Even minimally invasive surgeries are a big deal, so it’s not uncommon for patients to have some anxiety on the days and weeks leading up to their operation. However, this anxiety could actually be detrimental to your health, and studies have shown that mental anguish can actually lead to poorer recovery outcomes.
Now you’re probably thinking that you’re nervous about how your anxiety could negatively affect your surgery, but that’s a good thing. If you’re aware of how this anxiety could affect you and you’re willing to make some changes, there’s a good chance you can put those fears to bed before surgery. In today’s blog, we share 10 ways you can help calm your anxiety prior to spine surgery.
10 Ways To Reduce Presurgical Anxiety
Here’s a look at some of the most common sources of presurgical anxiety, and how you can help prevent and reduce them.
- Ask Questions – Our anxiety often stems from the fear of the unknown. Research has shown that patients who are more informed about their condition and their surgery have less pre-operative anxiety.
- Speak Your Concerns – Patients often find that the burden of anxiety lifts when they talk about what’s concerning them. Talk to your surgeon, your care team or your inner circle.
- Focus on the Positives – Focus on all you’ll have to gain assuming surgery goes well, not what could happen if surgery goes wrong.
- Realize How Safe Surgery Is – Know that with today’s technology, risks and complications are extremely rare.
- What You Can Control – Focus on what you can control. Some things may be out of your control, but focusing on what you can control, like your diet, exercise and weight are all things to focus your energy on to help reduce anxiety.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions – Many people notice that anxiety fades if they follow their doctor’s presurgical instructions. Ask questions if you’re confused about what you should be doing to prepare for surgery.
- Commit To Prehab – Prehabilitation can help your body become physically ready for life after surgery, and it can help you get in a rhythm of doing daily exercises, which will be important after surgery. Prehab has also been shown to help reduce pre-op anxiety.
- Pick A Surgeon You Trust – Really be engaged during your pre-op consultations. If you’re not feeling great about your care team, look elsewhere, as this could be where your anxiety is coming from.
- Consider Counseling – Many patients seeking out counseling to get help from a professional about their anxiety and nerves. We can help point you in the right direction if you’re looking for counseling options.
- Journal – Finally, many patients find that journaling and writing their feelings and emotions down on paper helps them cope with anxiety. Start journaling and see if it helps with your anxiety.
For help coping with presurgical anxiety, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and his experienced care team today.
