3 Symptoms You Might Expect in the First Few Days After Surgery (And How to Manage Them at Home in Scottsdale)

Recovering at home after surgery in Scottsdale or Phoenix can come with a few unexpected symptoms. Let's explore what’s normal, what’s not, and how to stay comfortable during early recovery from an experienced concierge nurse.

The first few days after surgery can feel unfamiliar—but many symptoms you experience are expected and manageable. Understanding what’s normal (and when to reach out) can bring peace of mind and support a smoother recovery.

At The Recovery Practice, we guide patients through every stage of healing with clinical expertise, discretion, and personalized care.

1. A Mild Sore Throat

WHAT TO EXPECT A mild sore throat is a common and temporary symptom after anesthesia.

WHY IT HAPPENS During surgery, a small breathing tube is used to keep your airway open while you are asleep. This can cause minor irritation to the back of your throat as the anesthesia wears off.

HOW TO FIND RELIEF

• Ice chips

• Popsicles

• Cold liquids
  

WHEN TO CALL YOUR SURGEON (By the way: This is rarely needed unless something else is causing the symptoms!)

• Severe pain or difficulty swallowing liquids

• Symptoms lasting longer than a few days

• Fever or new/worsening symptoms

2. Nausea (feeling you may vomit)

WHAT TO EXPECT You may experience mild to moderate nausea after surgery.

WHY IT HAPPENS

• Effects of anesthesia

• Pain medications

• Abdominal procedures

• Advancing diet too quickly

HOW TO FIND RELIEF

• Start with clear liquids and advance slowly

• Eat small, frequent meals

• Avoid heavy or greasy foods

• Take prescribed anti-nausea medication
  

WHEN TO CALL YOUR SURGEON

• Persistent vomiting without relief from anti-nausea medications

• Inability to keep fluids or food down

• Signs of dehydration
  

3. Constipation (difficulty passing stool)

WHAT TO EXPECT Slower bowel movements are very common in the days following surgery and not always cause for concern.

WHY IT HAPPENS

• Pain medications

• Decreased activity (when you slow down so do your bowels!)

• Changes in diet and hydration

• Effects of anesthesia
  

HOW TO FIND RELIEF

• Increase fluid intake

• Add fiber through your diet as tolerated

• Use stool softeners early on (helps soften your stool- it won't make you go!)

• Understanding when to use a laxative (stimulates your bowels)

• Early and gentle walking (when you move so do youre bowels!)
  

WHEN TO CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN

• No bowel movement after many days

• Severe abdominal pain or bloating

• Persistent nausea or vomiting Recovery, Reimagined

Early recovery is where patients often feel the most uncertain—and the most alone.

At The Recovery Practice, we bring the standard of care you experienced in the clinical setting into the comfort of your home. With dedicated, one-on-one nursing support, we help you navigate symptoms, manage discomfort, and recover with confidence. Have questions about your recovery? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

→ Schedule a private consultation → Learn more about our recovery packages