The purpose of surgery is often for the betterment of health and life. Many individuals panic, become anxious, or even develop a nervous breakdown when the word “surgery” is mentioned. These sentiments are expected. Just the way the body is to be prepared for surgery, so must the mind be prepared.
How to Prepare for Surgery Mentally
1. Do not hide fear or anxiety – talk to the doctor openly
It is common to be afraid of surgery. Some are afraid of anesthesia, while others are worried about the results of the operation. In such a situation, the first and most important step is – talk to your doctor.
Ask the doctor:
- What will happen during surgery?
- How does anesthesia work?
- How long will recovery take?
- Are there any risks?
Many fears will be alleviated once you are fully informed.
2. Practice meditation and deep breathing
Meditation and deep breathing exercises meditate develops a peaceful ambiance for the human mind. It reduces the anxiety levels and psychologically strengthens the individuals who are really undergoing surgeries.
Try either Headspace or Calm, both of which are basically simple beginner-friendly meditation apps if you are a novice in meditation.
3. Get yourself informed about your treatment
Every surgery is different – some are minor and some are major. Whether your surgery is going to be over in a day or is a long one, it is very important that you know how this surgery will affect your body.
Read any information or papers your doctor gives you carefully. This will help you understand the procedure better.
4. Take the support of family or friends
It makes everything more stressful being alone and handling everything in surgery; maybe it could be a close friend or family member. Just the presence of the person would calm your mind and provide emotional security.
5. Change your thinking
Keep your thinking positive. Tell yourself that this surgery will improve my health, and I will overcome it well. Sometimes positive thinking also works as a great medicine.
How to prepare for surgery physically
After being mentally prepared, now it is time to make the body strong for surgery. Let’s know how:
1. Take a healthy and balanced diet
The healthier your body is before surgery, the faster you will recover. Healthy diet means – fresh fruits, green vegetables, pulses, whole grains, milk and dry fruits.
Example:
If you start every day with a bowl of oats and a banana, eat dal-roti in the day and light vegetables at night – then your body will remain strong.
2. Drink lots of water
Water as cleansing agent, exercises a detox alternate for every tissue and cell of the human body, including the skin cells. Increase, before and after surgery, the amount of water consumed.
Note: Doctors may sometimes forbid drinking anything a few hours before surgery – so consult the doctor.
3. Stay completely away from alcohol and intoxication
If you take alcohol or any intoxicant a few days or weeks before surgery, it can make your surgery dangerous. These can slow down your recovery and affect anesthesia.
4. Understand the rules of eating and drinking
There are some surgeries where you have to abstain from eating or drinking anything for 8 to 12 hours before surgery. This is so that there is no vomiting or breathing problem during anesthesia.
So, make sure to ask the doctor:
- When should I stop eating?
- Which medicines should I continue taking?
5. Give information about your medicines to the doctor
If you are already taking any medicine – like for blood pressure, sugar or thyroid – then make sure to tell the doctor. This information is very useful during surgery.
6. Understand beforehand how to manage pain after surgery
After every surgery, there is some pain. The doctor will give you medicine to manage this pain. But it is important that you understand from him beforehand that:
- When does the pain get more?
- How often should I take medicine?
- What things will reduce the pain?
7. Make a plan for post-surgery care
After the surgery, you will not be able to move much for a few days, so think beforehand:
- Who will take care of you?
- Will you need a wheelchair, walker or a special bed?
- Prepare food, medicines and clothes beforehand.
Lastly – trust yourself
Surgery is not an easy task, but proper preparation can make this experience better and safer. Staying mentally calm and physically strong – these are the two biggest weapons that will help you in this journey.
Trust yourself. Trust your doctor. And most importantly – do not run away from fear, but understand it and face it.
