Let's talk about surgery and how to mentally prepare for it!

Going through surgery is emotional rollercoaster.

Up to 75% of patients feel anxious prior to surgery. People often worry about the anesthesia, possible complications, dealing with chronic pain after surgery, their body looking and feeling different, and much more. Anxiety in the weeks or months leading up to surgery can keep you up at night and cause significant distress.

Developing coping skills to manage the stress and anxiety of surgery is essential, yet it’s often left out of the checklist you're provided to prepare for your procedure. Below are four tips to help you mentally prepare for surgery.

Tip number one is to identify stress management strategies and to use them often. Stress management can look like a lot of different things (e.g., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, yoga). Find something that works for you (it may be a relaxation technique you've used before!) and practice daily in the weeks leading up to surgery. The more you practice, the easier it will become to manage your anxiety!

Tip number two is to prioritize your basic needs. Make sure that you're protecting your sleep, that you're drinking enough water, that you're eating well, and that you're making time for self-care. Try not to schedule anything stressful or emotionally taxing in the weeks leading up to your surgery (no big projects on the house or job interview ideally!) Prioritizing your body and mind is important to successfully managing stress.

Tip number three is to be informed and advocate for yourself. From the moment you've had your appointment with your surgeon, keep it a list of questions and concerns about your surgery on a piece of paper or in your phone. Every time something comes up, write it down. Then run those questions through your medical team. You can also do some research online (but don't overdo it because it might make you even more anxious!). You can also find some answers and support through online communities of patients who share the same diagnosis.

Tip number four is to ask for help! Lean on people, lean on your medical team, on your friends and family, on an online community of patients. Ask for help and accept the help that's offered. The truth is that most people want to help, but they don't always know how to. Be assertive about what you need, and tell people what you need in a way that works for you.

If you (or someone you love!) live with a medical condition, head over to my website and sign up for the newsletter to receive ideas and information on how to navigate the ups and downs of life with a medical diagnosis.

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