Preparing for Surgery
There are a number of steps one can take to not only decrease anxiety and discomfort associated with surgery, but also to speed up recovery time. One important and little known step in preparing for an operation is to talk to your body about what is going to happen. I know that sounds weird, so let me explain.
Embedded within our autonomic nervous system are self protective responses that are triggered in the presence of threats to our safety, real or perceived. When undergoing surgery, the nervous system may interpret the surgical intervention to be an attack on the body, and consequently go into a fight, flight, or freeze state in response to the procedure. This response, which may last long after the surgery is complete, would be counterproductive to the healing process, and so should be avoided or minimized if possible.
Preventing this response may be achieved by having a dialog with the body. Explaining the purpose of the procedure you will undergo will help to prime the nervous system for the experience and decrease the chance that it will engage a self protective response. Somatic Experiencing® therapy is an effective way of both preparing the body for surgery as well as in recovery.
Another extremely important consideration is that you communicate with your anesthesiologist and ensure that Versed is NOT used during your surgery. This medication, if used, will erase your implicit and explicit memory of the surgery, but will do nothing to affect the pain and dysregulation that takes place during the surgery and will dramatically increase the likelihood of experiencing post-op PTSD. Here is an article that explains how Versed works in more detail and why to avoid it.
Also, if at all possible, visit the surgery center prior to the day of the surgery and orient yourself to the environment. You will be disoriented coming out of anesthesia, and having some prior familiarity with your surroundings will go a long way to help you reorient. Visiting prior to the day of the surgery will also help take the activation level you will experience on the day of surgery down a level, because upon arrival you will already know where you need to park and how to get to your destination. You may even see familiar faces upon check in from your prior visit.
Below is an excellent article written by Sutter Center for Integrative Holistic Health Team Members, that gives practical steps you can take for surgery prep:
Preparing for Surgery and Recovery; The Wellness Approach
Following these instructions beginning a few days prior to your surgery may help speed your recovery and improve your overall health. Please speak with your personal physician if you have any questions or concerns about the following.
Communicate with your Care Team
Understand your post-surgery recovery process. Have your medical team explain how you may feel on day 1, day 2, week 1, and week 2 so that you can anticipate what kind of support you will need at home. Know what limitations you may have and the timeline. Talk to other patients who have had a similar procedure and learn about what they needed. Request information on what to bring on the day of surgery, as well as information on discharge plans.Ask your health care provider about which medications to discontinue and which to continue prior to your surgery.
Line up people to be part of your support team: Talk to them about your needs, your anticipated recovery schedule, and your intentions for recovery.
Prepare your home for your recovery period
If needed, re-arrange furniture and remove throw rugs or other tripping hazards to prevent falls.Set up resting areas so needed items will be within reach (charging cords, remote controls, phone, place to set drinks and snacks, important numbers, medications).
Stock up on groceries or other items you will need after surgery. Think about the healthy foods that comfort you and have them on hand before surgery. What foods calm your stomach if you are nauseated from anesthesia or pain medications? Know what foods can you have with the medications that you are taking.
Decrease Anxiety
Visit the hospital or surgery center ahead of time so that you can get a sense of what to expect and what you will need to bring with you for your surgery, especially if you will be admitted to the hospital afterwards. Knowing how long it takes to drive to the hospital and where to park can decrease day-of-surgery jitters.Talk with your doctors and nurses about your dietary needs or any other concerns you may have.Listen to pre-surgery guided imagery recordings. Guided imagery induces a relaxed state of mind, which enhances your immune system and speeds healing. Repeating positive affirmations about your desired outcome from surgery can also help to set the stage for a successful surgery and recovery. You can listen to these recordings during most surgeries; talk to your surgeon and anesthesiologist about this ahead of time. Guided imagery and affirmation CDs are available from the Sutter Resource Library located at 2800 L Street, Sacramento, Suite 600; 916-733-3880. Recordings are also available online and as smart phone applications.Listen to music that you like, to help you relax the day prior to and day of your surgery. Listening to music you love helps your body produce endorphins that help elevate your mood.
Watch funny videos prior to surgery, or engage in laughter exercises. Deep laughter works the diaphragm and helps to clear the lungs; it’s also a great way to reduce stress and anxiety before surgery. For some great resources on laughter, check out www.laughteryoga.org.Practice Restorative ActivitiesSleep to the best of your ability: Sleep is restorative, and many healing traditions consider sleep to be the foundation of good health. If you are anxious and have trouble sleeping, try some gentle relaxation or breathing exercises.Restart your regular exercise routine as soon as allowed after surgery to promote optimal health. Taking relaxing walks outside can enhance your respiratory system and improve your mood. Practicing some gentle yoga or stretching exercises can allow your body to ease back into your daily activities after surgery.Drink plenty of water to improve the function of your liver and kidneys and to help discharge other toxins. Follow your anesthesiologist’s instructions on food and liquid consumption the day before surgery.
Seek counseling and support if your surgery involves body image changes, a difficult diagnosis, prolonged recovery, or lifestyle changes.
Stop or Minimize Substances
Avoid all alcohol for at least 2 days prior to and 2 days after surgery.
If you are a smoker, it is important to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. If you need help with this, contact your local American Lung Association office or the California Smoker’s HelpLine at 1-800-662-8887.
Stop all vitamins, supplements, and over the counter medicines (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor) two weeks prior to surgery; many of these can interfere with wound healing after surgery.
Written by Sutter Center for Integrative Holistic Health Team Members:Theodora Wilner, MA, RYT, Max Barish-Wreden, MD; Ron Cotterel, MD,Deborah Cohen, MFT, Althea Cervantes Moynihan, RN, MPH, RYT,Michael Allen MD, Linda Allen CST, Terri Wolf, RNFor more information onSutter Center for Integrative Holistic Health (SCIHH) providers, please visit:www.checksutterfirst.org/integrativehealth