An impending surgery is enough to cause trepidation in even the bravest of individuals. While having some level of worry is normal, a tremendous amount of fear about the procedure might lead you to reject a surgery that you really need. Instead, consider the reasons why you shouldn’t let the fear of this surgery take over your thoughts.
Low Risk
If you’re getting advice from someone who had a similar procedure decades ago, you may want to chat with some others. Many surgeries come with a fairly low risk these days. The exact risk varies, so you should ask. Knowing that you’re having a procedure with a very low risk can alleviate some of your concerns. Also, keep in mind that death due to surgery often arises from anesthesia, not from the actual process. If you’ve had anesthesia before, ask your doctor if that means you’re at any even lower risk for complications.
The Comparisons
Speak to your doctor to find out how likely you are to suffer serious consequences or even death if you do not have the procedure done. Then, compare that risk rate to the odds that a terrible tragedy occurs during the surgery. Chances are that you will see what the better option is. Surgery is often the less risky of the two options. Knowing that information can give you greater confidence. You should also learn what could happen if you do not have the surgery now. In other words, the surgery may pose a greater risk if you have it later than if you have it now.
Modern Technology
Assessing the risk and looking at statistics are both important to do when you’re worried about surgery, but you should also consider how the medical field has improved in recent years and decades. For example, updated machines exist to monitor your vital signs when you’re in surgery. Therefore, the surgeons know early on if a problem has started to manifest. Smoke pencils help to eliminate surgical smoke, and laser techniques allow surgeons to perform some procedures without traditional cutting.
Smoother Recovery
Your surgery may also concern you when it comes to the recovery period. Keep in mind that modern medicine has also upgraded its practices and methods in helping you to heal. Furthermore, hospitals and other medical facilities display a greater awareness of cleanliness. For example, one major worry about a surgery is the risk of infection, which can be deadly in and of itself. Modern health codes help to ensure that the environment you’re staying in is kept clean. Medical facilities often have programs that allow you to receive the proper care in your home too.
Worrying Doesn’t Change Outcomes
No level of worry is going to change the outcome of your surgery. You could worry constantly and have major complications, or you could not worry at all and end up with a smooth journey throughout. Therefore, you should not worry about the surgery because worrying won’t do anything. Turn your attention to realistic concerns. For example, you may not be able to return to work or to your regular responsibilities for a significant period of time after surgery. Instead of fretting about what could happen, make a realistic plan to deal with outcomes that are more likely to occur. Doing so will take your mind away from anxiety, and you may feel confident and strong in knowing that you have a plan.
Scheduling your surgery was a big step, and you should feel proud of making that first now. Now that you have done so, you can focus your attention on getting through the surgery and taking the proper precautions once it’s finished with.
