Generally most of the patients are worried or anxious before surgery. But it is important to ensure that these anxiety and fears do not become overwhelming. Patients are afraid of surgery whether it is minor or major. Fear of surgery is known as Tomophobia.
Mostly patient’s surgical anxiety or fear occurs due to:
1. pain
2. deformity
3. financial burdens
4. scars
5. infections
6. adverse lifestyle impact
7. long recovery time
8. losing independence.
Surgical anxiety or fear becomes a serious psychological issue when it shows the symptoms like palpitations, nausea, excessive sweating, breathing problems, sleep disorders and nervous stomach.
There are several ways to overcome the surgical fear and anxiety. Some important ways include:
1) Trust your surgeon:
A patient’s trust on a surgeon is very crucial. It increases the confidence in surgeon to treat patient more efficiently. It also makes patient more comfortable and strong. Every patient should trust surgeon’s capability to cure disease. Trust creates the feeling of affection between patient and surgeon.
2) Trust yourself:
Every patient should trust himself/herself. It increases self confidence & fighting spirit to win over any disease.
3) Ask questions/doubts:
Patient should ask relevant doubts and questions to surgeons. Surgeon is highly talented and experienced person so that he/she always gives correct answers to the patients. Instead of hesitating, patients should clarify all doubts without wasting a time.
4) Educate yourself:
Every patient should always try to find information about the diseases which he/she is currently suffering. It increases awareness in patient. Patient should also try to take information regarding surgical procedures, surgery benefits, its complications and precautions. Patient can get tips for better and faster recovery. In this way, patient gets a complete idea and finally it will help to reduce surgical anxiety and fear. This makes patients to accept the facts & makes them stronger to deal with any severe medical condition.Dr.Shailendra Patil Mulund
5) Seek counseling:
Counseling is very helpful before & after surgical treatment. It is very beneficial in a life threatening diseases to adapt any changes. Counselling also benefits the patients who had a bad previous experience with surgery.
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