The Dos and Don’ts of Post-Pelvic Fracture Fixation Surgery

If you have recently had pelvic fracture fixation surgery, then you know how important it is to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions in order to ensure a successful recovery. While there are a variety of dos and don’ts that you should be aware of during the post-operative period, it is important to understand what not to do after pelvic fracture fixation surgery. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important things that you should avoid doing after pelvic fracture fixation surgery to ensure a successful recovery.
Do take it easy
After pelvic fracture fixation surgery, it is important to take it easy and rest as much as possible. It is important to avoid strenuous activities and allow your body to heal and recover. During the initial recovery period, avoid activities that could cause additional strain or injury to the area. This includes avoiding activities such as lifting, running, jumping, and other strenuous physical activity. Additionally, make sure to limit activities that require you to move your hips or legs in a twisting motion. Even seemingly minor activities such as walking can put strain on your pelvic area and slow your healing process. If possible, take some time off from work or school to give your body a chance to heal. If that isn’t possible, make sure to take frequent breaks and get plenty of rest.
Do eat a healthy diet
It is important to eat a healthy diet after pelvic fracture fixation surgery. Eating nutritious foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals can help your body heal and promote overall health. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your daily meals. Drink plenty of water and limit processed foods and sugary snacks.
Make sure to include foods that are high in calcium, like yogurt, cheese, tofu, almonds, and dark leafy greens. Calcium is essential for the healing of bones. You should also incorporate foods that contain vitamin D and magnesium, such as salmon, egg yolks, nuts, and legumes. Vitamin D and magnesium help to regulate calcium absorption in the body.
You should also stay away from inflammatory foods like fried foods and refined carbohydrates. These can cause inflammation in the body which can interfere with the healing process.
Eating a healthy diet after pelvic fracture fixation surgery can help to speed up recovery and promote overall health. Make sure to consult with your doctor about any dietary changes you plan to make and follow their instructions for optimal recovery.
Do keep the area clean and dry
It’s essential to keep the area around your pelvic fracture clean and dry following surgery. Keeping the area free of dirt and moisture can help prevent infection and promote healing. Clean the area gently with soap and warm water, and pat dry afterwards. If you are wearing a brace, cast, or other type of external support, make sure to check it regularly for any signs of moisture or dirt buildup. If necessary, replace any dressing or bandage that may have become wet or soiled. It is also important to avoid swimming or taking baths until your doctor has cleared you to do so. Doing so may increase the risk of infection or cause further damage to the healing area.
Do get plenty of rest
Rest is an essential part of recovery after Pelvic fracture fixation surgery in Coimbatore. Your body needs time to heal and you may need more rest than normal. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and take frequent naps during the day if necessary. Also, try to limit physical activity and avoid doing anything strenuous. If your doctor has prescribed bed rest, it is important to follow their instructions carefully. Additionally, you may want to take short walks to keep your muscles moving and avoid stiffness. Staying active is important, but make sure to listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is a risk factor for many health complications, including those that can occur after surgery. If you have recently had pelvic fracture fixation surgery, it is important to abstain from smoking for at least the first several weeks after your procedure. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of infection and other complications such as blood clots.Â
Additionally, smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, which can further slow healing and make it more difficult for your body to recover. If you are a smoker, consider talking to your doctor or a specialist in smoking cessation to explore the best options for quitting or reducing your smoking habits prior to surgery.
Don’t drink alcohol
Alcohol can interfere with your body’s natural healing process and can also increase the risk of complications after pelvic fracture fixation surgery. It’s important to refrain from drinking alcohol for at least two weeks following surgery, or until your doctor gives you the green light.
Alcohol can also worsen inflammation, pain, and swelling in the area that was operated on. So it’s important to wait until you are fully healed and recovered before consuming alcohol again.
Additionally, it’s important to know that medications prescribed for pain and swelling may interact negatively with alcohol. So it’s best to wait until your doctor has cleared you of any medications before drinking alcohol again.
Finally, alcohol can also cause dehydration which can delay the healing process. It’s important to stay hydrated after surgery so be sure to drink plenty of fluids such as water and electrolyte drinks.
In summary, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol after pelvic fracture fixation surgery. Doing so will help ensure that your body is able to heal properly and avoid any potential complications.
Don’t lift anything heavy
After pelvic fracture fixation surgery, it is important to avoid lifting anything that is heavy. Any strain on your abdomen, or the area of your surgery, can cause complications and delay healing. This includes activities such as carrying grocery bags, children, or furniture.
If you have any doubts about whether or not an activity is too strenuous for your current condition, err on the side of caution and ask your doctor or physical therapist before attempting it. Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to provide guidance as to what activities are safe and how much weight is safe to lift.
It’s important to remember that after pelvic fracture fixation surgery, your body needs time to heal. By taking care of yourself and avoiding activities that can put undue strain on the area, you can ensure a speedy recovery.