Ask Dr Miriam

Q I have to go into hospital for bowel surgery and I was wondering if there’s anything I can do beforehand that would help me make a rapid recovery.

A Yes, there certainly is. You can really do yourself a favour by doing some breathing exercises for a few weeks pre- and postoperatively.

A beautiful little study has shown that if you practise breathing exercises for a few weeks before you go to hospital and start again immediately on regaining consciousness after your surgery you’ll do a lot to speed your recovery. This is especially the case if you repeat the breathing exercises hourly while you’re awake in hospital. What the research showed was that these exercises protect you from getting complications like pneumonia where your risk is halved. Your stay in hospital may even be shorter.

The breathing exercises are very simple, concentrating on regular deep breathing with your hands on your chest so that you can see and feel your lungs expand.

Speak to your GP practice nurse if you need help.