Any guidance for recovery after rectal surgery - #316

Post-rectal surgery recovery, especially with a stoma bag, requires gentle care for both the digestive system and overall strength. In Ayurveda, the focus would be on nourishing and strengthening the body, promoting healing, and supporting digestion to address the aversion to food and acute weakness.

Start with easily digestible, nourishing foods like rice gruel (kanji), moong dal soup, and lightly spiced vegetable broths to rebuild digestive strength and avoid any further strain on the intestines. Ghee can be added to meals in small amounts to improve digestion and provide strength. Ensure hydration with herbal teas like ginger or cumin to ease bloating and nausea.

For internal healing and to promote strength, herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Bala can be used in consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner. These herbs help in tissue repair, reduce fatigue, and build strength. Chyawanprash or Draksharishta can also be considered to boost immunity and energy.

Externally, gentle Abhyanga (oil massage) with warming oils like Mahanarayan oil can help improve circulation, reduce weakness, and promote recovery.

For quicker recovery, ensure regular follow-up with your surgeon to manage the stoma bag and keep infections at bay, while Ayurvedic remedies focus on restoring digestive health and vitality.

Dealing with food aversion and deep fatigue following rectal surgery can indeed be challenging. Particularly with a stoma bag, transitioning back to normalcy is often a slow process. Ayurveda, with its deep focus on balance and healing, offers some helpful approaches.

Firstly, let’s talk about diet. Post-surgery, it’s vital to maintain a light and easily digestible diet to keep your agni, or digestive fire, up without overburdening it. Consider warm meals like rice broth, which is easy on the stomach and nourishing. Also, try having moong dal soup with a pinch of asafetida and ginger to support digestion gently. Boosting an appetite can also be aided with pomegranate juice or fresh ginger juice mixed with honey before meals.

Hydration is another aspect; sips of warm water throughout the day can help keep things moving smoothly. And, while managing a stoma bag, make sure to track your body’s response to different foods to adjust as necessary.

For weakness, I’d suggest Ashwagandha powder – a teaspoon with warm milk can naturally build vitality and support strength over time. But ensure it’s okay in terms of surgery recovery medications or other health conditions.

Incorporating yoga nidra or short meditation sessions might aid holistic recovery by reducing stress and aiding energy recovery. Just 15-20 minutes daily could make quite a difference in overall calmness and revitalization.

Remember, rest is super important! Frequent, short naps are better than long sleeping hours. And, at 79 years old, you might find pacing activities crucial – small, gentle movements without overdoing, favoring gradual progress over sudden exertions.

Finally, stay in close contact with your doctor, like, if there’s any unusual symptoms or concerns, run them by your healthcare provider. Ayurveda can complement, but never replaces essential medical advice.