PRE-SURGERY SUGGESTIONS

• 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 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, dont 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, thats best.
• Eliminate alcohol. Your body doesnt 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.