Surgery: what they don't tell you (but I will!)

Written by Cecelia*

If you’ve got surgery coming up, first of all - aroha to you. Whether it’s a big operation or a small one, it’s still your body on the line, and that can feel pretty nerve-wracking. I’ve been through a few myself, and while the surgeons and nurses are absolute legends, there are a lot of “little things” they don’t put in the brochure. So here’s my unofficial, mildly cheeky guide to making surgery just a bit easier.

Let’s start with the cold, hard truth: hospital pillows are stuffed with crinkly plastic and sadness. Bring your own. Trust me.

Also pack:

- A long phone charger (hospital power points are always two metres from you).

- Your favourite toiletries - nothing boosts morale like smelling vaguely like yourself.

- Loose, comfy clothing with zero buttons, because after the op, anything with fastenings feels like an exam you did not study for.

Hair - get it sorted before surgery. You won’t want to sit in a hairdresser’s chair or lean/bend into a sink for a while post-op. And remember, your body can take time to fully recover from the effects of anaesthesia, so set things up to make life easier later.

Hospitals are loud, bright, cold, hot, and somehow dry and humid at the same time.

Pack:

- Lip balm (the place is drier than my humour).

- Warm socks, and if reaching your tootsies is challenging, make sure you have a sock aid. It’ll be your new best friend.

- Earbuds or earplugs.

- A soft shawl or blanket, something that says “I am more than just a number.”

Be your own advocate. If you’re in pain, tell someone. If you’re nauseous, tell someone. If you hear yourself saying, “I don’t want to be a bother,” stop immediately - this is literally their job.

The number one mistake? Thinking you’ll bounce back in two days.

Nope. You’re not a bouncy ball, you’re a healing human.

Here’s what really helps:

- Take the pain meds before the pain catches up and karate-chops you.

- Keep the wound clean and follow the medical advice around wound care.

- Go to the follow-ups even if you’re “fine.”

- Let yourself feel emotional, post-op blues are absolutely a thing.

A great recovery hack:

A small carry bag you can sling over your shoulder so you’re not doing 27 trips around the house like a confused pigeon. Put in:

- Your phone and charger

- Notebook and pen (anaesthesia brain is REAL — write down when you last had pain relief!)

- Lip balm

- Tissues

- Hand sanitiser (especially handy if you’re on crutches and can’t reach sinks easily)

Surgery is hard - but a bit of planning, a dose of humour, and a commitment to comfort can make it so much smoother. Bring the soft clothes, the long charger, the good toiletries, and yes, your own pillow.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Healing isn’t a race. It’s more like a slow shuffle with snacks.

*Name has been changed.