“You’re going to need surgery” said the emergency room doctor on that fateful Friday in March. “We may want to admit you tonight, or bring you back in for outpatient surgery tomorrow. I’m just waiting to see which option the orthopaedic surgeon recommends.”
Shocked, the moment of injury re-ran incessantly through my adrenaline-flooded brain like a TikTok video you want to look away from but can’t. I was having a hard time believing it had come to this. Never having had surgery in my life, I had no idea what to expect and nor, apparently, did I have time to prepare. The break I sustained to my tibia was significant enough to warrant urgent surgery, so I wasn’t going to protest. But the truth is, as grateful as I was to get this ordeal over with, I was scared stiff.
Scared because I have an irrational fear of dying on the operating table. Scared because I had no idea how awful and painful the process would be. Scared because I knew I was going to have a plate and screws drilled in my tibia. Scared because I had no idea how my body would react to suddenly becoming the Bionic Woman.
And perhaps most of all, I was scared because, like 29 per cent of Canadians, I live on my own. I love living on my own for many reasons, however, it’s a serious liability when faced with recovering from surgery at home.
As such, I had to quickly understand my options for getting help when I needed it the most. My surgeon ended up bringing me in for day surgery. This meant that as soon as I woke up from surgery, I was given some informational sheets about what to expect along with medication instructions and was hustled as quickly as possible out of the hospital and back on home to recuperate.
Needless to say, I was in no frame of mind to ask coherent questions after surgery. Whether your surgery is urgent or has been planned for a while, my advice is to make sure you ask any and all questions of your surgeon and care team that you need to before you head into the operating theatre.
Here’s a Handy List of Questions to Ask Before Surgery
See below for a downloadable, printable version to take with you.
What kind of help will I need immediately after surgery?
✔️ Will I be able to walk, shower, or use the bathroom on my own?
✔️ Will I need help with dressing, cooking, cleaning, or basic daily tasks?
✔️ How soon after surgery will I be able to return to work?
How long will I need help at home?
✔️ How many days or weeks of limited mobility/assistance are expected?
✔️ Is there a typical timeline for recovery milestones?
What medications will I need post-surgery?
✔️ Will I be on strong pain medications that affect alertness or mobility?
✔️ If yes, for how long?
✔️ Will I need help organizing or remembering to take my medications?
Will I need follow-up appointments or wound care?
✔️ Will I need someone to drive me to appointments?
✔️ Will I need help changing bandages or checking for signs of infection?
✔️ What kind of bandages do I need to purchase ahead of time?
✔️ Should I clean my wound or just replace the bandage?
✔️ How long should I wear a bandage for?
✔️ When can I get water on the wound?
✔️ How long do stitches or staples stay in?
What are the red flags during recovery — and what should I do if I’m alone?
✔️ What are the signs of complications I should watch for?
✔️ Who should I contact if I experience issues while home alone?
Can I arrange a hospital stay extension or short-term rehab stay?
✔️ Is it possible to stay in the hospital longer if I don’t have home support?
✔️ Are there convalescent homes or short-term rehab centers in my area?
What kind of equipment might I need at home?
✔️ Will I need crutches, a brace, a walker, a raised toilet seat, or shower chair?
✔️ Can I get these ahead of time, and where?
What can I do before surgery to make recovery easier?
✔️ Should I prep meals or move furniture to clear space?
✔️ Can I set up a recovery station with essentials nearby?
✔️ Are there any exercises I can do before surgery to aid recovery?
Who can I contact if I need extra help after I’m home?
✔️ Can the hospital refer me to home care services?
✔️ Are there any publicly funded or low-cost supports available for solo recovery?
What’s the best way to communicate with my care team?
✔️ Will anyone follow up with me after surgery?
✔️ Will I have access to a nurse hotline or email for questions?
✔️ Should I schedule a check-in call if leaving the house is difficult?
Downloadable, Printable List of Questions To Ask Your Surgeon and Care Team – Before Surgery
Looking to hire a caregiver at home?
Here’s your essential guide to publicly funded and private home healthcare in Canada.
Some Final Thoughts
You will need someone to stay with you for a few nights right after your surgery, especially if you’re on strong painkillers. If you don’t have anyone at all, make sure you tell hospital staff and discuss your options.
Pay attention to your nutritional needs post-surgery and work with your family and circle of friends to make sure you’re getting food that meets your healing requirements. For example, people with broken bones need to get about 1.3 grams of protein per kilo of weight, along with vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals.
This might mean asking friends to bring you protein-rich dishes that you heat up, or healthy snacks you can reach for. Drink lots of water and clear liquids like herbal teas to flush your system and promote healing.
If you have pets, you may need someone to help with their care. For dog owners, this may mean getting a dog walker to come in daily until you’re back on your feet, or perhaps a neighbour or friend can help out. You may find that you’ll need help not only with your own nutritional needs, but also that of your fur babies.
If you’re in charge of children and you’re the only adult in the house, getting help with childcare, cooking and housekeeping as you heal will be a necessity.
Going through and recovering from surgery is one of those life challenges that pushes you to your limits — physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can feel like you’re being asked to scale a mountain with a broken leg, and in my case, that’s pretty much how it feels.
But here’s the truth: if I can do it, you can do it. And with the right preparation and support, even a solo recovery doesn’t have to mean going it alone. Ask the questions. Advocate for yourself. Accept help — even if asking for it doesn’t come naturally.
Prioritize what is important, prepare what you can and forgive yourself for what you can’t. And most importantly, be gentle with yourself and the people who want to help you. Healing takes time, and every small step forward — even if it’s wobbly and slow — is a victory.
~Read more from The Health Insider~
- Thinking of Going Private for a Surgical Procedure? Here Are Some Considerations
Think shorter wait times, likely better equipment and probably a private room. Due diligence still required. - Recovering from Surgery When You Live Alone: What You Need to Know
No one to help after surgery? You must plan ahead. Here’s what to ask your care team, how to prep, and where to get help when you’re home alone. - Plant Protein Is the New Power Move: Boost Energy, Support Health, and Ditch the Meat Guilt
Want to eat less meat without sacrificing protein? These plant-powered picks make it easy to support muscle, bone, and immune health.
The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.