What Causes Fatigue After Surgery?
Fatigue after surgery is quite common and is caused by a number of factors including anesthesia, stress, and blood loss. Anesthesia can be a big contributor to post-op fatigue. It can take days and even weeks for general anesthesia to stop impacting the body. While it is affecting you it can disrupt your normal sleep patterns, preventing deep sleep and further contributing to fatigue.
Anesthesia isn’t the only thing that may disrupt your sleep after surgery. Pain, discomfort, or the need to take medication can interrupt sleep in the days and weeks following surgery too. Depending on what part of your body was involved in the surgery, you may also need to sleep in a different position than what you’re used to.
Surgery also causes stress to your body that can make you feel tired. The physical trauma of surgery triggers an inflammatory response in the body. This response is part of the natural healing process but requires significant energy, leading to exhaustion as the body prioritizes healing over other activities.
Some surgical procedures can also result in significant blood loss, leading to anemia. Anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which can cause fatigue because your body’s cells don’t receive enough oxygen to produce energy effectively.
Of course, physical stress isn’t the only stress surgery creates. The anticipation of surgery, worry about the outcome, and the stress of recovery can all contribute to a sense of exhaustion. Pain medications, especially opioids, can cause drowsiness and contribute to feelings of fatigue as well.
How Long Does Fatigue After Surgery Last?
The duration of post-op fatigue can vary significantly depending on the type of surgery, your overall health, age, and post-op care. If they arise, surgical complications can increase both heating time and the duration of your fatigue.
Given all of the factors involved, there is no hard and fast rule about how long fatigue after surgery will last. For many patients fatigue lasts only a few days. It can last for several months, however.
What Types of Surgeries Carry Postoperative Fatigue as a Risk?
Any surgery can cause fatigue. Less invasive surgeries, such as minor outpatient procedures, may only cause fatigue for a few days to a week. Recovery from these procedures is usually quicker, and the impact on the body’s energy levels is less pronounced.
For more extensive surgeries, such as abdominal surgery, joint replacement, or major cardiac surgery, the recovery process is longer. Fatigue can last from a few weeks to several months. The body needs more time to heal from the physical trauma of these surgeries, and the effects of prolonged anesthesia, significant blood loss, or major stress on the body can extend the period of fatigue.
How Postoperative Fatigue Evaluations Via Telehealth Work
During a telehealth evaluation for fatigue, you’ll speak to a healthcare professional who will assess your fatigue. They will ask you about the type of surgery you had, the medications you are taking, any surgical complications you suffered, and other factors that could influence fatigue. They may also ask you about your sleep patterns since surgery.
They will help you determine if your fatigue is likely normal or if you need to contact your surgeon. They may also be able to help you come up with a plan for tackling your fatigue and getting your energy back.