Still tired 3 days after general anaesthetic

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Talk75 · 25/03/2017 14:30

And I mean knackered.

I had a minor gynae op on weds and I am still absolutely exhausted after the general anaesthetic....3 days later - is this normal?

Thanks.

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Do not be surprised if you feel very tired when you get home, especially if you have had a major operation or a general anaesthetic.

You should only do as much as you feel able to in the days after your operation.

But it's important to try to move around as soon as possible and follow your doctor's advice on getting active again.

This will encourage your blood to flow and your wounds to heal, and will build up strength in your muscles.

Generally, try to get back into your regular routine as soon as possible.

Use this as an opportunity to make a fresh start: to eat well, exercise to stay in shape, and quit smoking if you smoke.

If you have a dressing on the area operated on, follow the instructions your nurse gave you to care for your wound at home.

How to tell if you might have a blood clot

Signs to look out for after your operation include:

  • pain or swelling in your leg
  • the skin of your leg feeling hot or discoloured
  • the veins near the surface of your leg appearing larger than normal

Read more about the symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Recovery

Your doctor will have given you an idea of how long it'll take to get back to normal.

The following links provide information and advice about recovering from specific procedures:

  • hip replacement
  • knee replacement
  • varicose vein surgery
  • fibroids surgery
  • diverticulitis surgery
  • cataract surgery
  • arthroscopy (keyhole surgery for joints)
  • hysterectomy (removal of the womb)
  • gallbladder removal

You can also check the Royal College of Surgeons England website, which has detailed information leaflets on recovering from various procedures.

Feedback

If you want to let others know about the care you received, you can find your hospital and leave a review or rating.

Page last reviewed: 03 September 2021
Next review due: 03 September 2024

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Prolonged Fatigue After Surgery: Do Rehab Therapy Asap!

Prolonged Fatigue After Surgery: Do Rehab Therapy Asap!

Tiredness, exhaustion, or severe and prolonged fatigue are common after surgery – even minor surgery. This is, in part, due to the effects of anesthesia, which often wear off more slowly in older people.

Fairview Rehab & Nursing Home in Queens NY nurses you back to health after surgery and offers top-quality outpatient and inpatient rehab therapies.  Extreme and prolonged fatigue is debilitating but we have the knowledge and tools to help people overcome it.

The aim of the post-operation therapy is to gradually build up your energy levels and strength after prolonged fatigue. This is where physical therapy comes in – and can work wonders. Therapists can guide you on appropriate exercise routines to help restore muscle strength, balance, and flexibility.

Still tired 3 days after general anaesthetic

Severe and prolonged fatigue can come and go, and your doctor will evaluate you to decide how best to overcome it. This may include simple things like better hydration and diet or reducing your pain medication.

The important thing is not to get ahead of yourself and try to do too much. Recovery takes time, so you’ll need to be patient.

How Does Physical Therapy Help With Prolonged Fatigue?

Physical therapy exercises your heart and lungs and builds up your muscle and bone strength. It delivers oxygen to all your vital organs and makes you feel less fatigued and better in yourself.

Severe fatigue after surgery can be draining mentally and physically but therapists can get you back on the right track.

Physical therapy eases pain

It may seem counter-intuitive but doing gentle exercises when you are in pain can actually ease it. By exercising, you work your way through, and manage pain, which can give you a tremendous sense of achievement.

Gentle exercises, if done safely and under professional supervision, can help you overcome pain as well as severe and prolonged fatigue.

Physical therapy rebuilds muscle and helps you regain strength

Physical therapy is best performed in a friendly and encouraging environment and with state-of-the-art equipment. This enables you to measure your progress over time and tick off milestones. No two patients are the same, so physical therapists tailor exercises to specific patient needs.

Regular exercise routines not only build up your endurance and self-confidence – they also relieve stress. This not only reduces extreme and prolonged fatigue but also leads to improved coordination, balance, flexibility and mental well-being.

Many of Fairview rehab and nursing center’s patients come to us from hospital after operation. Sometimes they have been feeling weak and tired for a long time. Our nursing staff and therapists have lots of experience helping these people recover their energy levels, strength, confidence, and self-esteem.

After surgery, pain management may be the priority and prolonged fatigue can be overcome with very gentle exercising.

Major procedures requiring several days of post-surgery recovery in hospital can result in an extended period of tiredness and weakness.

Do contact us if you would like to find out more about post-surgery care and therapy as well as rehabilitation therapies. 

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

One Comment

  1. Casa Thomas July 22, 2021 at 10:27 pm - Reply

    I just had two steroid injection L-5 area. Propofol was given IV. Procedure took only 13 minutes.
    It has been 4 days and I am still fatigued. Is this normal? I am 66 yrs. Old.