Preoperative anxiety is a common feeling for those who are nervous about having surgery and may be brought on by uncertainty or fear of what could occur. However, acquiring proper knowledge about a forthcoming procedure, experimenting with relaxation methods, and taking certain drugs may all assist in reducing such fears. The following are ways to reduce anxiety before surgery:
Table of Contents
Find Out More About Your Procedure
The more enlightened you are about your health condition and the procedure you’re having, the more at ease you’ll be with it. Pay great attention to details about surgery success rates and your surgical needs. For instance, if you concentrate on how much better and all the things you’ll be able to accomplish following the operation, it could help lessen the negative emotions connected to the anxiety of that procedure.
Talk to Your Surgeon About Your Concerns
In some instances, the surgeon may be able to alleviate your worries and anxiety about the procedure by prescribing a sedative or tranquilizer. Additionally, talking about your concerns with your surgeon allows you to establish a trusting rapport and connection, which may be essential if part of your concerns are related to the possibility of surgical mistakes or a lack of faith in your surgeon.
Also, a patient may utilize a medical imaging app like MirrorMe3D to store and share preoperative and postoperative data with their surgeon. Knowing that you have everything in one place that is readily accessible to you and your surgeon can help put your mind at ease.
Consider Therapy or Counselling
Some patients worry that their anxiety related to surgery may not be severe enough to warrant counseling. However, therapy or counseling may be beneficial for managing the adverse effects of stress before surgery. Counseling may help you overcome your fear so you can get the care and comfort you urgently need, whether you’ve been advised to undergo cervical disc replacement, Sacroiliac joint fusion, or cancer removal surgery. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy if you suffer from anxiety.
Follow the Pre-Surgery Instructions
If you’re concentrating on the preparations you need to make for your operation and checking things off your “to-do” list. You could find yourself too preoccupied to give these worries and anxieties a chance to develop. These preparations may include:
- Preparing your pack and ensuring you have the necessary supplies with you.
- Establishing a “recovery area” in your house where you can comfortably get into and out of bed.
- Put everything you need to help you recuperate close to reach, including chargers for electronics, TV remotes, tissues, water bottles, novels, additional pillows, and wholesome foods.
- Arranging transportation to and from the procedure and having someone around to help you with daily tasks.
Look for Alternative Therapies for Anxiety
Therapy may not be the only kind of treatment available for those who are nervous before surgery. Several excellent complementary and alternative medical approaches are so promising. They include:
Yoga
Yoga has long been used as a stress relief method because it combines a variety of physical postures with relaxation, regulated breathing, and meditation to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and overall tension.
Hypnosis
Over the years, individuals and medical professionals have used hypnosis for various purposes, such as stress reduction, quitting smoking, weight loss, and more.
Acupuncture
According to a study at Georgetown University’s School of Nursing and Health Studies, acupuncture effectively reduces stress.
Massage
When it comes to reducing stress, massage is frequently one of the first things people consider. It’s the same with anxiety relief. Massage can be a great soothing tool to help you get ready for surgery.
Tapping
Tapping, also known as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), mixes acupressure with psychology to calm the brain’s amygdala and lower stress levels by reducing cortisol.
Acupressure
Acupressure is another traditional Chinese practice that has been shown to ease anxiety and lessen the probability of panic episodes.
Herbal Treatments
You may overcome your fear of surgery by using one of the numerous herbal medicines and therapies available today that relieve stress, anxiety, and other conditions. Naturally, before undergoing surgery, discuss any herbal therapies with your doctor.
Mindfulness Meditation
This straightforward meditation requires paying attention to both your breathing and your thoughts. You grow to see that your ideas flow in and out of their own volition and, more crucially, that you are not your thoughts.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming
NLP is becoming more popular as a tool for boosting self-esteem, losing weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
An individual’s anxiety level before surgery can vary from person to person. However, you may have tomophobia if your worry prevents you from moving forward with an operation. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss the procedure with your doctor and get all the knowledge you need to feel empowered enough to overcome it.
