A typical trip to the doctor for many is severe stress, not to mention the operation. Fear of surgery is a protective reaction of the body, and represents the fear of something unknown ahead. At the same time, people cannot accurately express what specifically scares them: the operation itself, rehabilitation period, hospital walls or something else. Already having in hand the direction to surgical procedure, almost all patients ask the question: how to overcome the fear of surgery?
Reasons for fear of surgery
- One of the main reasons for preoperative phobia is complete uncertainty. The patient knows his diagnosis, knows approximately what will be done for him, and that’s where all the information ends. Not every surgeon will explain to the patient what is happening in his body, how the operation will take place, what specific actions he will perform, how many days the body’s recovery will take. The main task of a surgeon is to perform his work professionally, and a psychotherapist should calm all mental anxieties.
- The absolutely opposite reason for fear of surgery is the patient’s excessive awareness of both his illness and the methods of treating it. Nowadays, you can find a lot of information on the Internet about any disease and methods of getting rid of it. You should not always trust the articles you read; each case is individual and requires a professional assessment by the attending physician. Having read about how surgery should be performed, how anesthesia is administered and other points, patients begin to panic about the operation.
- The third reason for fear is anesthesia. Some patients are afraid that the anesthesia will have a bad effect and they will feel pain, others are afraid of the possible negative consequences of anesthesia. Surely many have heard the popular belief that one dose of anesthesia shortens a person’s life by several years. Well, another group of people who are afraid surgical intervention– fear of not waking up at all after anesthesia.
It is unlikely that doctors will be able to remember at least one person who would not be afraid of surgery. The only difference is that many are trying to overcome their phobia and go through this stage of treatment, while others, on the contrary, experience real panic attacks at the mere mention of surgery. There are frequent cases in medical practice, when patients voluntarily refused surgery due to their panic fear.
How to overcome fear
Each person is given the right to choose whether to agree to surgery or not. If we are talking about a small cosmetic procedure, say, removing burn marks, then the patient’s life is not in danger if it is refused. But most often, surgical intervention is performed for medical reasons and refusal to do so can lead to serious complications. If the patient simply needs surgery, for example, removal malignant tumor, but because of fear of the upcoming procedure, the patient refuses surgical treatment, he must write in his own hand a refusal of the proposed treatment. Thus, doctors abdicate their responsibility for unfavorable outcome diseases.
Having weighed all the pros and cons, the patient understands that he simply needs the operation, but what to do if horror constrains the whole body? Psychologists give a number of recommendations on how to get rid of the fear of surgery.
Get distracted
Typically, the fear of surgery reaches its peak the day before the procedure. In order not to completely go crazy, you need to try to distract yourself. Look interesting film in the evening, read your favorite book, in a word, let your thoughts be occupied with anything, but not tomorrow.
Pray
Skeptics will, of course, grin and skip this paragraph. But for some, prayer brings emotional peace, and with its help, many people actually manage to get rid of the fear of surgery. It is not necessary to go to church or remember the exact text of the prayer; you can simply mentally turn to God and ask for a good outcome of the procedure.
Really assess the situation
Calmly think about what exactly are you afraid of? If the reason is anesthesia, try talking to an anesthesiologist. Tell us about your fear, and a competent specialist will reassure you by telling you how anesthesia will be applied. According to statistics, only one person out of several hundred thousand dies from improper anesthesia, and every tenth person dies from burst appendicitis.
Think positively
If you can’t get rid of thoughts about the upcoming operation, try to turn your thoughts into a more positive direction. For example, a woman cannot have children for many years, and the upcoming surgical intervention gives her a chance to become a mother. Think about your future baby and the fear of surgery will subside a little.
Don't escalate the situation
How can you not be afraid of surgery if your roommates spend the entire evening telling horror stories about surgeons who forget a scalpel or a roll of cotton wool in a patient’s body? Ask to change the topic of conversation or watch a movie on your laptop using headphones. You should not use the computer to search for “failed transactions over the past few years” and the like.
Take a sedative
Do not forget that taking any sedatives This is possible only after consultation with your doctor! Only he will tell you what you can drink and what you can’t. In any case, a decoction of mint, chamomile, motherwort or other medicinal herbs will not hurt.
Preparing for surgery
To overcome the fear of surgery, the patient must be calm and confident in the professionalism of the operating surgeon. The patient must understand that surgery is the only way to recover from the disease, and the sooner it takes place, the better. You need to prepare for the upcoming procedure not only morally, but also from a practical point of view. Choose a clinic that employs competent specialists, because the favorable outcome of the event depends on the professional skills of the doctor. If possible, complete preoperative preparation. Mainly it includes:
- Passing all necessary tests long before surgery;
- Refuse bad habits at least a couple of weeks before the procedure;
- Do not go to the bathhouse or do other things cosmetic procedures at least a week before surgery;
- Keep a change diary general well-being, body temperature and blood pressure;
- Monitor your diet. Before surgery, you should not eat fatty and salty foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate and other sweets. Preference must be given lean meat, vegetables and fruits.
You should not withhold information about others from your doctor. chronic diseases, this can lead to complications both during and after surgery. If some points still alarm you (bad tests, negative reviews about the surgeon), you should not submit to circumstances. Perhaps your fear serves as a signal for some action: change doctor or clinic, retake tests, or treat another disease. Poor health can also serve as a basis for postponing the date of the surgical procedure.
It is quite possible to overcome the fear of upcoming surgery and anesthesia; to do this, you need not to panic, but really weigh everything. Collect information about the practicing surgeon, follow all doctor’s orders, do not search the Internet for information about unsuccessful operations, in a word, don’t get hung up on the upcoming procedure. Thousands of people go on the operating table, afraid as much as you, and in the end everything goes well. If alternative treatment is not provided, trust your doctor and throw all worries away.
Everyone is tested before surgery normal people, even a routine appointment with a doctor causes some psychological discomfort. Fear of surgical intervention is the body’s defense of the unknown, and the person is unable to formulate the idea of what exactly causes fear: the hospital environment, the operation itself, or a long rehabilitation period. How to do it before the operation will be discussed further.
Etiology of the phenomenon
The most obvious and main reason is, although he knows about his diagnosis. It is not the responsibility of the surgeon detailed explanation how the operation will be performed and how long the rehabilitation will take. The main goal of the operating personnel is to do their job efficiently, and the psycho-emotional component should be dealt with by a psychotherapist.
On the other hand, a complete understanding of all stages of the operation and the recovery period is also not beneficial to the patient. Today, many resources offer information on all the intricacies of treatment. However, everything is not so simple; each patient is individual case, this requires the professional opinion of the attending physician. Having read about how the operation is performed, how anesthesia works, and much more, a person falls into.
Another “terrible” circumstance is the fear of upcoming anesthesia. Some are afraid that poorly administered anesthesia will lead to them not falling asleep and feeling everything. Others, on the contrary, are afraid of the consequences of anesthesia. For example, there is an opinion that general anesthesia significantly shortens life. Still others. I'm afraid I won't wake up after anesthesia - that's what they say.
It is hardly possible to find a person who would not be afraid of the upcoming operation. However, most are capable, because health is more expensive in any case. But for some, the inexplicable happens - they are attacked by uncontrollable panic. Medicine knows such cases when patients simply refused surgical treatment just out of fear.
How to overcome yourself
The patient can always choose whether to have surgery or not. However, if doctors do not see any other treatment options other than surgery, the refusal must be formalized in writing. Doctors need this to a greater extent to relieve themselves of responsibility if something happens. sharp deterioration the patient's condition.
Not agreeing to undergo surgery out of fear is unacceptable. But it happens that a person, even having chosen for himself good clinic and specialists, refuses surgery - and all because of internal anxiety that haunts him.
It would be logical to ask yourself the question: how to get rid of the fear of surgery? And the answer will be the understanding that you can’t do without it - it will get rid of the disease, and maybe even save your life. But everything is simple until you encounter the problem yourself.
The following tips will help you stop being afraid of surgery:
A good, friendly atmosphere in the ward also plays an important role. There are many people worse than you, so try to help each other and not make the situation worse.
Physical component
The psychological attitude is very important, but physiological readiness also plays an important role. Usually you can get by with simple rules:
- giving up alcohol and;
- compliance with nutrition and diet;
- refusal of cosmetics and perfumes;
- compliance with all doctor's instructions;
- independent control of body temperature and pressure.
You need to understand that all fears are unfounded, you have no control over what will happen. However, everything can be explained, for example, you learned about the incompetence of a doctor. Then refusing the operation is quite natural. Seeking help from another professional should change everything. The general condition of the patient may also cause the operation to be postponed. Therefore, any changes in your health should be reported to your doctor.
Trust between patient and doctor will help avoid many psychological troubles. You cannot hide any information from a specialist; for example, some people are embarrassed to talk about past sexual diseases or simply forget to report some fact from their medical history. And before the operation, the person understands that what was left unsaid could affect the diagnosis and choice of treatment method. This circumstance can cause real problems, so there is no need to lie and tremble, thinking about what will happen, it is better to talk again with a specialist.
Remember those fearless girls who go under the knife plastic surgeon, sometimes completely unfounded. The desire to look better than others overcomes all fears of surgery.
Regular elective surgery is the same. Think about the fact that this is a necessity that will help you become healthy and help you get rid of the disease. You will live fully and freely.
There is no need to panic before surgery. Be afraid of what comes next. Think about what to do if you give up now and leave, and whether the gamble is worth the candle.
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How to get ready for surgery? A routine vaccination or going to the dentist can make a person nervous. Fear of surgery is a normal psychological reaction. The individual does not know what awaits him ahead, what the surgeon’s intervention will be. Before you understand how not to be afraid of surgery, you need to understand what exactly the fear arises from. This could be force majeure, the rehabilitation period, or reluctance to stay in hospital next to other patients. Such a phobia is difficult, but it can be overcome.
Main reasons for fear
The most common reason for fear before surgery is lack of information.. A person cannot imagine what exactly the intervention in his body will be like. Not all doctors want to share details and descriptions of the disease and mechanisms for eliminating it. Doctors do not always have time to talk with a patient, since there is a queue of patients in the corridors. For some medical specialists, it is difficult to tell the average person what the disease is and why it occurs. All this causes misunderstanding and fear.
People often get the impression that doctors are soulless people. They don’t care about the problems of an individual, they do not always strive to help, they can easily cause harm to health in order to finish their work as quickly as possible. In practice, everything looks different. The medical officer has a plan for receiving patients, he took an oath that he would save people's lives and improve their physiological health. Therefore, such fears are far-fetched and unjustified. If necessary, you can have a heart-to-heart talk with a psychologist or psychotherapist. It is not the doctor's responsibility to talk to the patient.
It happens that a person knows too much information about his disease. Most often, the search comes down to studying information written on the Internet. In practice, to make an accurate diagnosis, the patient needs to undergo a series of tests, which will then be analyzed by several medical specialists. Only after this can you find out what kind of disease the patient has and what treatment methods should be used.
Psychologists also advise you not to watch videos on the public network that show details of the operating process. There are a number of professions in which the sacrament must be preserved. A person’s consciousness may simply not tolerate what he sees, and phobias instantly develop. Medical specialists did not immediately come to carry out operations; their psyches were prepared (they spend more than 6 years at the university, study the structure of organs in detail, and attend autopsies). All this is not at all necessary for the average person to know.
How to get ready for surgery? Fear of surgery is often associated with anesthesia. This is another type of surgical intervention in the body. It causes panic. Some people think that the anesthesia may not work, there will be painful sensations that are incompatible with life.
In practice, the process is monitored by an experienced anesthesiologist; he has indicators that determine the readiness of the patient’s body for surgery. Additional fears are associated with the consequences of anesthesia. A small percentage of people believe that it is possible not to wake up after a drug-induced sleep (these are very minimal risks compared to driving a car).
How to get rid of the fear of surgery
The patient has the right to choose to accept or refuse the operation. When a surgical intervention on the body is established by a council of doctors to save a life or improve health, a person must refuse the operation in writing. This way, doctors will not be held responsible in case of an accident or unforeseen circumstances. In most cases, you just need to deal with the causes of fear . A person may realize that medical institution high level services, big number
To get rid of such a phobia, it is enough to tell yourself about the need to improve your health. Sometimes it is impossible to do without surgical intervention. You need to try to cope with your emotions, write down rational arguments on paper, and re-read them several times.
Here's what you can do to minimize fear of surgery:
- read prayers,
- get distracted by other things,
- weigh the risks
- think positively
- do not escalate the situation,
- take sedatives.
Prayer is one of the most simple ways get rid of a phobia for those who believe in higher power. For skeptics, this method will not bring much benefit. It is absolutely not necessary to go to church and light candles. It’s enough just to pray, ask for help, health and patience for yourself.
The most unpleasant time is the evening or night before surgery.
How to overcome fear? It is important not to be alone with your own thoughts. It is best to ask your loved ones to come visit, talk about pleasant topics, or go to the cinema or theater. There is no need to withdraw into yourself or dwell on negative thoughts.
A small percentage of the operation is due to force majeure circumstances. It is worth treating this as the structure of the world and nature as a whole. You won't be able to control everything. This fear can only be combated by collecting as much information as possible about the clinic and medical specialists. Please note, due to medical error only one patient per 250 thousand people dies. That is, the chances of dying for this reason are reduced to almost zero. The patient has a much higher chance of passing into another world due to the lack of therapeutic measures regarding his illness.
Here's how you can overcome your fear of surgery: positive thinking. You need to try to think only about good things. It is important to force yourself to replay exclusively pleasant memories in your head before going to bed, and not to focus on the upcoming surgical intervention. You can try to visualize how life will change in positive side after the operation.
For example, if a person is about to have his appendicitis removed, then one can imagine going to a restaurant or visiting entertainment venues. At gynecological surgery It is advisable to think about future births and pregnancy. Under no circumstances should you escalate the situation.
It is advisable not to seek information about force majeure during the operation, how death occurs and for what reasons. You need to tune in to a positive wave.
If none of the above points help, then you can just drink depressant. It will stimulate deep dream, will improve the overall physical and mental health of the patient.
Suitable means for taking inside the body are:
- chamomile
- St. John's wort
- fireweed
Please note that before taking such herbs, you must consult your doctor. It happens that the patient has an allergic reaction, or the simultaneous use of several medications is contraindicated.
How not to be afraid of what will happen during and after the operation? The answer is obvious - just relax, forget about the bad, trust the doctors and yourself.
If a person is in the hospital before an upcoming surgical intervention, then you can walk along the floors of the medical facility and talk with other patients. Information about how other people struggled with their fears may be useful; you can ask how patients feel after surgery, whether the experience was worth it. So much faster time will pass, and there will be no room for negative thoughts.
Physical preparation for surgery
Before the upcoming surgical intervention, it will also not be superfluous to physically prepare the patient. It is worth adhering to a few simple rules:
- do not drink alcohol several months before surgery,
- try to smoke as little as possible,
- follow the diet prescribed by the doctor,
- do not use perfumes and decorative cosmetics,
- use internally only those medications prescribed by the doctor,
- measure and record your own temperature and blood pressure every morning.
In order not to be afraid of surgery, you just need to not let fear into your mind. It is important to remember that surgery is performed by a team of doctors and nurses. If there is a reasonable fear that the specialist will not cope with the task, then it is better to seek help from another surgeon. At unreliable analyzes, you can always undergo a re-examination. How not to be afraid of accidents? It is important simply not to focus your attention on this fact. You just need to accept that this happens in the world, but it affects individual lives.
To get rid of fear as soon as possible, experts advise telling your doctor about your phobia. It happens that patients hide facts from their anamnesis. They do not provide information about transferred venereal diseases, injuries. Before setting the day for surgery, the patient can realize what he has given medical specialist false information. In practice this can lead to negative consequences.
There are fearless people who are ready, without any rational explanation as to why surgery is needed, to go under the knife. Here we are talking about those who are fixated on plastic surgery, correction of individual parts of the body. Such people are not afraid of anything. It is their fear that is often false, since an unjustified operation (without appropriate medical indications) can significantly worsen your health.
Basic rules for preparing for surgery
How not to be afraid of surgery? First of all you need to purchase psychological health, calm down, try to achieve a state of peace. The patient needs to clearly understand that the operation will have a positive effect on his body and will help him function better. The sooner surgical intervention occurs, the better for the patient.
It is worth preparing not only from a moral point of view, but also from a practical point of view. It is important to choose a clinic where experienced specialists work. This will increase the chances of a favorable outcome of the event. If this is possible, then you need to undergo preoperative preparation.
Preparation consists of the following steps:
- Providing the necessary tests to the attending physician before surgery.
- Quitting bad habits several weeks or months before surgery, depending on your state of health and the complexity of the procedure.
- Changing your diet towards dietary foods.
We must remember that every day thousands of people undergo surgery. This is how they take care of own health. Those patients who do not know how not to be afraid of surgery should pay attention to the recommendations.
It is important to be attuned to the fact that the doctor has the appropriate competencies to carry out the procedure. The outcome of the treatment will be positive, side effects are practically excluded. You need to believe in yourself and not doubt the availability internal forces to recover safely after surgery.
A few days before surgery, the patient may seek psychological help(such people usually give parting words and set them up for a positive wave). Additionally, experts advise using an audio player with relaxing music compositions, watching comedies, and reading jokes. The patient will benefit from reading positive feedback about the operations performed, about the clinic itself and the doctors. The most important thing is that you don’t need to fantasize or visualize. Negative consequences operations. Any medical worker first of all strives to help the patient, and not to harm him.
Operation. Some people are given this idea by a doctor, others come to this idea on their own. The volume and complexity of the surgical intervention proposed by the doctor are of course important, but regardless of this, the fear of surgery creeps into the soul of every person. Fear, we are not aware of it, we show off in front of others, it is inside us, it sits inside and waits for a person to be alone with himself, so that it can come out and fill the entire inside of a person. And the best thing you can do to combat it is to prepare for surgery. Afterwards, fear will have no place in your mind, you will understand that I and my doctor did everything to make EVERYTHING go well!!!
I am writing these lines without composing, I was recently in the shoes of a patient and I was afraid, but I did EVERYTHING for myself)) and I waited for the day of the operation not with horror, but with the desire that EVERYTHING would happen quickly, realizing that AFTER , life will be different, without fear for your well-being and health.
Knowing how everything happens, what procedures I will have to undergo, what complications are possible (not like what your neighbors scare you about in the ward), but real complications, I prepared myself. And believe me, my postoperative period flowed much easier than my neighbors! I was mentally prepared for the pain, I was not afraid of it, I knew that if I didn’t move after the operation, I would get other complications that were more threatening. this moment than the disease itself from which I got rid of!!!
So to the point.
Life has brought you to the point that surgery is necessary, and that living without it is either impossible or difficult. But I do not write about emergency life-saving operations (appendicitis, perforated ulcer, bleeding), I write about those operations that we call elective (cholecystectomy, simple hernia, etc.). Before these operations, you have time to think and prepare.
1. First of all, of course, consult your doctor. He will order an examination.
2. Be sure to undergo examination (ECG is required, blood tests and others necessary tests). This will help you find out what else you are sick with, whether the necessary stress on the body is possible in your condition, and whether surgery is currently contraindicated (whether you can undergo it).
3. Consult specialists again. Follow all their recommendations!!! Don't think that you are smarter than them! Do it!!!
4. So, now there is time left for your loved one. The operation is not contraindicated for you, okay, let's continue our preparation. Now think about your habits, maybe at least before the operation you need to change them?
5. Do you smoke? Drop it!!! I already wrote about . By doing this, you will significantly increase your chances of survival, you will allow oxygen to fully fill your body, without carbon monoxide, but life-giving and necessary oxygen!!! Reduce the load on your heart, breathing will be easier after a week!!!
If you cannot live peacefully without this poison and are coughing, then reduce the daily dose by at least half.
And get rid of the idea that you need to quit slowly and sadly, there are nicotine-containing patches, they will help, quit once and for all!!!
6. Start running, if you can’t, walk quickly, move in the end!!! By doing this, you will give your body reserves before stressful situation(surgical intervention). The heart and lungs of trained people can withstand stress much easier. During surgery, the release of catecholamines causes the heart to beat faster and it must be prepared for these stresses. Tidal volume lungs will increase through exercise, you will help the body receive more life-giving oxygen (non-toxic doses)!!!
7. Measure your weight. Calculate your body mass index.
Body mass index— BMI (eng. body mass index (BMI)) is a value that allows us to assess the degree of correspondence between a person’s mass and his height, and thereby indirectly assess whether the mass is insufficient, normal or excessive (obesity). Body mass index is calculated using the formula:
- m - body weight in kilograms
- h - height in meters,
and is measured in kg/m².
If you are obese to the third degree, think about it: maybe it’s better to lose weight first?
Patients with severe obesity are significantly more likely to experience complications.
If you decide to have surgery, then make an effort - lose weight!!! At least 5 kilos, but lose weight, don’t rely on bright science - medicine. But lose weight smartly. We don't need exhausted patients, we need people prepared for surgery! The diet should be protein-rich, eliminate fats, reduce carbohydrates. And move, run, walk!!! Do not believe any magic pills, it is not known how they will react to the introduction of anesthetics!!!
8. About alcohol. I am a supporter of moderation, a glass of good cognac (unless the doctor has prohibited it), will not make it worse, only good, will relieve stress)).
I appeal to alcoholic citizens! Quit this matter! Stop it!!! You can’t imagine what we (reanimatologists) do to you when “SQUIRREL” comes to you, that is, delirium tremens after the operation (and oh, how often it comes!!!). We'll tie it so that you can only flap your ears! In addition, in drunks, all organs are changed and not in better side. If you decide to have surgery, leave it, go ahead healthy image life!
9. It’s the same thing with drug addicts - we won’t take withdrawal symptoms to the table, we don’t need extra “hemorrhoids”.
10. If you are worried, take a sedative, but you must get enough sleep and rest! A person tormented by insomnia is more likely to experience pressure changes, which can negatively affect during anesthesia. Take care of your nerves!
11. About veins. We will find the veins, rest assured! But we’ll torture you thoroughly, we’ll torture you everywhere, the nurse anesthetist won’t find you (which I doubt), I’ll find you central vein. But we will warn you about possible risk complications of this procedure!
A subclavian catheter can be placed in a lung, an artery, or anywhere, and then there can be serious complications. Jugular vein catheterize, you can get into carotid artery. lung. Yes anaphylactic shock can be obtained for introduction local anesthetic! Not to mention that the procedure itself is quite unpleasant.
A little scared?)
But this can be avoided if only you had normal veins!!! By the way, find out which side of the hand (usually the right) will be used by the anesthesiologist during the operation and under no circumstances should you give an injection into this hand! So you say, “my anesthesiologist forbade injecting there, she did!”)).”
I want to tell you a secret - you can grow veins on your hands!!! Yes Yes. don't be surprised), you can! But not in literally grow, and increase in diameter. This is achieved by physical exercise. I won’t tell you how and how many approaches, show your imagination! Any load on the hands will increase blood flow to the veins of the forearm. At least train with an expander, you will only benefit!
Well, that's all for now! I really hope that you won’t need my recommendations, but whoever uses them will make their fate much easier).
If there are any additions, I’ll be happy to add them!)
General anesthesia is prescribed to the patient if it is impossible to avoid it during the operation. local anesthesia for complete pain relief. Hundreds of thousands of people go through this procedure every day. Proper preparation for anesthesia will help reduce the likelihood of complications, both during and after surgery. The patient is required to strictly follow the recommendations that will help him prepare for the upcoming test physically and psychologically.
In many cases of surgical intervention, it is impossible to do without general anesthesia. Despite its relevance and necessity, such anesthesia still remains not entirely subject to human will. Medicine cannot give a 100% guarantee that this artificial sleep will not have negative influence. An honest and open dialogue between the patient and the anesthesiologist is important when planning an operation, which should be prepared in advance.
Back in the middle of the last century, anesthesia before surgery was associated with a risk to the patient’s life. Today, thanks to a huge leap in the development of all branches of medicine, as well as due to the use of advanced technologies, there is no longer any need to talk about mortality due to anesthesia. However, there remains a small possibility of a threat to the health of the human brain (mental impairment is possible).
Almost everyone who has to go through this procedure experiences fear, sometimes turning into panic. But, since there is no alternative to such anesthesia, it is necessary to use all available possibilities to achieve maximum safety. To do this, before anesthesia, it is important to prepare your body in accordance with established rules and the individual requirements of the attending physician. If you do everything as the anesthesiologist advises, you can reduce the likelihood of complications.
The advantages of general anesthesia include such factors as the patient’s lack of sensitivity to the surgical procedures being performed, and the patient’s absolute immobility, allowing surgeons to work with concentration and without tension. In addition, the person under general anesthesia completely relaxed, which allows doctors to work even with hard-to-reach vessels and tissues, without wasting time. Another advantage is that the patient’s consciousness is turned off during the operation, and therefore there is no fear.
In some cases, anesthesia is accompanied by such side effects, such as attention disorder, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, pain and dry throat, headaches.
These discomfort are temporary in nature, and their intensity and duration can be adjusted if you prepare for the upcoming operation as required by the doctor, for example, by not eating or consuming water for several hours before the procedure.
Preparing for surgery
To the operation under general anesthesia it is important to prepare properly. Depending on the complexity of the upcoming surgical intervention, general condition the patient’s health and many other factors, preparation time can vary from 2 weeks to six months. During this time, the patient sometimes develops a persistent fear of surgery and anesthesia, which is fueled by stories from other patients or anonymous testimonies read in the tabloid press.
The anesthesiologist, together with the surgeon who will operate on the patient, should have an informative conversation with precise instructions on what you can eat and drink a month before the operation, a week before it and on the day of it. In addition, the patient must be examined by other specialized doctors who study his state of health and also give him useful tips by adjusting, for example, smoking, weight, lifestyle, sleep.
Even before a short and simple operation under general anesthesia, at least the following examination of the patient’s health condition is carried out:
- blood test (general);
- urine test (general);
- blood clotting test;
- general analysis urine.
It is important to tell the truth about how you feel. If the patient was properly preparing for surgery, but a few days before the operation he noticed an increase in temperature or an exacerbation chronic illness, for example, gastritis, the attending physician should know this! At feeling unwell the patient's operation is necessarily postponed.
Fear of surgery under anesthesia
Feeling afraid of anesthesia or a surgeon’s scalpel is normal and should not be ashamed. To reduce feelings of anxiety, you can seek help from a psychologist. In many developed countries Each patient must be consulted by such a specialist before surgery, and if necessary, consultations can be multiple. In our country, few clinics and hospitals can boast of such an opportunity, so patients themselves sometimes have to ask their doctor for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a conversation.
It is believed that the patient’s psyche is traumatized already in the clinic, when the doctor recommends surgical treatment to his patient. Even then, fear begins to occupy a dominant position in a person’s consciousness. The one who will surgery, needs the sensitivity of medical staff.
Every patient without exception should be reassured and encouraged. If the patient shows a particularly intense feeling of fear (cries often, talks about death, sleeps and eats poorly), he needs urgent consultation with a psychologist. In the preoperative period, most patients are in dire need of preparation for surgery, not only medicinally, but also psychologically. There are several areas of mental support for patients:
- training of children and elderly people;
- preparation for emergency surgery;
- preparation for planned surgery.
Fear is a strong emotion, which in this case plays a negative role, preventing the patient from adjusting to a favorable outcome of the operation.
Since the consequences of anesthesia depend not only on the anesthesiologist, but also on the patient, you should carefully consider your own emotional experiences and promptly see a specialist to restore mental balance. You can be afraid of anesthesia or the outcome of surgery, but still live full life, without poisoning it either to yourself or loved ones. To do this, you should prepare for the operation psychologically and physically, controlling not only what you can eat or drink, but also what you can and should think about.
Psychological attitude
First of all, you should give up ostentatious bravado and admit to yourself: “Yes, I’m afraid of anesthesia.” Every patient who is about to undergo major surgery experiences fear. This normal condition, since a person is used to controlling work own body, and the thought that he will be helpless inspires fear and anxiety. In addition, there is fear for the consequences of anesthesia and the success of the operation itself. Such anxiety is normal if it is not constantly present and does not disrupt the patient’s usual rhythm of life.
To psychologically prepare for an operation under anesthesia, while experiencing fear, you can do auto-training, yoga, and meditation. It is enough to master the technique of proper relaxation and breathing in order to feel peace of mind and peace after just a few sessions. Breathing exercises and a positive attitude will help overcome fear and panic.
Physical training
Besides psychological aspect, body preparation is important:
- about all accepted medicines(even about 1 aspirin tablet) the anesthesiologist and the attending surgeon should know;
- you should tell your doctors about your recent previous diseases And allergic reactions;
- You cannot hide diseases suffered in the past that are popularly considered indecent (syphilis, gonorrhea, tuberculosis);
- you should not eat or drink 6 hours before surgery;
- It is advisable to quit smoking 6 weeks before the appointed date;
- must be removed from the mouth removable dentures and piercing;
- needs to be removed contact lenses And hearing aid(in the presence of);
- Decorative varnish is removed from the surface of the nails.
A week before surgery, you should eat foods that help cleanse the intestines of toxins and gases. If you prepare correctly, the body will tolerate anesthesia easily and without complications. A competent approach and following the instructions will help you not be afraid of the upcoming procedure and will allow you to restore strength after the operation.
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