Tracking Your Medication After Surgery
Tracking your medication after surgery is an extremely important part of post-op recovery. Tracking your medication can lead to a safer recovery as well as a more comfortable healing experience. Read on to find out how to track your medication after surgery.
Type of Medication
One thing you have to take into account when tracking your medication is what kind of medication you are taking. Each medication has its own set of parameters around it including dosage, with food or without, and when to take it. These all differ by type of medication and will depend on what your surgeon prescribes you. Always take medication as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions about your medication or how you should be taking it, call your surgeon.
Required Dosage
When tracking your medication, you will also have to take into account the required dosage of each medication. This may vary per surgeon and patient, so make sure to pay close attention when the dosage directions are given to you by your doctor or nurse. Many offices write down these dosages, or it is labeled on the prescription bottle, so as to help you remember in case you forget the dosage of each medication. Never vary from the recommended dosage of medication unless directly instructed by your doctor to do so.
With Food or Without
Some medication is best digested with food, whereas some medication is better taken without food. Be sure to take this into account when tracking your medication after surgery. Surgery recovery can be uncomfortable, and adding on unnecessary nausea or vomiting by taking medication incorrectly (adding food when it is to be taken without food or taking without food when it should be taken with food) can make your recovery experience less pleasant. Be sure to take medication as prescribed, be that with or without food, even if you are not hungry.
Time of Day
Different medications also have different times of day you are supposed to take it. You may be recommended to take a certain medication every 6 hours or another every 12 hours. Be sure to follow this strictly as you do not want to take too much too soon and risk having too much of the medication in your body which can be extremely dangerous to your health. Certain medications also have different side effects like drowsiness, so if you need to take that medication, be aware of the side effects that may come on based on when you take the medication.
Medication Chart
A medication chart is a useful tool to use to help you track your medications after surgery. Depending on the surgery, you may be on a few different types of medication. Even if you are on just one or two, it can get confusing on when to take it because there are so many variables to keep track of like type of medication, time of day, with or without food, and dosage. By using a medication chart, you can actually check off which medications you have taken and see when you need the next dosage of each medication.
Tracking your medication is a big deal and is extremely important for your safety and healing after surgery. Don’t want to worry about tracking your medication or having a family member or friend do it? At VIP Concierge Care, our private concierge nurses give individualized care and we can track your medication for you! Our nurses have many years of clinical experience administering medication to patients post-op. Book an appointment or free consultation with VIP Concierge Care today! Take the stress out of post-operative care and just focus on healing while we take care of the rest.