What are best practices for documenting my pre-op condition and expected results before leaving home?

Record symptoms, meds, vitals, and photos with timestamps; write down recovery goals and expected outcomes to share with your surgeon.

Take dated photos, record baseline pain, swelling, mobility, appetite, and mood. Note medications, supplements, allergies, last meals, vitals if you can (temperature, blood pressure). Share your expectations and concerns with your surgical team before heading out.

Start with a simple checklist: document your current symptoms, energy levels, mobility, cognitive clarity, and any physical changes that might matter post-surgery. Snap clear, well-lit photos of the surgical area and any scars to compare later. Track vitals like blood pressure, resting heart rate, oxygen levels, and pain scores twice a day for a few days before leaving, wearable devices can help. Keep a log of medications, supplements, last doses, and any supplements you plan to stop or restart. Write down what you expect to feel during recovery, along with goals you want to reach (e.g., walking a short distance, managing discomfort). Share the notes with whoever is supporting you so they can monitor subtle changes. Bring this documentation to pre-op appointments and include copies in your hospital bag. If anything changes suddenly, contact your surgeon; accurate baseline data helps distinguish normal pre-op status from new concerns.