You Are Not Alone: How to Reconnect After Surgery
After surgery, it’s common to feel physically drained, but what we don’t talk about enough is the emotional impact of recovery. Many people describe feeling isolated, disconnected from their support networks, or unsure of how to reach out again.
In this blog, we’ll explore why social support matters so much during recovery, and offer gentle, practical ways to reconnect, even if you’re not quite sure where to start.
Why Social Support Matters After Surgery
There’s solid research showing that people who feel supported after surgery experience:
Better emotional wellbeing
Faster physical recovery
Lower pain intensity
A greater sense of control and confidence in their care
After endometriosis surgery, where the journey is often long, personal, and complex, connection becomes more than just nice-to-have, it becomes a key part of healing.
But What If I’ve Pulled Away?
It’s completely normal to retreat during flare-ups or after surgery. You may have:
Cancelled plans
Avoided texts or calls
Felt like a burden or too “unwell” to connect
Lost touch with people over time
That withdrawal may have been necessary. But now, if you’re feeling ready to rebuild those connections, even a little bit, know that it’s okay to start small.
Start With What Feels Safe
Reconnection doesn’t have to mean showing up in-person or responding to every message. You can build it gradually:
Choose one person who feels safe, comforting, or “low pressure”
Send a small check-in, even just “Hey, thinking of you today x”
Ask for what you need — maybe it’s help with errands, or just a phone call
Use text, voice memos, or letters if face-to-face feels too hard
Try This: Weekly Reflection Prompt
Ask yourself: “Who or what brings me comfort?”
There may be people, places, pets, routines, or online spaces that make you feel a little more at ease. Jot them down. Choose one to engage with gently this week.
Mindfulness Tool: Finding Strength in Community
Take a quiet moment to visualise the people who have supported you, now or in the past.
Imagine them surrounding you, holding space for you.
You don’t have to be physically close to feel that connection.
Let your nervous system take in that warmth.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Even if you’ve felt isolated, you’re not alone in that feeling. Even if you’ve pulled away, you’re still worthy of care. And even if you’re not ready to connect yet, that’s okay too.
Recovery isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, relational, and deeply human. Let yourself reach out in ways that feel manageable. There is strength in community and healing in being seen.
