The Dragon Lady's Journey

Surgery went well yesterday, and now I move on to the next phase, true healing. This is an essentially passive process, at least the first couple of weeks. It maybe passive in that my body is doing all the work, but I can do everything in my power to ensure that it has what it needs. Let’s talk about what the body does to heal an injury, whether it is an acute (sudden) or chronic (developed over time).
The first stage in healing is inflammation, this is when the body sends blood and other checmicals to the area to clean up the debris and fight off any infection. Side note, the inflammation which cause swelling also causes pain, yet to some extent it is needed. Ice and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin) work directly on the swelling, acetaminophen (Tylenol) works on the pain receptors. The best way to help with the inflammation is RICE; Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
The second stage is proliferation. This is when the body starts rebuilding the area with new cells. During the proliferation stage it is important not to interfere with the new growth. DON’T pull off the scab, don’t remove the cast or splint unless the dostor tells you too, don’t excessively scrub the wound bed, basically let the body do it thing, Oh, and DON’T pop the blister!
The third stage is remodeling. This is when the body takes all the new tissue and compacts it and forms the finished product. This is when the doctor may send you to physical therapy, or may take the cast off and put you in a splint. It is again very important to listen to your doctor (or NP, or PA), so that you end up with the best outcome.
Tomorrow we will talk about what you can do to help your body heal to the ultimate level it can achieve. https://ocsportsandrehab.com/the-science-behind-healing-how-the-body-repairs-itself-after-injury/  Have a wonderful day 💞