By: Dr. Jennifer Paulson DNP
Surgery is inevitable for most of us.
Surgery is something most of us or our loved ones endure at some point in our lives. Some of us more than others. I write this during my post-operative healing from an emergency appendectomy. Of course, this surgery took me by surprise and I had NO time to prepare. What a difference going into an emergency surgery after two days of intense sickness and pain, being so sick and run down compared to my previous planned lipedema surgeries. I am grateful for my resources and knowledge to help myself and want to share some basics with you.
Tip #1: Good Nutrition after Surgery
Nutrition after surgery is critical for healing. Of course, follow your surgeon’s orders on how to advance your diet. It’s important to have bowels moving (gas, movements) before advancing your diet to full on foods. This is especially important with abdominal surgeries.
Clear liquids such as bone broths, gelatin, water, electrolytes. As you advance your diet, include foods rich in vitamin C for wound healing. Good examples include lemon water, strawberries, kiwi. Increase fiber slowly and to bowel tolerance. There are anesthesia toxins and medications you want to help your body rid so fiber is your friend. Consuming adequate protein is critical for wound healing and recovery. If you can’t consume animal protein due to a limited diet, use a high quality whey or protein shake.
Tip #2: Regenerative Peptides
My favorite peptide for wound healing and immune support is thymosin beta 4. As long as you have no contraindications, it’s ideal to have this ordered 1 week before surgery, but even in an emergency surgery, connect with your provider ASAP and get it ordered. Anyone who has used this post-operatively can testify to the amazing healing benefits it has. Almost everyone I have prescribed it to, has messaged me for a refill when the first vial runs out. This is a subQ (fatty tissue in belly) injection daily for 2-4 weeks after surgery. The Aspire Wellness team loves BPC 157 (Body Protective Compound) which is an oral capsule that is great for healing the body. We use it for gut healing, tissue/wound healing, joint pain just to name a few. Of course, you should check with your practitioner to ensure you have no contraindications for using these peptides. You will also need a prescription for compounded, high quality peptides.
Tip #3: Homeopathy for Healing from Surgery
I can testify to the amazing benefits of homeopathy starting the morning of surgery. With my lipedema surgeries (planned) I took my homeopathy before heading to the surgery center. With my recent appendectomy (unplanned) my husband brought these from home and I started on day 2 post op. Some of them he had to stop at the local co-op and buy.
- Arnica pellets 30 c or higher dosed 5 pellets before surgery and every 3-4 hours while awake. Arnica cream around the incision site. Arnica is excellent for trauma to reduce bruising and swelling.
- Phosphorus 30c or higher dosed 5 pellets before surgery and every 3-4 hours while awake, decrease dosing as the brain fog from anesthesia lifts. Phosphorus reduces risk of bleeding and helps clear anesthesia.
- Hypercumin Perforatum 30c or higher dosed 5 pellets every 3-4 hours after surgery. This is a great anti-inflammation remedy.
- Staphysagria 30 c or higher. This is a good remedy for nerve pain and for wound healing. 5 pellets every 3-4 hours after surgery.
With all homeopathy remedies, you decrease frequency as you heal and do not need them. For example, with my lipedema surgeries I had bruising and wounds for about 10 days so I used my homeopathy 3 times a day for 3 weeks. For my appendectomy, I only used them for 5 days.
Tip #4: Movement & Rest
Movement, even at a slow pace and a few steps is critical to healing. Do a little more each day as your body allows you. When you walk, your muscles contract your lymph and blood flow improves. This is important to promote healing, detoxification, and to keep up your strength.
Allow adequate time for rest. Put yourself in rest mode. Call in your support team. Take naps. I slept 2-4 hour afternoon naps for the first 4 days post-op.
Tip #5: Key Vitamins to Supplement
- Vitamin C
- Omega 3 + SPM’s
- Curcumin
- Zinc
- Probiotic, especially if antibiotics were given
- Bromelain
- Multivitamin
When I had planned surgeries, I did some vitamin infusions a few days prior to my surgery. I healed well, but had I had any complications, I also would have done post-surgical vitamin infusions.
Hopefully you have time to prepare for your surgery, if not, use this guide and do your best after you are home. Our practitioners at Aspire Wellness are here to consult with you for a more customized plan, especially if you have an upcoming planned surgery. And if you never have to have surgery, you are a lucky one!
In Good Health,
Jennifer
References
