<human>: Provide a brief overview of the text.

My SO of 7 months is having surgery on his ankle at the end of the month, and I basically just want to be awesome. He's my best friend, we've worked together for several years now, and he's expressed to me today that he's worried about being anxious prior to his surgery and cranky afterwards. 

Before the obvious answer of "talk to him," I do want to point out that we communicate extremely well and I've asked him several times to tell me what he needs when it comes to this surgery. Unfortunately, he says he just doesn't really know and because he had this surgery almost 30 years ago, he has no idea what to expect now, as an adult. 

I've suggested maybe sitting down together with his counselor to talk about a plan for his recovery, but he skimmed over that text and didn't seem super responsive to it. 

He's got to be non-weight bearing for two weeks, then limited weight bearing or partial weight-bearing for six to eight weeks. It's also on his driving foot, so he's not going to be getting around too well. I already stay at his for around 3-4 days a week and he's used to me being around, but I imagine this situation is going to mean a lot more vulnerability for him and I'm concerned that he's going to be overwhelmed with my presence and not want me around. 

Keep in mind this person is incredibly reserved while I'm incredibly "open book" so sometimes guessing what he's thinking and wanting is a bit of a struggle. 

So, shippers who have been through surgery/temporary care taking of a partner, how do I ensure that my relatively new relationship lives through this? What are steps I can take to make sure I'm not taking his grumpiness personally, that I'm not overstepping my welcome or infringing on his boundaries? I have every intention of communicating openly and honestly with my SO throughout his recovery, but I'm just looking for some more perspective from people who might have been through it.
<bot>: My fledgeling relationship is going to go through some tough times coming up with my boyfriend having ankle surgery. I want to be there for him, he doesn't know what he needs. What can I do besides basic communication?