PRE-SURGERY INFORMATION
Being Informed, is being prepared
Being Informed, is being prepared
"Your guide to feeling calm, organised, and ready for your operation"
Having undertaken this journey ourselves, we understand how daunting it can feel. OOKP surgery is a big step, and it’s normal to feel nervous.
One of the best ways to ease those nerves; for both you and your family;, is being as prepared as possible. This section is designed to help you feel confident and supported. This is why we've included a checklist, to help you remain focused and calm. Many people have used our checklist before their operation, and they’ve told us it really helped.
Think of it as your “ready-for-surgery” plan, with small, simple steps, to make the whole experience smoother for you, your carers, and your medical team.
Keep all hospital letters together. Place every appointment letter, consent form, and information leaflet you have in your possession, in a large envelope or folder. On the day of surgery, take the whole folder with you, so nothing is forgotten.
TIP:
Don't worry if you can't find a specific piece of information, using the folder method, just means you have less to remember on the day, if asked a question
Make a medication list. Ask your carer or family member to write down all the tablets, drops, or injections you take, including name, dose, and time of day taken. Keep it in a small notebook or typed sheet you can hand to your surgeon. This saves you trying to remember everything when under stress.
Fasting instructions. Your hospital team will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. Ask your carer to write this down clearly on a sticky note or calendar so it’s easy to check. Or better still, place a reminder on your phone, so it can speak the information if nobody is around.
Allergies and history. If you have allergies or past operations, note them down and keep them with your medication list. That way, you won’t have to recall details on the spot.
Travel arrangements. Plan transport ahead of time. Make sure someone you trust is booked to bring you to the hospital and collect you afterwards. Don’t rely on taxis alone unless agreed with the hospital.
Talk through your worries. Write questions down (or ask someone to write them for you) and bring the list to your appointments. Surgeons and nurses expect questions, and it’s easier if you don’t have to remember them.
Use calming tools. Gentle music, prayer, meditation, or guided relaxation exercises can help calm your mind. Ask your carer to load these onto your phone or music player so they’re ready when you need them. Read our newsletters if you need inspiration for tools you can use
Remind yourself: nerves are normal. Every patient feels this way before surgery, but remember, the staff are trained to reassure and support you.
Clothes: Loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to change in and out of (avoid tight collars, tops or trousers).
Mobility and vision aids: Glasses, magnifiers, or a white cane if you use one. Also, remember your phone and charger, if you have text/document reading apps like Envision or Seeing AI.
Essentials: Toiletries (toothbrush, comb, flannel), tissues, and lip balm. Try avoiding perfumes and the like, as they may affect your recovery. Ask your care team for suggestions, or if you're unsure about a product.
Notebook and pen: Carers can use this to record what the doctor says. You can also jot down feelings or reminders. Again, if you use a note-taking app on your phone, it makes notes much more accessible
Comfort item: Something small and personal, like a photo, soft toy, scarf, or worry beads, to give reassurance during quiet moments.
Know the visiting rules. Ask your hospital for current policies on visitors and make sure your carer has times written down. Also, ask your care team if there are parking permits for family or carers. Parking charges can be expensive for those visiting regularly.
Plan support at home. Talk about who will help with meals, housework, and transport during your recovery. Pre-preparing frozen meals or easy food before surgery helps. Prepare a timetable and place it in your phone for easy access, to reduce stress and frustration, when remembering after surgery.
Clear the home environment. Make walkways clutter-free, set up a comfortable resting place, and have items you’ll need close by (like medications, tissues, or a jug of water). Also, it helps having a sling pouch you can easily carry across your body, containing your phone, remotes, ear buds, entertainment consoles etc. It saves sitting down to rest, then realising the remote is on the other side of the room
Agree on communication. Decide who will update extended family and friends, so you don’t feel pressure to explain things yourself.
Rest up. Aim for early nights in the week before surgery. A well-rested body heals better. Also, clear your diary of all appointments, so concentration is focused on your OOKP surgery.
Balanced meals. Eat nourishing food with vegetables, fruit, and protein, unless your doctor has advised otherwise. All these aid recovery.
Light activity. Short walks or gentle movement help keep your body strong, but consult your care team to ensure your exercise will not affect your recovery or place strain on the surgical area.
Avoid alcohol and smoking. These can affect healing and recovery, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. If this is difficult, consult your medical team for advice and assistance.
Preparing for OOKP surgery is about reducing stress and making sure everything you need is already in place. The more organised you feel, the calmer you and your family will be. Remember:
You're not expected to remember everything. Writing things down and using this checklist is enough.
Your care team has helped many people through this same journey, they know how to guide you.
Every small step of preparation is a big step towards feeling confident and ready.
You don’t have to face this alone. With your family, carers, and the support group by your side, you can go into surgery knowing you’ve done everything possible to make the experience smooth, safe, and successful.
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To save time, place this page as a bookmark in your web page favourits on your phone. It makes it instantly available, and allows for easy access
Below is a checklist you can copy and print, with tick boxes to clearly indicate when a task has been completed. Many of us have found, using the checklist, reduces stress, makes tasks instantly accessible and prevents you repeating actions.
☐ Hospital letters, appointment forms, and test results all in one folder.
☐ A notebook (or phone note) with your medications, dosages, and allergies clearly listed.
☐ Your mobility aids (cane, magnifier, etc.), if you use them.
☐ Follow hospital fasting instructions. Write down the exact times so you don’t forget.
☐ Confirm who will drive or accompany you to and from the hospital. Write down times and locations.
☐ Pack a small hospital bag: loose clothing, slippers, and comfort items (audiobook, music, prayer beads etc).
☐ Prepare the home in advance: clear walkways, set up a resting chair/bed, and make things easy to reach.
☐ Stock up on ready meals or arrange support for cooking and housework.
☐ Agree on how updates will be shared with friends/family during your hospital stay.
☐ Write down questions for your doctors so nothing is forgotten at the appointment.
☐ Plan calming activities: music, meditation, prayer, or relaxation recordings.
☐ Rest well and eat balanced meals before surgery to support recovery.
REMINDER!
Print and keep this checklist with your hospital folder or on your fridge. Tick each box when complete so you know you’re ready.
☐ Bring hospital letters and test results
☐ Bring a notebook with medications & allergies
☐ Pack loose clothes, slippers, and comfort items
☐ Confirm travel arrangements to/from hospital
☐ Follow fasting instructions (times written down)
☐ Prepare home for easy movement & rest
☐ Stock simple meals or ask for help with cooking
☐ Write down questions for your doctors
☐ Plan something calming for the night before
☐ Rest well and stay hydrated
TIP:
Print this list and keep it somewhere easy to see; like on your fridge; then tick off each step so you feel prepared and relaxed before surgery.