The Missing 21 Days: Closing the Gap Between Surgery and Recovery - Paperback

by Kelly Kolek (Author)

What happens after surgery-when the patient leaves the hospital or surgical center and recovery truly begins?

The Missing 21 Days: Closing the Gap Between Surgery and Recovery focuses on the often-overlooked period between surgical discharge and follow-up care, when patients and caregivers are suddenly responsible for managing recovery at home.

Written for patients, caregivers, and families, this practical guide helps readers navigate the transition home, organize recovery questions, prepare for conversations with their surgical team, and better understand the importance of following individualized discharge and recovery instructions.

Successful surgery is only the beginning. Patients may return home with medications, activity restrictions, wound-care instructions, follow-up appointments, and questions that do not arise until hours or days after discharge. The Missing 21 Days brings attention to this critical recovery window and helps patients and caregivers feel more prepared for the days that follow surgery.

The book emphasizes communication, preparation, and partnership with the patient's healthcare team and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a physician's individualized instructions.

Created by Kelly Kolek, Founder of Postiva Health, The Missing 21 Days reflects her broader work focused on improving the experience between surgical discharge and recovery at home.