Stress & Anxiety Before Surgery
It’s completely normal to feel nervous or anxious before an operation. While some anxiety can help some patients prepare psychologically and have more realistic expectations post-surgery, a little too much can have a negative impact on the impending surgery. There is no cure for anxiety but there are ways to cope, and your care team can offer you support as well.
What effects can anxiety have?
Anxiety can have both psychological and physical effects. Psychological effects present in the form of aggression, apprehension and tension while the following can be unpleasant physical signs of anxiety:
A pounding or irregular heartbeat.
Nausea or a nervous stomach including diarrhoea
Shortness of breath.
Sleep problems.
Patients who are highly anxious pre-surgery are likely to experience higher levels of postoperative pain resulting in the need for stronger analgesia and prolonged hospital stay.
Someone who’s highly anxious may also find it harder to understand and remember important information about their upcoming operation, such as advice about how to prepare for it or about recovering afterwards.
People who smoke generally feel more nervous, resulting in a greater need for a cigarette right before surgery if they stopped too close to the surgery date. As smoking increases the risks of complications after surgery, it is recommended that nicotine replacement therapy is started at least 1 or 2 months before surgery to curb this desire.
What can help my anxiety?
Occasionally the anaesthetist may prescribe a pre-medication to calm you down especially if your heart rate or blood pressure becomes very high. Sedatives may be given to help you relax and make you sleepy at the same time. It is important to tell your doctor if you have already taken some sedatives before you came into hospital.
You may find the following tips useful to help you cope with pre-surgery anxiety:
Talking with family or friends about what makes you nervous
Educate yourself from authoritative and trusted sources by reading information given to you about your procedure and asking questions to address any concerns you may have
Keeping busy by reading, exercising, or doing relaxation techniques like slow and deep breathing
Listening to music you enjoy before surgery to relax
Reduce stress by planning ahead – for instance, write a list of items you will need to take with you to hospital, pack your bag a day or two beforehand, arrange transport to hospital in advance, and aim to arrive early
Some people benefit from a ward visit pre surgery date to familiarise themselves with the environment
Your care team is there to support you in your surgery and your emotional preparation for it. Most hospitals provide contact with counsellors, social workers, or volunteers who can offer support and help to relieve anxiety. Talk with your care team openly about your level of nervousness and ask questions if they will help you feel more informed and safe. Do not use Google for self information, try to always learn from a trusted resource.
References:
“What Can Help Relieve Anxiety before Surgery?” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 May 2014, - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279557/ - Accessed 22 May 2020
Mitchell M (2012) Anxiety management in minimal stay surgery: Nursing times 108(48) pg 15-16