I still remember how intimidating it felt to meet my surgeon for the first time. The buzzing in my stomach was like preparing for an exam - except on a subject I had never studied. Even if your surgery is elective, there are countless questions and concerns, all directed toward a highly skilled professional who may seem short on time. A great surgeon will never make you feel rushed. They will listen, answer your questions, and address your concerns. If they don’t, it’s worth considering another option. When I interviewed surgeons, I chose the one with the strongest qualifications and the greatest respect for communication. For surgery to be successful, trust is essential - and it begins with that very first appointment. SAMPLE QUESTIONS: 1. Why is this surgery medically necessary? 2. What diagnostic tools are you using to make that decision? 3. What are the: • Risks • Benefits • Alternative methods (if any) • How long will I be in the hospital • How long will recovery take • What type of help will I need after • What is my pain plan BEFORE SURGERY: WHAT IS A PAIN PLAN? A pain plan is a personalized strategy created with your surgical team to manage pain before, during, and after surgery. It sets expectations, reduces reliance on opioids, and supports a smoother recovery. It typically includes: • Your pain history (e.g., past experiences, sensitivities, medications) • Medication plan (non-opioids, nerve blocks, short term opioids, if needed) • Non medication tools (ice, breathwork, movement, sleep) • Education on what to expect and when to seek help A pain plan helps reduce complications, improves comfort, and puts you in control of your healing. Always review it with your doctor before surgery. 1. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL PREPAREDNESS On that first appointment my biggest advice is to keep an open mind and come armed with a list of questions, concerns, and fears. Ask your surgeon to explain the procedure in plain terms that you understand. Do not think that you’ll “remember it all”. Come equipped with a notebook. Bring a partner, friend, someone who will also be listening and may have a question or concern you don’t. When anxiety is high, comprehension can sometimes be faulty. 2. CALM THE STORM INSIDE SUPPORTING YOUR EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING BEFORE (AND AFTER) SURGERY A. MEDITATE DAILY: Start with 5-10 minutes a day. Focus on breath, calm your nerves, and gain mental clarity. A recent systematic review of 16 randomized trials found 9 out of 10 studies had reported significant decreases in perioperative anxiety, and 5 out of 8 studies showed improvements in postoperative pain scores with meditation versus pain control with medications. Visualize a strong recovery: Imagine yourself waking up from surgery safe, healing steadily, walking again, and smiling. Never let go. Never give up. Never run. Never surrender. Fight the good fight… -Amelia Shepherd, Grey’s Anatomy 76 OCTOBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
