How to Get Mobile after RA Surgeries

在您从医院出院之前，您将与您的外科医生，物理治疗师，职业治疗师和/或护士遇到。你会回家用指示表，了解如何最好地照顾恢复道路。经常参考此表。请记住，虽然您可能已经有这种特殊的手术，但他们有许多患者的经验。经验算！

You're going to need some help, post-surgery. Ideally, you'll want to arrange this prior to going into the hospital. Ask for suggestions from others, if you're not sure where to turn.The Arthritis Foundationmay be able to provide recommendations and solutions. Your friends, family, or even neighbors, may be willing to spare some time to help get you back on your feet.

Initially, there isn't a lot you can do, especially if you're in considerable pain. But, there's one thing you're doing anyway, so why not make it part of yourhealing practice?How you breathe can make all the difference. Are you chest breathing? Do you notice your shoulders significantly lifting with each breath? Start small, then increase the time to work on using your diaphragm to exhale and inhale.

The value of touch has been well-documented. Gentle self-massage can ease some of that stiffness and swelling that occurs after surgery. Don't underestimate the merits of ice packs and heat packs. Arnica cream smoothed around your surgical site can help with healing. Once you're feeling a little better, consider a manicure, pedicure, or massage. Just be sure to communicate your needs.

As an RA patient, you're familiar with pain. Post-surgery, you'll have yet another layer of pain. It is crucial that you stay on top of it. As the days pass, you'll find the pain lessening, and, as it does, you will be able to ease off on your pain medications. Help yourself by doing some of the things mentioned in this slideshow, along with meditation. If the pain is worsening, do check back with your surgeon.

Think about your car and how vital the gas and the brake are for your ability to get around safely. Now, think about your body like a “vehicle” and apply the principle of the gas and brake to your recovery. Are you stepping on the gas—physically, mentally, or emotionally—to arrive at your destination too quickly? Surgery can take a lot out of you; give yourself permission to brake, and take time to rest.

如果您去物理治疗，您将获得练习以帮助您恢复您的实力，耐力和移动性。务必正确地进行练习以刺激肌肉记忆。如果您需要助手或轮椅，请使用它们。随着您的改进，您可以将它们恢复到存储状态。您甚至可能想要录制您的收益，以便您可以看到您来的多远。

You may have a tendency to want to speed things up – after all, you have places to go, and people to see. Doing too much, too soon, may end up costing you in the long run. Like the tortoise, slow and steady wins the race. As you begin to feel better, you can do more, whether it be walking, lifting, stretching, or working. Learn to deeply listen to your body. It will tell you when you've done too much.

While you're “braking” to recover, you may find the days long. There may be only so much television you can watch. This is an ideal time to take up a project you've never had time for, or to learn something new. Keep your mind active. You can do this by exploring your creative side – like practicing drawing, sketching, knitting, or crocheting. Learn a language or a fun instrument like a harmonica or ukulele. Organize your photos.

The ultimate reward, post-surgery, is to achieve less pain and more mobility. However, it doesn't hurt to set up targets for yourself. When you achieve them, be sure to celebrate. Share the news with a supportive friend or family member. Treat yourself to lunch. Buy that little item you've been holding out on. Celebrate your recovery.