Surgery: What do you know now that you wish you knew before?

[bsmcneil]

If you've had surgery (particularly more substantive ones), what did you learn before/after? What was helpful in getting through (mentally, physically, logistically)? What surprised you? What do you wish you had known? Any "hacks", urban legends that didn't really pan out?

I'm personally having one (not looking for attention - but I thought it might be weird if I wasn't honest). I'm trying to think things through - the other surgeries I had (fairly minor), I hadn't really known what to expect. I'm also sort of alone - with friends and acquaintances throughout the country. So, I'm trying to make a list of "Ways you can help (from afar)" - things like, sending me movie or book recs, memes, etc.

 

[bsmcneil]

If you've had surgery (particularly more substantive ones), what did you learn before/after? What was helpful in getting through (mentally, physically, logistically)? What surprised you? What do you wish you had known? Any "hacks", urban legends that didn't really pan out?

I'm personally having one (not looking for attention - but I thought it might be weird if I wasn't honest). I'm trying to think things through - the other surgeries I had (fairly minor), I hadn't really known what to expect. I'm also sort of alone - with friends and acquaintances throughout the country. So, I'm trying to make a list of "Ways you can help (from afar)" - things like, sending me movie or book recs, memes, etc.

I should've added - mine is ACDF (interior, due to a spinal cord thing)

 

[JoanneAZ]

This may seem obvious but, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the surgery and recovery before the surgery. If you’re kept in the hospital post surgically ask the nurses and doctors questions as they come to you. Write them down if you need to. There is no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to your health.

Good luck with your procedure and recovery. I hope it all goes smoothly.

 

[mylilnikita]

Well my first was an unplanned c section. It was so unplanned that during the hospital tour I decided to leave at the c section part because oh no it wasn’t part of how I saw it going for me lol.
I was straight out scared they didn’t go oh hey we will strap your arms down etc. the anesthesiologist realized I was freaking and talked me through stuff.

Both last year abd this year I had procedures done under GA . I was more vocal asked questions let then know that as long as I know what is going to happen in advance I’ll be ok. Both times went smoothly.

I’ll be getting a hysterectomy not sure when now as my gyno has stopped doing surgery and I have an appointment at end o month at the sister office.
But guess what? I’ll he letting them know I expect to know the drill as it were.
You have to be your best advocate! Good luck