Wool Goddess

In February 2023, I went through a traumatic experience that changed everything. I became seriously unwell and ended up needing lifesaving bowel surgery. What started as a necrotic appendix and an abdominal abscess quickly turned into sepsis, and the road to recovery was long and difficult.

At the time, I didn’t fully process what had happened. But as time passed, my body—and mind—demanded rest and healing. That journey inspired me to write this blog: a comprehensive guide to recovery after major surgery.

In it, I explore physical healing, pain management, emotional and psychological recovery, building a support system, practicing self-care and compassion, setting realistic expectations, and even tapping into spiritual or purpose-driven healing.

Healing from a traumatic surgery can be a complex process, as it often involves physical, emotional, and psychological recovery.

Here are some holistic ways to support your healing:

1. Physical Recovery

Follow Medical Guidance: Follow all post-operative instructions from your medical team, including any medications, wound care, and follow-up appointments.

Gentle Movement: Start with light stretching or walking (if approved by your doctor) to gradually regain mobility, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness.

Rest and Nutrition: Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep and eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support tissue repair and energy recovery.

Physical Therapy: If prescribed, physical therapy can be essential for regaining strength, flexibility, and function. It may also reduce pain over time.

2. Pain Management

Mind-Body Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and visualisation can help reduce pain perception and increase relaxation.

Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and gentle yoga (if permitted) can help with pain relief and overall relaxation, as well as help release physical tension and trauma.

Medication and Supplements: Pain medications may be necessary initially; as you recover, consider anti-inflammatory supplements (with your doctor’s approval) like turmeric or omega-3s.

3. Emotional and Psychological Healing

Therapeutic Support: Speaking with a trauma-informed therapist can provide a safe space to process any feelings of fear, anger, or grief related to the surgery. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) are often beneficial for trauma recovery.

Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you stay grounded, reduce anxiety, and build resilience to stressful thoughts. Apps like Headspace offer guided sessions.

Journaling: Writing about your feelings can be cathartic and helps process the experience. Consider focusing on what you’re grateful for or progress in your healing to stay motivated.

4. Build a Support System

Lean on Friends and Family: Isolation can worsen feelings of trauma, so make an effort to connect with loved ones who offer encouragement and understanding.

Support Groups: Many people find comfort in support groups (either in-person or online) with others who have been through similar surgeries. Sharing experiences and coping tips can be empowering.

5. Self-Care and Self-Compassion

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel the range of emotions that may come up, from frustration to sadness. Remind yourself that recovery takes time, and it’s okay to feel vulnerable.

Create a Calming Routine: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, art, or even just sitting in nature.

Celebrate Small Wins: Recovery is gradual, and small progress can mean a lot. Acknowledge achievements like increased mobility, reduced pain, or being able to do more daily activities.

6. Spiritual or Purpose-Driven Healing (if meaningful to you)

Meditation and Visualisation: Visualising your body healing can foster a sense of purpose and control in the healing process.

Explore Spiritual Practices: If you find comfort in spirituality, prayer, or connecting to something greater, these practices can bring peace and help you process trauma on a deeper level.

Meaning-Making: Consider ways to make meaning from your experience, such as journaling about how the journey may contribute to personal growth or sharing your story with others.

7. Set Realistic Expectations

Pace Yourself: Give yourself permission to heal at your own pace. Healing from a traumatic surgery may not follow a straight line and could involve setbacks.

Consult Your Medical Team Regularly: Regularly communicate with your healthcare providers to track your progress and adapt your recovery plan as needed.

Lastly…..

Surgery can be deeply impactful, so allow yourself time to heal physically and emotionally. Every step, no matter how small, is progress.`

Love & hugs