional rating from CMS. We actively listen to patient feedback and engage in ongoing initiatives to further enhance the care experience and safety of everyone who walks through our doors.We are dedicated to continuously improving our practices and raising the bar for quality care, said Carlos Quintero, Chief Experience Officer at NCH Healthcare System This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in all aspects of our operations, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team of physicians, nurses and staff who strive every day to deliver the best possible care to our patients.NCH has a long-standing tradition of excellence and has been serving the community for over 65 years. The organizations commitment to quality improvement and patient satisfaction has earned it recognition as a trusted healthcare provider in Southwest Florida, as well as being named among the top 100 hospitals in the nation.
Ageless Adventures: Exploring the World Through Senior Travel
In a world bustling with new experiences and breathtaking landscapes, age should never be a barrier to wanderlust. Senior travel, often overlooked, is a realm of endless possibilities and enriching encounters. Ageless Adventures is a celebration of this spirit, inviting seniors from all walks of life to embark on transformative journeys across the globe. As the golden years gracefully unfold, theres a growing recognition that travel is not just for the young and restless; its a tapestry of discovery, connecting seniors with the world's diverse cultures, cuisines, and captivating histories. Imagine strolling through the vibrant streets of Kyoto, savoring the aroma of freshly brewed Italian coffee in Rome, or marveling at the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu. These are not mere dreams; they are the vivid realities woven into the fabric of senior travel.Ageless Adventures strives to make these dreams tangible. Through meticulously curated itineraries, seniors are guided to explore destinations tailored to their interests and pace. Whether its delving into the artistry of Parisian museums or finding solace amidst the serene beaches of Bali, every adventure is designed to nurture the soul and spark curiosity. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, these journeys foster a sense of community, where like-minded individuals forge lifelong friendships, share laughter, and create cherished memories. Traveling, after all, is not merely about the places visited; its about the stories shared, the perspectives gained, and the moments that take your breath away. Ageless Adventures invites seniors to step into a world where age is but a number, and every passport stamp is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration. So, let the adventure begin, and let the world be your timeless playground.