10 Things To Know About Surgery

Here are the top 10 things patients say they wish they’d known before their surgery. You can also use these tips if your operation was an unplanned emergency.

This is general advice and details may vary depending on the operation you had and your specific circumstances. Talking with your healthcare provider can be an important part of your healing process.

Thanks to the patients who shared their experiences through surveys and interviews. Feel free to add any suggestions below.

1. Recovery length – It can be easy to underestimate how long it will take to fully recover. Ask your surgeon and hospital care team for their honest opinion based on how your surgery went. This will help you set realistic expectations and plan for your return to work and other activities.
2. Postoperative pain management: Discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider before your surgery so you can have a plan in place. Ask about how much pain most people have with the same procedure. Some patients hesitate to take pain medications. However, pain that has spiraled out of control is much harder to bring down to a comfortable level. Taking medications as scheduled helps keep pain in check. If you’re taking narcotic painkillers, we recommend speaking with your doctor or pharmacist about how to transition to over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, when the time is right.
3. Complications and risks: Patients often wish they had a better understanding of the potential complications and risks associated with their operation. Although complications are relatively rare, it’s important to have a candid conversation with your surgeon about this ahead of time.
4. Detailed pre- and post-operative instructions: It’s helpful to have clear instructions about what you need to do (or avoid) before and after your operation. This can include dietary restrictions, medication and supplement adjustments, lab tests to be done, or lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking. Understanding and following instructions can improve your recovery and minimize complications. After you’ve been discharged from the hospital, it’s very important to keep your follow-up appointment so the surgeon can check how well you’re healing.
5. Support system: You may want to let friends, family or neighbours know about your surgery and how they can help. They can assist with daily tasks, transportation, and emotional support during your recovery.
6. Emotional impact: You might feel a range of emotions before and after surgery. Know that you aren’t alone in feeling that way and that it’s completely normal. Some patients feel anxious, fearful, or uncertain. It’s helpful to talk about your feelings with someone you trust.
7. Post-surgical blues: It’s not talked about a lot, but many patients feel various levels of sadness, frustration, and even depression after surgery. Post-surgery medications, being in pain, being unable to get around, and having to rely on other people to do things for you are just a few of the reasons you might feel down. Again, we recommend speaking with your doctor or support team. There are resources–many of which are free–to help you cope.
8. Recovery expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations about the immediate results and outcome of your surgery. Your surgeon can help guide you based on your specific case. I expected to be up and around, fully on my feet after two weeks. In reality, it took a full month.
9. Help for scarring: Again, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider about this. Scars usually don’t go away completely but there are things you can do to help minimize them. For starters, follow the instructions for looking after your incision. Most patients can start self-help about four weeks post-op. Home treatments include things like massaging the scar and using silicone creams and other products.
10. When to drive: If you drive or use other forms of transportation, make sure to ask your surgeon when you can get back in the driver’s seat. This will vary depending on your type of surgery. Many patients are surprised to learn they can’t drive for a month or more after a major operation. In my case, I had to wait six weeks.

Check out our free surgery information resources to support you.