The post-operative stress behind a surgery slows down recovery
Did you know that hospital stays and some diagnostic tests, although necessary, produce extra stress for the patient? Sometimes because of lack of information, complications, poor treatment from some healthcare staff, financial difficulties, lack of support, etc., the patient’s nervous system is affected, producing symptoms (post-operative stress) that sometimes aren’t understood.
Do you know anyone who, after their operation, started having symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression, aggressiveness, excessive use of painkillers to control pain, etc.?
To help you understand this process better, read my article Trauma: What is it and how do you come through it?
Post-operative and pre-operative stress: WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
Surgical procedures, although they can bring relief, are also loaded with anxiety and are a source of psychological stress for the patient, making them feel vulnerable because they’re forced to face unknown situations that carry certain risks to life.
How much anxiety you may experience and your ability to manage anxiety during the surgical process depends on:
Whether you’ve had surgical complications in the past.
How long and how serious the illness is.
The type and severity of past interventions.
Prior psychological preparation for it.
The company and help you’ll have throughout the process.
TESTIMONY FROM SOMEONE I PREPARED FOR SURGERY:
“It was strange, Martha, there was no anxiety because my body, somehow, wasn’t defensive, it was like my body knew the surgery was necessary and because of that it was receptive, it knew it was in good hands. When the surgery ended the doctor told me: ‘it was very easy to remove the tumour, it was as if your body was ready.’ I had moments of intense pain, but I was able to handle it differently. I was surprised because I didn’t need as many painkillers and my stress level was very low.”
PSYCHOLOGICAL PREPARATION:
Since surgical procedures are full of uncertainty and stress, it’s important that we identify, explore and process in therapy the emotions tied not only to the surgery, but to:
The children
The financial side
Work worries
Who will look after you, etc…
Fears and worries are there for a reason and need to be listened to. You’ll be surprised to see how your attitude changes once you listen to them.
Preparation: ideally it starts 3 weeks before the surgery.
The number of sessions can be 3–6 depending on the level of anxiety, past traumatic experiences and the seriousness of the surgery.
The importance of managing post-operative and pre-operative stress
Did you know that preparing psychologically for a surgery helps you…
Lower your cortisol level, the stress hormone.
You’ll have less muscle tension
You improve circulation and oxygenation
Which will support healing and your recovery
Your blood pressure balance, heart rate and breathing will be better
Which will prevent complications
Your hospital stay and rehabilitation will be shorter
If you’re relaxed you’ll need less sedation
Less need for painkillers
Better healing
You’ll be calmer and more relaxed before, during and after the surgery.
You’ll be able to relate better to medical staff and your family to work as a team on your recovery. This is essential!
Doctor
It’s important that you feel safe or comfortable with him, and for that it’s crucial that he listens to you, answers all your questions, gives you information and respects your concerns. If you don’t trust your doctor, even if he’s the best, keep looking if you can, until you find the right one for you.
Sometimes doctors are very busy and play down your needs. Unfortunately the system doesn’t notice the extra psychological stress this causes and what that means for your recovery.
It’s important that you have all the information so you can make an informed decision and have more realistic expectations. On the other hand, when you know in advance what to expect after the operation, it will help you cope with it better.
If you can bring someone with you to the medical appointment, even better — it will help you remember what the doctor says and ask other things.
To reduce post-operative stress and stress before the surgery: What can you do?
I recommend you ask some questions before the surgery or the treatment, such as:
Why is this procedure necessary? It could be to prevent pain, improve bodily function, etc…
What are the benefits of this surgery and how long will they last? Some benefits are brief and may need a second surgery, while others can last a lifetime. What are the goals of the procedure? It’s important that you and the doctor are on the same page so the outcome is satisfactory.
How necessary is the surgery, are there other surgical treatment alternatives? Are there medications or non-surgical treatments, such as lifestyle changes, that could help improve your condition?
What are the risks and possible complications of the procedure? All surgeries carry a risk and it’s important to weigh it up. Ask about possible infections, bleeding, side effects, etc.
Make sure you know:
When you should tell the doctor in case of complications and how you can reach them.
What the procedure is like? If possible, have them draw you a diagram so you understand what will happen. Some people find it upsetting to know and prefer not to, and that’s fair enough. How long does the operation take?
What will happen in the operating room?, How many people will be there, what does each one do?, How will you get to the room? On a trolley, in a wheelchair? Some people have never been in an operating theatre and having this information beforehand puts them at ease.
What happens if you don’t have the surgery? If, after weighing up the benefits and risks of the operation, you decide not to go ahead, what will happen? You should know whether the condition will get worse or whether it might resolve on its own.
How many years of experience does the surgeon have doing this type of procedure? How long have they been working with the same team and at this hospital? How many surgeries like the one you’re going to have has he done? What is his track record of success and complications? It’s important to look for a fully qualified specialist with experience performing this intervention.
Will he come to see you after the operation? How many more times will you see him?
What are the criteria for discharging you? What can I expect during recovery? What limitations will you have days, weeks and months after the intervention? There’s some equipment you’ll need once you’re discharged.
When can I go back to work and my daily activities?
What level of pain will you feel and what ways are there to control the pain? What medicine will they give you. Some people feel betrayed when they aren’t warned about the level of pain they might feel.
Post-operative care, recommendations. Make sure to follow them even if you feel fine.
What are the costs of the surgery? Costs your insurance will cover and costs you’ll need to cover yourself. Make sure to call the insurance company.
Is it day surgery, where will it be done? At outpatient surgical centres, at a clinic? Being outpatient can reduce costs since you don’t have to pay for a room. Make sure to ask why one setting or another is recommended.
It’s important to get a second opinion. Ask other people who’ve had the same procedure and it went well, for their doctor’s name.
ANAESTHETIST…
It’s ideal that you’re calm when they give you the anaesthetic, so tell them your concerns and doubts.
What type of anaesthetic will be used? Will it be local, regional or general anaesthesia, and why is this type recommended for your procedure. You should also ask who will administer the anaesthetic. Is it an anaesthetist or a nurse anaesthetist? Both are equally qualified to administer anaesthesia. It’s important that you ask to speak with them before the operation.
ENDOSCOPIES, COLONOSCOPIES, MRI SCANS, CHEMOTHERAPY, CHILDBIRTH…
The benefits of psychological preparation are also seen when it comes to managing post-operative stress in these situations.
After reading this article, do you understand how psychological preparation is an investment?
Some decide to do nothing and others decide to invest in their psychological health, what do you decide to do?
LET’S TALK, it will be a pleasure to support you in your preparation. It can be done remotely or in person.