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Whether it’s a quick, minor procedure or something major requiring a hospital stay, feeling a little (or a lot of) anxiety before surgery is common. Surgery comes with risks, but it can be crucial for addressing disease, injury and many other conditions.
But before going on the road to recovery, you have to prepare for the road to the surgery itself, which can almost feel more daunting.
Dr. Giana Davidson, a general surgeon at UW Medical Center – Montlake, says that anxiety before an operation is completely normal, but suggests a few ways to mitigate the fear.
Your doctors have your back
Most importantly, know that your doctors and surgeons want you to have autonomy around your treatment plan.
“Supporting a person’s autonomy might include strategies such as suggesting a second opinion or discussing alternative treatment options to help patients feel more comfortable making the best decision about their treatment,” says Davidson.
Before your procedure, Davidson says that your surgeons can help address pre-surgery anxiety by actively discussing with you any hopes or concerns they have for your treatment, explaining your procedure in plain language and taking the time to let you and your loved ones know what to expect before, during and after the surgery.
Some healthcare systems, like UW Medicine, will send you additional resources to help you prepare for your surgery, such as a video or written guides that you can review as many times as you need before the procedure.
How to manage pre-surgery anxiety
Even after your surgeon provides all the necessary information about your surgery, there are additional things Davidson recommends that you try on your own so you feel prepared before your surgical date.
Take good notes
Staying informed about the details of your procedure can help put your mind at ease if your thoughts often wander to the worst-case scenario.
Davidson says that you can prepare for your surgery by writing down questions or concerns that come up outside of appointment times, such as what you’ll need to bring to the hospital, the support you may need after your procedure, any risks or complications that could arise during or after the surgery, and what the day-before prep process will entail. The clinical team that will help you prepare for your surgery includes nurses, anesthesiologists and advanced practice practitioners, all of whom will be ready to answer your questions.
“Don’t be afraid to bring someone to support you during your appointments, even if they are video calling into the clinic appointment. When patients bring questions or concerns to their appointment or someone to help them take notes, it’s easier to ensure their questions are answered and there’s adequate time to address concerns with their medical team,” says Davidson.
Take care of your whole self
This one sounds like a no-brainer, but when feelings of anxiety arise, it’s easy to want to curl up in bed or eat an abundance of comfort food (but also, hey, having a treat is totally okay). Anxiety and stress can also impact your sleep, leaving you with a wonky sleep schedule as you near your surgery date. If this is you, remember that it’s important to prioritize caring for your body before the surgery just as much as caring for your body after the procedure.
“Eating nutritious foods and getting good sleep is critical for decreasing stress and in recovering from surgery,” says Davidson.
If you’re struggling to calm your mind enough to get some good z’s, try relaxation or mindfulness techniques. To ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs, there are plenty of meals and snacks that can help you reduce your stress levels.
Build a support system
Davidson says that having a solid support system of family or friends can be helpful. You will need someone to drive you home after general anesthesia and you’ll likely need someone nearby for the first day or two (or more) after your surgery, but remember to lean on these relationships before your surgery, too. The process can be challenging to navigate, and your loved ones are there to support you in whichever ways you need.
Don’t have the energy to explain what you’re going through? Ask if they can keep you company while you buy your surgery prep materials. Too tired to cook in the days leading up to your procedure? Invite them over for a takeout night. Having a support system is a valuable resource in managing pre-surgery anxiety.
And while it’s normal to feel nervous before surgery, Davidson says that if your anxiety is interfering with your ability to work, sleep, or participate in activities that you enjoy, it’s important to let your clinical team know.
“As surgeons, we collaborate with our colleagues in other specialties to make surgery as safe as possible. This includes how people are coping with the stress of surgery. We also often collaborate with those who have expertise in anxiety, such as our colleagues in primary care, to explore additional treatment options if needed,” she says.
