Table of contents:
- Side effects that often occur after surgery
- 1. Difficulty urinating
- 2. How to treat surgical incisions?
- 3. Constipation after surgery
- 4. Sore throat
- 5. Is it normal to feel depressed after surgery?
- 6. Fever after surgery
- 7. Nausea and vomiting
Most people who want to have surgery only focus on the success of the surgical procedure. Perhaps many do not realize that recovery after surgery is also a part that must be well prepared. There is a risk of complications and some side effects from the operation that you are undergoing will make the body uncomfortable. Come on, find out the various side effects after surgery and their causes.
Side effects that often occur after surgery
1. Difficulty urinating
After surgery, many patients complain of having difficulty urinating. This is characterized by a burning sensation when urinating or urine that comes out a little.
This may be due to the effects of anesthesia, the use of a catheter to urinate, and even a combination of the two.
It should also be noted that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common after you insert the catheter during the operation. This urinary tract infection is what sometimes causes a burning feeling when you want to pee.
Tell the doctor or nurse if you experience this for further treatment.
2. How to treat surgical incisions?
Source: University of Rochester
Actually, it is not too difficult to treat incisions from surgery. All you need to do is always wash your hands before handling them. In addition, to prevent infection because wet wounds do not dry out, please use a waterproof bandage that can be used for bathing.
You also have to pay attention to how the incision scar is in condition. Surgical incisions that are red, wet, discharge with pus or fluid, are swollen, and cause fever can be symptoms of infection that should be consulted by a doctor as soon as possible.
3. Constipation after surgery
If you feel symptoms of constipation after surgery, this is fairly normal. The reason is, the day before the operation the doctor will advise you to fast to eat. There may be a combination of the effects of pain medications, anesthetics, stress or nervousness before surgery and the dehydration you experience can cause difficulty defecating.
To prevent and treat constipation, after surgery the doctor will recommend that you drink fluids and eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to facilitate bowel movements.
4. Sore throat
Apart from constipation and pain when urinating, usually after surgery some patients experience sore throats. Even if the surgery is performed on the chest, abdomen or hips, it can have a sore throat.
The first possible cause is that your body is dehydrated because before, during, and after surgery you have to fast from drinking. After the doctor tells you that your body is allowed to consume fluids, please drink enough mineral water to relieve a sore throat.
Second, while your body is under anesthesia, a breathing tube is inserted into your mouth and down your throat, this is called intubation. This tube is then attached to the ventilator to provide oxygen for breathing during and after surgery. The entry of this breathing tube can cause irritation of the throat, tongue, and vocal cords. Drinking enough water and not talking too much can speed up the recovery process after this operation.
5. Is it normal to feel depressed after surgery?
Source: Care Sync
Depression is a rare side effect after surgery. If you feel depressed, chances are that depression was there before you operated on. It could also be that pre-existing depression gets worse due to post-operative pain.
Being aware of the symptoms of depression is very important. Observe if you or someone else has persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts, decreased appetite, or is sleep deprived. Consult a doctor and psychiatric specialist for further treatment.
6. Fever after surgery
You may often wonder if fever after surgery is normal? The answer can be normal and there could also be other underlying problems.
In general, it is normal to have a fever of less than 37 degrees Celsius. This can result from a treatment response such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol). Meanwhile, if the fever is more than 37 degrees Celsius, there could be other problems after surgery, such as infection.
7. Nausea and vomiting
Many people experience severe nausea and vomiting after surgery. This is still fairly normal due to reactions from anesthesia during surgery or the body's reaction to the drugs given. However, complaints of nausea and vomiting can be dangerous if not treated immediately.
You are at risk of becoming dehydrated or the surgical cut is torn from vomiting. Nausea also makes you lose your appetite for food and drink, even though the fulfillment of nutrition after surgery is important. Talk to your nurses and doctor if you feel nauseous and vomiting after surgery.
