Getting back to normal - Having an operation (surgery)

Do not be surprised if you feel very tired when you get home, especially if you have had a major operation or a general anaesthetic.

You should only do as much as you feel able to in the days after your operation.

But it's important to try to move around as soon as possible and follow your doctor's advice on getting active again.

This will encourage your blood to flow and your wounds to heal, and will build up strength in your muscles.

Generally, try to get back into your regular routine as soon as possible.

Try to eat a healthy diet and quit smoking if you smoke. You should also ask your doctor about what exercises you should be doing after the operation.

If you have a dressing on the area operated on, follow the instructions your nurse gave you to care for your wound at home.

Washing after surgery

Follow your doctor’s advice about washing and keeping your wound dry.

You can usually have a shower 48 hours after surgery, unless they’ve advised you not to.

Do not get your wound under water, for example in a bath or swimming pool, until it has completely healed or until your doctor says it is safe to do so.

How to tell if you might have a blood clot

Signs to look out for after your operation include:

• pain or swelling in your leg
• the skin of your leg feeling hot or discoloured
• the veins near the surface of your leg appearing larger than normal

Read more about the symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Recovery

Your doctor will have given you an idea of how long it'll take to get back to normal.

The following links provide information and advice about recovering from specific procedures:

• hip replacement
• knee replacement
• varicose vein surgery
• fibroids surgery
• diverticulitis surgery
• cataract surgery
• arthroscopy (keyhole surgery for joints)
• hysterectomy (removal of the womb)
• gallbladder removal

You can also check the Royal College of Surgeons England website, which has detailed information leaflets on recovering from various procedures.

Feedback

If you want to let others know about the care you received, you can find your hospital and leave a review or rating.