Surgery: Why it makes you nervous and how to prepare

Surgery: Why it makes you nervous and how to prepare

Surgery is often seen as a last resort when it comes to medical treatment, and for good reason. It can be risky, expensive, and sometimes even unnecessary. But there are also many people who are scared of surgery because of the potential complications that can arise. Let’s analyze the validity of those fears and how to cope with them if you need surgery but can’t quite get yourself to feel comfortable!

Complications from surgery can range from minor issues like infection or bruising, to more serious problems like blood clots or organ damage. In rare cases, surgery can even lead to death. This risk is why many people prefer to avoid surgery if possible. But, surgeries can save lives and improve quality of life. That’s why it’s so important to convey that most surgeries are very safe. In fact, the majority of surgeries go off without a hitch and the patient leaves the hospital feeling better than before they entered. Here are some ways to make sure your surgery goes well:

Work closely with your doctor to make sure that you understand all of the risks and benefits associated with your particular surgery. There are many different types of surgeries, ranging from simple procedures like removing a mole to more complex procedures like open heart surgery. Generally speaking, the more complex the surgery, the greater the risk. That said, even complex surgeries have become much safer in recent years thanks to advances in medical technology.

Choose a surgeon who is experienced in performing the type of surgery you need. Make sure to ask about their success rate and read reviews from other patients before making your decision.

Make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon. This may include quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and fasting for a period of time before the surgery. These measures help to reduce surgical complications and ensure that you have a successful outcome.

Another reason people may be scared of surgery is the pain that can be associated with it. Although pain medication can help ease the discomfort, some procedures can still be quite painful. The thought of going through this type of pain can be enough to deter some people from getting surgery. Before you go into surgery, it can be helpful to talk with your doctor about the ways you plan to curb the pain and specifically what feelings you can expect. Some pain medication can be unhelpful or even addictive so you want to try and do research and speak with people who have had surgeries themselves about the impacts of different pain medications.

Lastly, recovery time is another factor that scares some people away from surgery. Depending on the procedure, recovery times can vary greatly. Some surgeries may require a few days of rest before you start feeling better, while others could take weeks or even months to fully recover from. This extended period of time off work or school can be daunting for some people, especially if they don’t have a good support system in place. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have a support system in place before underground surgery.

If you know surgery is the right move for you but you want to prepare as well as possible, here’s some strategies:

  1. Talk to your surgeon. Before having surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to go over the details of the procedure. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about the surgery and what to expect. It is also a good time to let your surgeon know about any concerns you have.
  2. Learn about the procedure. Once you know what type of surgery you will be having, take some time to learn about the procedure. This can help ease your anxiety because you will know what to expect. There are many resources available online and in libraries.
  3. Talk to your family and friends. It can be helpful to talk to your family and friends about your upcoming surgery. They can provide support and help you make any necessary arrangements.
  4. Make sure you have everything you need. Before having surgery, make sure you have everything you need. This includes any prescriptions you need filled, any support systems that you’ll desire or require after surgery, and anything you need to square away with work, family, etc.

Surgery is more often than not the right decision if it’s what your doctor recommends. Place yourself in a healthy mental space!

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