How Long Does Post-Surgery Fatigue Last?

It’s common for people to experience post-surgery fatigue after major and minor surgical procedures. Even minor surgeries can be invasive, and while your body heals, you will need more rest. Your post-op fatigue is your body’s way of ensuring you get the rest you need and don’t overdo it while you’re still recovering.

Post-surgery fatigue can also escalate and become a sign of health concerns. This article explains the symptoms and typical duration of post-surgery fatigue, how to manage your symptoms, and the impact of mental health on your post-op recovery. 

Understanding post-surgery fatigue can help you learn how to promote your recovery and know if your fatigue is a sign of a health issue that needs to be addressed.

What Is Post-Surgery Fatigue? 

Post-surgery fatigue is a prolonged feeling of fatigue that can last for weeks, or, in some cases, months. Its duration is one of the things that distinguishes it from regular fatigue, which is usually resolved with a brief period of rest. While overexertion or lack of sleep can cause regular fatigue, surgery is the catalyst for postoperative fatigue. It is a direct byproduct of having an operation. 

Reasons for post-op fatigue include the following:

• Anesthesia: Anesthesia is essential for surgery because it prevents you from feeling pain during the procedure. General anesthesia is stronger than sedation and other types of anesthesia, so it has more potential side effects and a longer recovery period. The type of anesthesia used for your surgical procedure can contribute to post-surgery fatigue and its duration. 
• Healing: After surgery, your body is using its resources to heal. It may also be fighting off infections and inflammation. Consequently, you may experience more post-op fatigue because your body needs extra energy to ensure proper healing.
• Surgical stress: Surgery is invasive and traumatic for your body. Consequently, you may experience physiological stress as a result of your procedure. Surgical stress can trigger inflammation and other metabolic activities that deplete your body’s energy, leading to fatigue.
• Post-surgery fatigue: This affects you physically because it affects your energy levels. It also affects you mentally, as you may become discouraged by your inability to perform routine tasks and enjoy your preferred activities. 

How Long Does Post-Surgery Fatigue Typically Last? 

A person who undergoes minor surgery may experience fatigue for a few days after the procedure. However, those who have major surgery may struggle with post-op fatigue for weeks or months. 

The following factors also affect the duration of post-surgery fatigue:

• Age: It takes older adults longer to heal, so post-surgery fatigue may persist for a longer period in older adults undergoing surgery. Timelines may vary for people of similar ages undergoing the same procedure if one is in good health and the other’s general health is poor.
• Health conditions: Serious health conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea, can compound the effects of post-op fatigue because they make it harder for the body to heal and reduce energy levels. 
• Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle and level of activity before and after surgery can help mitigate the impact of post-surgery fatigue. Those who are active can prevent muscle loss and prevent mental health issues, helping to prevent prolonged post-op fatigue.  
• Type of surgery: A short outpatient procedure may result in a short period of post-op fatigue. In contrast, a major procedure that involves being under anesthesia for hours typically has a more extended recovery period.

Those living in Utah have an additional challenge when recovering after surgery. In Utah, 6,100 feet above sea level is the average elevation. It’s harder for the human body to obtain the oxygen it needs at higher elevations; consequently, those living in high-elevation areas may experience more symptoms of fatigue and a longer post-operative recovery period.

Symptoms of Post-Op Fatigue 

Post-op fatigue has cognitive, emotional, and physical effects.

• Cognitive symptoms:
  • Post-surgery fatigue can produce any of the following cognitive issues:
    • Brain fog
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Difficulty making decisions
    • Difficulty planning
    • Memory issues
    • Reduced attention span
• Emotional effects:
  • The emotional impact of post-surgery fatigue can include the following:
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Hopelessness
    • Inability to concentrate
    • Irritability
    • Loss of interest in favorite activities
    • Mental fatigue
    • Reduced motivation
    • Sadness
• Physical symptoms:
  • Physical symptoms of post-op fatigue can include the following:
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue
    • Feeling lethargic
    • Headaches
    • Moving slowly
    • Muscle aches
    • Muscle weakness
    • Sleepiness

The Role of Mental Health in Recovery 

Surgery can adversely affect your mental health because it’s traumatic, and the aftermath can be difficult. Your mental health can suffer if you’re frustrated by your inability to resume normal activities and your fatigue. Unfortunately, this can trigger anxiety and depression, which also reduce your energy levels. 

Taking steps before surgery to prevent anxiety and depression can help patients avoid mental health issues that exacerbate their post-surgery fatigue. For some, anxiety and depression can arise before the procedure, notably if the person anticipates struggling with post-op symptoms or is anxious about the procedure. Speaking to a professional about concerns before and after surgery can help manage mental health and prevent issues that compound post-op fatigue. 

Managing Post-Surgery Fatigue

Adjusting your daily activities, prioritizing good sleep, and supporting your physical recovery are effective ways to help manage post-surgery fatigue.

Adjusting Daily Activities

You must reduce your daily activities after surgery and listen to your body. Do not overexert yourself, as this will exacerbate the symptoms of your fatigue and prolong your recovery period. Gradually increase your activity level and focus on gentle movements instead of engaging in rigorous activities. 

Prioritizing Good Sleep

Getting plenty of good sleep is essential for your recovery. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and avoid stimulants, physical exertion, and screen time before bedtime to help you fall asleep more easily. Ensure you have a comfortable sleep space. Also make sure you won’t be disrupted while sleeping, allowing you to stay asleep. For example, blackout curtains can block sunlight when napping during the day and block out streetlights if you’re in a room near outdoor lights. 

Supporting Physical Recovery

Follow your doctor’s post-op instructions, take medications as prescribed, and limit your daily activities accordingly. Stay hydrated, as water helps reduce inflammation and facilitates your body’s absorption of the nutrients it needs for recovery. Consuming nutrient-rich foods will also ensure that your body has the necessary nutrients to heal. Receiving post-surgical care, including services, such as occupational and physical therapy, can help ensure a gradual increase in activity levels while also managing your pain.

When Fatigue Might Signal a Health Concern

As part of your post-surgery care, your doctor should assess your progress at follow-up appointments. The following symptoms can be signs that your fatigue is an indication of health issues:

• Being extremely weak
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling disoriented or confused
• Fever

If your symptoms are worsening, seek medical advice immediately to identify the cause and receive the necessary treatment.

Managing Your Post-Surgery Recovery

Post-surgery fatigue varies depending on the type of procedure and the person’s age, health, lifestyle, and location. Some may only experience fatigue for a few weeks, while others may struggle with post-op fatigue for months.

Managing your activity levels, getting plenty of sleep, and promoting physical recovery can reduce the symptoms and duration of post-op fatigue. The experts at Monument Health Group provide care for individuals after surgery, ensuring they receive the necessary therapy and treatment to facilitate a smooth recovery.

Sources:

Davis, P. (2024). 7 Reasons You Are Tired After Surgery. 

Gulzar, A. (2024). 4 Main Types of Anesthesia and How They’re Used. 

Utah’s Highest Elevation Resorts. (2024). 

Whitlock, J. (2024). Coping With Fatigue After Surgery.