What can I do to best prepare myself for the anesthesia?
May 19, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Sebastian Köhler
Dear Doctor,
My name is Roberta Gehrmann and I am about to undergo surgery where I will be put under general anesthesia. Since I have never had anesthesia before, I am very concerned and want to prepare myself as best as possible. I have heard that it is important to consider certain things in order to minimize the risk of complications during anesthesia.
I am currently feeling uncertain and anxious, as I do not know exactly what to expect and how to best prepare myself. I am worried about how my body will react to the anesthesia and if there may be potential unwanted side effects. Therefore, I would like to hear from you what steps I can take to prepare optimally for the anesthesia.
Are there specific medications I should stop taking before the operation? Should I avoid certain foods or drinks beforehand? Are there exercises or breathing techniques that could help me to become calmer and relax better? Are there any other tips you can give me to ensure that I can get through the anesthesia as smoothly as possible?
I thank you in advance for your support and for helping me prepare for the anesthesia. Your advice and recommendations are of great importance to me and will certainly contribute to me feeling safe and well taken care of during the procedure.
Sincerely,
Roberta Gehrmann
Dear Mrs. Gehrmann,
Thank you for your trust and open words regarding your upcoming surgery and the associated anesthesia. It is completely understandable that you feel uncertain and anxious, as anesthesia is an unfamiliar situation and can involve certain risks. I would like to provide you with some tips and recommendations on how to best prepare for the anesthesia in order to minimize the risk of complications and feel more secure.
First of all, it is important that you discuss any potential pre-existing conditions, allergies, current medications, and previous anesthesia experiences with your treating physician before the surgery. Your doctor will inform you about any potential risks and may give specific instructions on which medications you should discontinue before the operation. Typically, blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin are discontinued before surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
In terms of your diet, it is important that you follow specific instructions before the surgery. Generally, you should refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight before the operation to reduce the risk of stomach issues during anesthesia. It is important that you strictly adhere to these instructions, as a full bladder or stomach can increase the risk of complications during anesthesia.
To relax and calm yourself before the surgery, breathing techniques and relaxation exercises can be helpful. Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help you reduce stress and prepare for the procedure. It may also be beneficial to focus on positive thoughts and mental images to reduce anxiety and focus on a successful operation.
Lastly, it is important that you communicate openly and honestly with your medical team throughout the entire process. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to address them. Your medical team is there to support you and will do everything possible to ensure that you feel well taken care of and that the anesthesia proceeds optimally.
I hope that these tips help you better prepare for the anesthesia and reduce your fears. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am here to help. I wish you success with your surgery and a speedy recovery.
Best regards,
Sebastian Köhler
