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My Surgery Journey

Surgery recovery isn't a straight line. Whether you've just been told you need an operation or you're weeks into recovery, this page helps you find what's relevant right now. No login, no rush: just the right information at the right time.

⚠️ This page helps you navigate our resources. It does not provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor, surgeon, or healthcare professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Where are you right now?

📅 I've just been told I need surgery Getting ready, asking the right questions 📋 Surgery is coming up soon Preparing your home, packing your bag 🏥 I just got home from hospital First 48 hours at home 🩹 I'm in early recovery (Week 1–2) Managing pain, wounds, daily tasks 💪 I'm getting stronger (Week 3+) Milestones, exercise, driving, work ⚠️ Something doesn't feel right When to worry, when to call

Preparing for Surgery

Getting organised early makes a real difference. These guides cover what to ask, what to stop, and how to set your home up before the day arrives.

📖 General preparation guide ✅ Printable checklist 📄 Printable surgery checklist 💊 Medications to stop/start 💉 Vaccines before surgery 🍚 Diet preparation

We also have surgery-specific preparation pages (e.g. preparing for hip replacement, knee replacement, cataract surgery, and more). Find your surgery →

Just Got Home

The first 48 hours at home can feel overwhelming. These pages cover the things people most often worry about in those early days.

🏠 First 48 hours 📄 Printable discharge pack 📅 The discharge gap 💬 Constipation after surgery 😴 Sleep difficulties 💜 Emotional recovery 💧 Why you might cry

Early Recovery (Week 1–2)

This is when you're learning your new routine: managing pain, caring for your wound, and starting to feel a bit more like yourself.

📈 Track your pain 📊 What pain to expect 💊 Medication schedule 📷 Wound photo tracker 🔍 Wound symptom checker 🩹 Scar healing 📋 Daily recovery dashboard

Getting Stronger (Week 3+)

You're turning a corner. These guides help you figure out when it's safe to get back to driving, exercise, work, and the things you enjoy.

🏋 Return to exercise 🚗 Driving after surgery ✅ Am I ready to drive? 💕 Sex after surgery ✈️ Flying after surgery 📝 Prepare for next appointment 💪 Rehab FAQ

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Tools That Help at Any Stage

These tools and resources are useful no matter where you are in your recovery journey.

🔍 Find your surgery 🩸 DVT risk checker 🤔 Is this normal? (wound checker) 📷 Chronic wound tracker 📞 Support helplines 📚 Surgical glossary 🩹 Living with a stoma 💉 Living with a PICC line 🩺 Living with a catheter

When Something Doesn't Feel Right

If you're worried about something, trust your instinct. These pages help you work out what might need attention: and who to contact.

📈 Pain getting worse 🤔 Is my wound normal? 🔍 Wound symptom checker ⚠️ DVT/blood clot warning signs 📞 Helplines and support

Find your specific surgery

We have detailed recovery guides for 107+ surgeries and procedures, each one with day-by-day timelines, warning signs, and practical advice.

Find your surgery →

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