Two weeks ago I had a fairly complex surgery on my foot. A long-time client of mine reminded me that I’d advised her to listen to Peggy Huddleston’s Preparing for Surgery program prior to having a hip replacement. I’d heard wonderful things about Peggy’s wise research on the power of mind and body in activating the healing response. While I completely believed it and was so impressed by my client’s experience, it wasn’t untill I recently tried it for my own surgery that I was fully taken by its effectiveness.
Peggy Huddleston
Peggy Huddleston is a nurse, a natural healer. She taught patients and practitioners alike how much of a difference having a calm body and mind can make in one’s response to pain and recovery from surgery. Mothers know this to be true when giving birth; what might be an otherwise frightening labor could be a fullfilling, life-changing experience. So it is with pain from other sources.
I was told my foot surgery would be quite painful and my surgeon prescribed narcotics as needed for the first week. Not being one to take any medications, I especially wanted to avoid an opiate. I delved into Peggy’s work and listened to her meditation at least once daily for 4 weeks prior to surgery. I took care of things like Christmas shoppimg, wrapping and cookie making in advance so I wouldn’t be stressed coming into the holidays. And mostly, I welcomed the love and support and positive thoughts anyone and everyone was willing to send my way.
When I arrived in pre-op I was calm and ready. The staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Needham was informative, compassionate and flexible, working with me on any and all questions I had. My major concerns were around anesthesia and who would be willing to read my affirmations about positive outcomes while I was in surgery. It was all taken care of.
I’m two weeks post-surgery now. I’m forced to practice patience and avoid doing anthing that might put pressure on my foot. Peggy Huddleston’s work, a warm blanket of love and support from my wonderful family and friends, lots of sleep along with Tylenol xtra strength for 1 week, some simple foods, lots of water and Mike’s watchful eyes made this a truly positive experience for me.
Most of us at some point in life will require surgery for repairing a broken bone or organ or know someone who will. I highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with Peggy’s work. You can find more information on this link.
A Healthy Diet Matters before and after Surgery
You want to heal fast and avoid infection after surgery. Eating well with adequate hydration will help you. Avoid inflammatory foods like highly processed foods (in boxes) and sweets before surgery. Follow much of the same protocol described below for both before and after surgery.
Protein helps prevent infection and builds bone mass
meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are all great sources of protein.
vegetarians can depend on soybeans, quinoa, beans, spinach, artichokes, lentils, and peas for their protein needs.
Vitamin C repairs tendons and wounds
oranges, strawberries, lemons, broccoli, bell peppers, and sprouts in your diet after surgery
Calcium building block for strong bones
yogurt and cheese. Other excellent sources of calcium include dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.
Vitamin D - helps with mood, absorption of calcium
salmon, tuna, eggs and cheese
Zinc. helps wounds to heal
meat, dark poultry, and oysters furnish sufficient amounts of zinc.
vegetarians can find zinc in fortified cereals, and beans. Various nuts are another excellent item to snack on as you recover.
Fiber to relieve constipation
fruits, vegetables, bran
Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory
salmon and tuna. Walnuts, tofu, and flax seeds
Though not a food, arnica is an excellent, benign remedy to curb swelling and bruising after surgery or any assault to your body.