What Patients Wish They Knew Before Surgery: Lessons from the Other Side

Undergoing surgery can be a daunting experience, filled with uncertainty and questions. Who better to guide you through this process than those who have been in your shoes? Former patients often have valuable insights that can help you feel prepared, manage expectations, and recover more effectively. Here, we’ve compiled advice from patients who have undergone surgery to offer lessons from the other side.

1. Educate Yourself About the Procedure

What Patients Say:

“I wish I had asked more questions about what the procedure involves and the risks.”
“Understanding the timeline for recovery would have eased a lot of my anxiety.”

Advice:

Research your surgery and discuss it thoroughly with your surgeon. Ask about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, including potential risks and complications.
Request information about recovery milestones so you can plan ahead.

2. Prepare Your Home for Recovery

What Patients Say:

“I didn’t realise how hard it would be to move around at first. Setting up my home ahead of time was a game-changer.”

Advice:

Arrange for a recovery-friendly space with easy access to essentials like medications, water, and entertainment.
Remove tripping hazards and consider tools like grab bars or shower chairs to enhance safety and comfort.

3. Plan for Support

What Patients Say:

“I underestimated how much help I’d need in the first few days.”
“Having someone to drive me to appointments was crucial.”

Advice:

Enlist friends or family to assist with daily tasks, transportation, and emotional support.
If help isn’t available, consider hiring a caregiver or using community resources.

4. Manage Your Expectations

What Patients Say:

“Recovery wasn’t linear. Some days were good, and others were frustrating.”
“I thought I’d bounce back quicker than I did.”

Advice:

Be patient with yourself and understand that healing takes time. Celebrate small victories along the way.
Discuss realistic recovery timelines with your healthcare team to avoid feeling discouraged.

5. Prioritise Pain Management

What Patients Say:

“I didn’t expect how much pain would affect my energy and mood.”
“Using pain meds as prescribed made a big difference in my recovery.”

Advice:

Don’t hesitate to communicate with your healthcare provider about pain levels.
Follow your pain management plan and explore complementary techniques like ice packs, relaxation exercises, or gentle movement.

6. Stay Active Within Limits

What Patients Say:

“Getting up and moving, even a little, sped up my recovery.”
“Physical therapy was tough, but it made all the difference.”

Advice:

Follow your post-operative mobility instructions to avoid complications like blood clots.
Engage in prescribed physiotherapy or exercises to regain strength and function.

7. Take Mental Health Seriously

What Patients Say:

“I felt more emotional than I expected during recovery.”
“Talking to someone helped me manage the stress of surgery and healing.”

Advice:

Recognise that recovery can be emotionally challenging. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.
Practise mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and stress.

8. Be Your Own Advocate

What Patients Say:

“Asking questions and staying informed helped me feel in control.”
“I wish I had spoken up sooner about some of my concerns.”

Advice:

Keep open communication with your medical team. No question is too small when it comes to your health.
Track your progress and symptoms to provide clear information during follow-ups.

9. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration

What Patients Say:

“Eating well really boosted my energy during recovery.”
“Staying hydrated helped me feel better overall.”

Advice:

Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healing.
Drink plenty of water to aid in recovery and prevent complications like constipation.

10. Celebrate Progress

What Patients Say:

“Recovery felt overwhelming at times, but acknowledging small wins kept me motivated.”

Advice:

Track milestones, no matter how minor, to remind yourself of your progress.
Reward yourself for reaching recovery goals, like walking further or reducing pain levels.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for surgery and recovery can feel overwhelming, but advice from those who’ve been through it can make a significant difference. By educating yourself, planning ahead, and being patient with the process, you can navigate surgery with greater confidence and ease. Remember, every recovery journey is unique, so listen to your body and seek support when needed. Your future self will thank you.