When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
You're looking forward to going home from the hospital after your total hip replacement. Walking again without pain was a motivation for having the surgery, but you have to get through an extensive recovery first. You'll be more successful recovering at home if you employ the services of a home health care company. Here is how these services are best used in your home to get you back up on your feet again.
1. Your home may not be friendly to your recovery.
While recovering in familiar surroundings sounds pleasant, your home may have several obstacles that slow down your recovery. Narrow walkways, rugs that can trip you and stairs up to a bedroom create an obstacle course to recovering. Having a home health aid or nurse present to help you around these obstacles can prevent an accident and setbacks to your healing.
2. A healthy diet promotes healing.
Having someone there to help prepare meals will ensure that you get the nutrients to create new bone and heal the soft tissues affected by your surgery. The home care staff will make sure you're getting a high-protein diet for energy while limiting sugars and fats that can make you feel sluggish.
3. Good medication management encourages a faster recovery.
You may think about taking your pain medication only when you're in pain. This isn't the most effective use of the medication. A home health nurse will help you stick to a schedule of regular doses of pain medication, even when you're feeling well. They will make sure you take your medication before exercising or having physical therapy so the session won't be painful and you'll be motivated to do the exercises necessary for your recovery. Pain medication before you sleep reduces the muscle aches that occur after surgery that can disrupt your rest.
4. Some days you need a coach.
There will be days during your recovery when you'll feel like staying in bed all day. Perhaps you overworked yourself the day before. The home health staff know how important movement is to your recovery, so they can be there to gently coax you out of bed or the chair and get you moving.
5. Getting back into your daily activities takes time.
Simple activities such as washing your hair and getting dressed can seem daunting when you first get home from the hospital. Having some help at home to get through these activities until you gain your strength will be much appreciated in your first days home.
For more information, contact a local home health care company like Champion Home Health Care.
Share14 October 2015
