Surgery is a journey, and for many of us it’s a pretty fraught one. It starts with a decision, whether that’s your own or the doctor’s, moves through preparation and the day itself, and ends with recovery and follow-up. It’s not something we’d typically choose, but it can make a huge difference to our well-being, so it’s useful to have a simple roadmap that makes each step feel manageable.
Decide with clarity
When the idea of surgery is first raised, it’s common to have questions, and this is the time to ask them. Have your clinician explain the following:
- The benefit of surgery at this point
- The risks of this particular procedure
- The alternative to having it now
If it isn’t urgent then potentially you can look at other options, and think about your goals. Whether it’s walking without pain, sleeping through the night, or seeing clearly again, consider whether there’s a way to get there without the surgery. But also, consider how any misgivings about the process balance against your future goals. Often, this is the way we comfort ourselves about a process that has made us concerned.
Prepare your plan
When you’ve decided to have the surgery, the next step is to get ready for it on three fronts: medical, practical, and emotional. Medically, confirm what you need to do or stop doing, whether that be eating certain things, taking preparatory supplements, or keeping a certain area protected. The clinic website will let you see full details of your proposed treatment, which can help clarify what to expect.
Practically, you may need to plan for time off work, arrange for people to handle school runs, pet care, and a ride home among other steps. It’s also a good idea to set up a recovery zone with water, chargers, meds and easy foods. Emotionally, it’s worth trying meditation and having a surgery buddy, who both listens to your concerns and handles communicating with family and friends on the day.
The day before
Pack for the clinic visit, and keep it light: ID, medication list, glasses and comfortable clothes. If you have been asked to remove jewelry and nail polish, do it at this point so the day itself is as calm as possible. You may also have been advised with regard to fasting and showering. Set alarms for any medications that need to be taken, especially those that must be taken with food.
The day of
Arrive early. You will need to confirm your identity, what the procedure is, and any specifics the team should know. Then the monitors go on and, usually, anesthesia. You’ll likely remember very little about the OR itself, but it’s OK to let them know if you’re nervous; they’re experienced in this and will help.
Post-surgery
As you recover, nurses will track your vitals and comfort. They may ask you to rate your pain on a 0-10 scale – be honest, because this will help them meter pain control for the best recovery. At this stage, they will give you written instructions for your home recovery. Keep hold of these.
Before going home, confirm any follow-up details, and then stick to what has been advised by clinicians. That means resting a lot, taking any prescribed meds, and moving around gently while healing takes place. This will reduce stiffness and aid swift healing. Most importantly, if anything doesn’t feel right, call the clinic; they will know precisely how to deal with it and can advise you on your next steps.
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