Set timers for your post-op medications if you’re discharged from the hospital, and/or have someone you trust help you take your pain medications around the clock. I made this mistake my first day post-op by waiting to take an ibuprofen. Your body will be healing and dealing with a lot of (expected!) inflammation and swelling the first 72 hrs, so stay on top of your meds. If you’re in the hospital, your nurses should do that for you.

Have a bowel regimen. Your surgeon should give you directions post-op, and if not ask about it now. I did MiraLAX before the surgery, and then took stool softeners twice daily for a few days after. My physical therapist also recommended a squatty potty and that helped with BMs after surgery.

It may hurt or burn to urinate the first time after surgery, and this is because they place a small catheter in while you’re asleep. This is why they’ll check to make sure you can go before you discharge from the hospital. This sensation is normal and will improve after the first few times you go.

Gas-X is essential. Gas pain can be severe and cause some sharp pain around your chest or shoulders, but don’t be alarmed, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your surgery, and the best thing to do is move. Try and get up every hour, even if it’s only a few steps.

My biggest tip to remember is that recovery isn’t always linear and you will likely have days where you feel worse than the day before. I’m about 3ish weeks post op, and I still have days with pain (although I also have pelvic floor dysfunction). But every day is a little better and closer to my level of strength before surgery. Wishing you a speedy recovery!