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Originally Posted On: https://www.thecoffeemom.net/6-reasons-you-arent-recovering-from-surgery-as-fast-as-you-should/

Surgery is never anyone’s idea of fun, and the recovery from surgery can be even more trying, no matter how relatively simple it is. So, when you are not recovering as quickly as expected, it can be worrying, upsetting, and frustrating, to say the least.

If this is happening to you, you will want to get the problem sorted as soon as possible, and knowing what is hampering your recovery is half of that particular battle, so why not take a look at the following reasons you might not be recovering from surgery as fast as you should, while you wait to talk to your doctor (this is very important) about your issues?

1. Your Expectations Are Too High

First off, let’s be real. Recovery takes time! Your body has just gone through some serious stuff, and it’s working overtime to heal itself. So, you can’t exactly expect miracles to happen, and it could well be that your recovery is not going slowly, but you are just expecting too much too soon. Give it the patience and care it deserves, and try not to rush the process because you will get there in the end.

2. You’re Not Following Doctor’s Orders

One of the most common causes of a slower-than-expected recovery is the patient is not doing what they are supposed to do. Following an operation, you will almost certainly be given doctors’ orders, and if you do not follow them and either try to do too much too soon or avoid doing any exercises that have been recommended to aid your recovery then you could find yourself failing to recover as you should. If you want to recover as fast as you possibly can, then you must always aim to do exactly what the doctor says.

3. Inadequate Nutrition

Good nutrition is like premium fuel for your body, which is why you should never skimp on nutrients when you are recovering from a surgery. At this time, more than any, your body needs all of the healthy calories, packed with vitamins and minerals it can get. So, from chicken soup to hearty bean salads, be sure to get as much goodness into your body if you want to supercharge your recovery.

4. Skipping Rehabilitation Exercises

Physical therapy and rehab exercises may feel like a drag, but they’re crucial for regaining strength and mobility. So, you are going to want to stick to the plan, and keep your eyes on the prize – a healthier, stronger you! Yes, it might be hard going at the time, but you will be in much better shape if you get that body moving, at the end of the day.

5. Something Has Gone Wrong

Although most surgeries go off without a hitch and you have nothing at all to worry about, malpractice and mistakes do happen, so if you are not recovering at all as expected, it might be worth considering whether your surgery really did go as planned. Before you start looking into lawyers and googling can you sue the VA or before you start ranting at your surgeon, it is important to establish the facts, and if something has gone wrong, get it fixed, so you can get right and start to recover well too. This one is not the most likely reason, but it is something you may need to explore nonetheless.

6. Stress and Anxiety

Stress is like that uninvited party guest – always showing up and causing chaos. It can majorly hamper your recovery by messing with your sleep, appetite, and immune system. So, if you have been feeling a little wound up lately worrying about how soon you will recover, then you could actually be setting yourself back on your recovery journey! Keep stress at bay with relaxation techniques, like meditation, gentle exercise, and plenty of sleep, and you will probably find that your recovery starts to speed up as soon as your stress starts to melt away. It can be hard not to worry and stress about your health after surgery, but with patience and effort, it is possible and it will do you the world of good!

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why your surgery recovery may not be exactly moving to schedule, and if you think one of them is affecting you, then it is important that you speak to your physician as soon as possible, while continuing to take it easy and trying not to worry. Here’s to a, hopefully, speedier recovery going forward!