Aunt Li, a 68-year-old retired teacher, felt a deep sense of unease and anxiety in the face of an upcoming knee replacement surgery. Although the doctor had explained the procedure and expected results in detail, Auntie Li was still worried about the pain and possible complications of the surgery. At the suggestion of her son, she came into contact with a counselor. Through a few sessions, she learned a series of psychological adjustment techniques that helped her regain her confidence and face the surgery with a more positive attitude. After the surgery, her recovery was surprisingly fast and results, and both doctors and family were pleasantly surprised by the change in her attitude. This transformation is not only a physical recovery, but also a psychological reconstruction.
Psychological preparation before anesthesia: knowledge is the shield, and psychology is the sword
Understanding is power
Surgery, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, is often a great physical and mental challenge. Psychologists point out that uncertainty about the surgical process is often the main cause of anxiety. Therefore, knowing each step of the procedure is an effective way to alleviate this anxiety. Middle-aged and elderly people should communicate with their doctors in detail before surgery to understand the purpose, steps, possible risks and complications of surgery. In addition, hospitals can be asked to provide relevant educational materials, such as videos or graphic explanations, which can help patients understand the procedure more intuitively, thereby alleviating fears.
Psychological counseling: Find your inner fulcrum
Psychological counseling has been shown to be effective in helping surgical patients to adjust their mindset. Regular communication with a counsellor prior to surgery can help patients express and manage their concerns and fears. Counselors use techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients identify and change their illogical fearful thoughts. For example, change the overgeneralized idea that "there are bound to be complications from surgery" to "surgery is risky, but most of them are successful, and doctors do their best to avoid complications."
Relaxation Technique: Prepare, Relax!
Learning some basic relaxation techniques is also an important part of preparing for anesthesia. Deep breathing is a simple yet effective way to help patients reduce tension. Here's how to do it: take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and repeat several times. In addition, techniques such as meditation and progressive muscle relaxation (gradually relaxing each group of muscles from head to toe) are also worth trying. These techniques can be practiced a few weeks before surgery to help patients feel calmer and more emotionally controlled on the day of surgery.
Practical advice before anaesthesia: Prepare well and be afraid of surgery
Learn about the procedure
For middle-aged and elderly people, clarifying the surgical process is a key step in reducing preoperative anxiety. Your doctor will explain each step of the procedure to you before surgery, including the purpose of the procedure, what to expect, and possible risks and complications. Patients and families should go out of their way to ask questions to ensure a complete picture of the upcoming surgery.
Adjust your eating habits
You'll need to adjust your diet before surgery to avoid possible complications during and after surgery. It is generally recommended to fast for at least 8 hours before surgery, avoid sugary drinks and dairy products, reduce gastric acid secretion and gastric contents, and reduce the risk of intraoperative aspiration pneumonia.
Medication management
Talk to your doctor in detail about all medications you're currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and any supplements, to make sure they don't affect the effectiveness of anesthesia or increase the risk of surgery. Some medications may need to be stopped before surgery, especially those that may affect blood clotting and blood pressure.
Psychological and emotional support
The preoperative state of mind has a direct impact on the outcome of the surgery. It is recommended to have at least one psychological consultation before surgery to help relieve tension and uneasiness. In addition, the support of family members is also indispensable, and their companionship and comfort can significantly reduce the psychological stress of the patient.
Emotional recovery after anesthesia: Steady progress
Normalization of postoperative sensation
For the first few days after surgery, you may experience discomfort such as pain, nausea, or tiredness. These are all part of the normal recovery process. Knowing these symptoms can help you and your family worry less unnecessarily and better cope with the recovery process.
Manage postoperative emotions
Mood swings may occur after surgery, with common emotions such as anxiety, depression, or loss. It is advisable to continue with the meditation practice that began before the procedure, adding a moderate amount of physical activity, such as walking or light yoga, to promote physical recovery and mental balance. Maintaining open communication with family and friends and sharing your feelings and experiences is also an effective way to regulate your emotions.
Psychological adjustment during convalescence
Psychological adjustment is equally important during rehabilitation. Actively communicating with your health care provider to understand your recovery progress and expected outcomes can help you develop a positive mindset. When necessary, don't hesitate to seek professional counselling services, who can provide professional guidance and support to help you adjust your mindset faster and successfully through the recovery period.