Reducing Stress Before Surgery

Although serious complications are rare, people often experience pre-surgery nerves and anxiety. Patients have a wide range of concerns, worrying about things like pain, injections, anesthesia side effects, a loss of control, and having people in their personal space.

Just as people worry about different things, their level of stress varies. Some people may only experience a feeling of growing nervousness while sitting in the waiting room, while others may have trouble eating or sleeping in the days before surgery. Whether you’re experiencing just a touch of anxiety, or it’s seriously affecting your life, there are ways to reduce stress before surgery, so you feel relaxed and confident.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Every person experiences stress in different ways. It’s helpful to know how you respond because it can be hard to recognize what’s going on when you’re distracted by worry. Some signs of pre-surgery anxiety to look out for are:

• fatigue
• restlessness
• a rapid heart rate
• sweating
• breathing fast
• shaking
• feeling too cold or too hot
• weakness
• feeling lightheaded
• difficulty concentrating
• sleep problems
• nausea

Anxiety’s Effects on Surgery and Recovery

Unfortunately, anxiety has negative effects on the body. High levels of stress can lower immune response, making it more difficult to fight off infection and heal. Interrupted sleep also depletes your body’s resilience, so it’s harder to recover. Anxiety can also make the body feel pain more intensely.

How to Manage Stress

The good news is that you’re not helpless. Here are some tips for reducing stress and anxiety before surgery.

Meditation or prayer – Any style of prayer or meditation that you find soothing will work. Even some simple breathing exercises can help you regain a sense of calm.

Exercise – A brisk walk or a bike ride is a powerful way to release tension.

Support system – Choose some friends or family members you can talk to. Expressing your feelings can give you some relief.

Speak to your doctor – Your surgeon should be willing to address your specific concerns. Talk about what you’re worried about and strategies for dealing with it. Just talking through the procedure can make it seem less intimidating.

If you’re looking for an oral surgeon you can trust, Peak OMS is proud to be Denver’s choice for oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental implants. You can rest easy, knowing that our skilled and caring staff is here to answer any questions you and keep you comfortable.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Denver oral surgery team today.