Everyone’s experience is unique, but your doctor can give you a broad idea of how people similar to you have dealt with your surgery.

There are things you can get to help your space be ready so your life is as easy as possible when you're not feeling great after your surgery. I needed a pillow to keep my legs raised when I was sleeping, an ankle brace with an ice pack, and a knee scooter.

It’s good to understand whether you’ll need someone with you at home after surgery, and to what extent you’ll need their help.

Depending on what kind of surgery you have, your doctor will schedule follow-up visits at certain intervals to check  on your healing and adjust medications or pain relief strategies as needed.

Often doctors will prescribe pain relief medications the day of surgery, and that becomes one more thing you have to do when all you want is to get home and rest. Getting prescriptions filled early was a big help for me.

Many clinics have a patient portal for messaging your medical team if you have a question or problem; some physicians even give out their number directly. I have found that most doctors are very responsive to post-op questions because they don't want their patients having issues.

Your doctor needs to know if anything you’re on — including any supplements — could interfere with your anesthesia or pain relief medications.

Latex allergies or allergies to certain medications.

If you’ve had side effects to anesthesia or other problems related to surgery, your team will try to make adjustments to prevent those issues.

Your surgeon wants to be sure you’re in good shape to go through surgery and recover well.