MAILBAG: Recover from Surgery FASTER
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 23, 2023
“I’m having knee replacement surgery next month. I’m very nervous. Are there any ways to speed up recovery?”
– Jen, Boulder, CO
There’s no doubt about it. Surgery IS stressful for the body (and mind), and it takes time to heal. But your recovery time CAN typically be reduced with a bit of extra support.
Most surgeons now have handouts that tell you what to avoid before surgery. Or, they’ll cover this in a pre-surgery appointment.
Follow the surgeon’s instructions to the letter. This will help the surgery and recovery run smoother.
I typically encourage patients to take the following daily “surgery cocktail,” starting two weeks before the operation and continuing for four weeks post-surgery.
- A high-quality multivitamin and mineral.
- Vitamin C – 3,000 milligrams to promote the healing of connective tissue.
- Mixed bioflavonoids – 3000 milligrams to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling.
- Vitamin E – 400 IU to promote wound healing and reduce scar formation.
- Zinc – 30 to 40 milligrams to stimulate DNA synthesis for new cell growth.
Even if these supplements aren’t listed on the surgery no-no list, it’s a good idea to ask about them BEFORE you start taking them.
Focus on eating a healthy anti-inflammatory diet. Eat plenty of meats and vegetables. And avoid processed foods, vegetable oils, added sugars, and alcohol.
With your surgeon’s thumbs up, consider taking natural anti-inflammatories such as fish oil, Boswellia, and turmeric as well.
Light exercise and sleep are vital for healing and stress reduction.
Ask your surgeon what kind of exercise you can do and when you can start. Light walking is often encouraged. You may also be prescribed physical therapy immediately following surgery. The therapist can provide you with instructions for other safe at-home exercises to do as well.
I prefer natural approaches to encourage more restful sleep such as melatonin and calming herbs like passionflower, hops, and chamomile.
Best of luck with surgery and recovery!
P.S. Before you reach for that bottle of NSAID pain reliever again, you NEED to know something. Your temporary solution for joint pain could leave you with permanent damage. Don’t take another NSAID pain reliever until you READ THIS!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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