Is there anything I can do to calm my nerves before the surgery?
May 5, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Felix Herrmann
Dear Dr.,
My name is Luisa Kleine and I am about to undergo a scheduled operation that requires anesthesia. I am very nervous and anxious about the procedure and wonder if there are ways to alleviate my anxiety.
I have been suffering from anxiety for a long time, especially when it comes to medical procedures. Just the thought of being unconscious during the operation makes me uncomfortable. I am worried about possible complications during the procedure and afraid of the unknown.
I have heard that there are ways to reduce nervousness before an operation. Are there specific breathing techniques or relaxation exercises that I can do before the anesthesia? Or are there medications that could help me calm down?
I want to get through the operation as smoothly as possible and would like to know if there are measures I can take to reduce my nervousness. I want to approach the procedure as calmly as possible and hope for your support and advice.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Luisa Kleine
Dear Mrs. Kleine,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an anesthetist. It is understandable that you are nervous and anxious about the upcoming operation. It is important that you prepare well and take measures to alleviate your nervousness. I would be happy to give you some advice and tips that may help you feel more relaxed going into the procedure.
First and foremost, it is important that you talk to your treating anesthetist about your fears and concerns. This allows the medical team to take appropriate measures to help you as best as possible. Your anesthetist can also provide you with specific information about the anesthesia process, which may help alleviate the fear of the unknown.
Regarding breathing techniques and relaxation exercises, there are various methods that can help reduce your nervousness. The progressive muscle relaxation technique by Jacobson or the deep belly breathing technique can help relax your body and reduce stress. You can learn these exercises before the operation and incorporate them into your daily routine to better prepare for the procedure.
Furthermore, there are also medications that can be used to alleviate anxiety before an operation. Your anesthetist can prescribe medications such as tranquilizers or sedatives that can help you become calmer. However, it is important that you take these medications only under medical supervision and follow the dosage carefully.
It is also advisable to gather sufficient information before the operation and clarify any questions with your medical team. The more informed you are, the more relaxed you will feel. Additionally, you can also incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or autogenic training into your routine to reduce your nervousness in the long term.
In conclusion, I would like to reassure you once again that you are not alone with your fears and that there are ways to alleviate your nervousness. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your medical team and ask for support. I wish you strength and confidence for the upcoming operation and am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Felix Herrmann
