You may want to use “guided imagery”
or “guided meditation” tapes before, during,
and after surgery. These are tapes that use words
and music to take you on an inner journey. Surgical
support guided imagery tapes encourage the body to
relax, to respond well to the surgery, and to heal.
Research has shown that patients who use surgical
support guided imagery tapes fare better before and
after surgery. The Monroe Institute reports that “benefits
include reduced anxiety, stabilised blood pressure,
minimised need for anaesthesia and pain medication,
and quicker recuperation.”
- Make a list of your fears and discuss them with
your doctor, nurse or anaesthesiologist.
-
Talk about your apprehensions
with others; avoid holding things inside.
-
Ask friends and loved ones to
remain positive and say affirming things about your
decision.
-
Simplify your life! Don't put
social pressures on yourself for a few weeks leading
up to surgery. Don't commit to doing anything new
or stressful.
-
Keep yourself healthy by maintaining
a good diet. Avoid refined sugar and increase your
daily intake of fruit, vegetables, and fibre.
-
Ask your doctor about taking
supplements that will help build your immune system.
However, don’t start taking anything new without
talking with your doctor first. Some supplements
are definite no-nos prior to surgery.
-
Eliminate caffeine. You may experience
caffeine-withdrawal headache after surgery if you
are unable to have anything by mouth. You may want
to talk with your doctor about how to counteract
this effect. If you can wean yourself off caffeine
before the surgery, that’s best.
-
Eliminate alcohol. Your body
doesn’t need the extra burden of eliminating
toxins from your system prior to surgery.
-
It helps to think of your surgical
team as healers. Have faith that they will do their
best to help you.
-
Relax as much as possible.
-
Spend quality time with yourself
and your loved ones.
© 2003 Ellen T Johnson
Reprinted with permission
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