Waiting For Surgery? Tips and information

Waiting for surgery can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing time, especially when faced with uncertainty about outcomes, potential complications, and recovery. Please bear in mind that this is written from my experience, always check information with your health team.

I know that I found it extremely stressful, and then my surgery was cancelled at the very last moment. So whilst I was waiting for the next date I tried to figure out how I could ‘wait’ better. 

It is proved that some coping strategies during this period can improve mental and emotional well-being, which may even have a positive effect on physical health and post-surgical outcomes. 

Here are some of my tips and also some other evidence-based tips and strategies that I found whilst managing the stress of the wait for surgery.

1. Acknowledge and Manage Anxiety

• Recognize and Validate Feelings: Anxiety about surgery is natural.
  
  Acknowledging this emotion rather than suppressing it can help reduce its intensity.
  - Remember why you are having the surgery.
  - Concentrate on positive outcomes.
  It helped me to think that in one week I would be post-surgery, then in three days it would be post-surgery, then one day, one hour etc.
  
  

• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help lower stress. Research shows that these techniques can reduce pre-surgical anxiety and potentially improve post-surgical recovery outcomes (Ashton et al., 2017).

2. Education and Information

• Gather Accurate Information: Knowing what to expect can reduce uncertainty, which is a common trigger for anxiety. Understanding the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and recovery timeline can help set realistic expectations.

• Consult with Medical Professionals: Patients should feel comfortable discussing concerns with their healthcare team. One study found that better communication with doctors can significantly decrease pre-surgery anxiety (Auerbach et al., 2020) .

• Ask Questions - make a list of questions and information that you need then ask the nurses and health care staff- what do you need to take with you, what can’t you bring. 

• If you can take a phone or tablet then try to download apps that you will find useful, relaxation apps,  films, games, or audio books are very useful. Remember to take in headphones and charger too!

3. Find a Support Network

• Engage Family and Friends: Explain to them what your surgery is and when and about your after-care. Having a support network can provide emotional comfort, whether it's through talking, companionship, or help with daily activities during the waiting period. Strong social support has been linked to improved surgical outcomes and emotional resilience (Schmid et al., 2019) .

• Joining a Support Group with others facing similar procedures can be helpful. Sharing experiences and coping strategies may provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation. Ask your doctor’s practice and see if there are any local or online groups, if not then maybe consider starting one.

4. Engage in Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Maintain Physical Activity: Gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, can improve mood, boost physical health, and prepare the body for surgery (Louw et al., 2017) .

  Have a dental check-up. Good oral hygiene can help, check there are no loose teeth or crowns, try and have your teeth cleaned so you are sparkling before the anesthetic.

• Eat a Balanced Diet. Try and choose healthy foods, especially those with vitamins C, D, and protein, support immune function and tissue repair, which can be beneficial pre- and post-surgery.

Think about the food you will need after your surgery when you are back home. Would it help to batch-cook and freeze meals so that you do not need to cook so much? Or buy canned goods, and freeze bread and milk so that shopping trips aren’t so frequent.

• Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize good sleep, which can enhance mental resilience and immune function, aiding in recovery. Limit screen time before bed, find relaxation apps.

  
  

5. Use Positive Visualization and Goal Setting

• Visualize a Positive Outcome: Studies suggest that visualizing a successful surgery and recovery can be a powerful tool for reducing stress. It helps patients feel in control, enhancing their overall resilience (Trent & Wilson, 2018) .

• Set Small Goals: Focusing on achievable goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep the mind occupied. This can include tasks like preparing your hospital bag,  planning enjoyable activities, or organizing medical paperwork.

6. Practice Patience and Acceptance

• Acceptance-Based Coping: Accepting the situation rather than fixating on changing what cannot be controlled has been shown to reduce stress. Acceptance-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), may be beneficial for patients awaiting surgery, as they encourage people to engage with life fully, even in the face of uncertainty (Hayes et al., 2016) . Take 7 Cups course on ACT https://www.7cups.com/act-therapy-techniques/ 

7. Explore Distraction and Fun

• Engage in Hobbies: Filling the waiting period with activities you enjoy can reduce pre-surgery stress. Watching movies, reading, gardening, or any other enjoyable activities can redirect focus from worry.

• Limit Overexposure to Health Information: While researching can help with preparation, overloading oneself with information can sometimes increase anxiety. Limiting time spent on health websites or forums can prevent information overload.

8. Prepare Logistically and Mentally for the Recovery Period

• Organize Recovery Essentials: Preparing a comfortable recovery space at home, arranging for help, and having necessary supplies can offer peace of mind. (see above also)

• Prepare Mentally for Setbacks: Knowing that setbacks are possible during recovery can help adjust expectations. Studies show that setting realistic expectations for recovery contributes to a better outlook and mental well-being (Anderson et al., 2015) .

Summary

Coping with the wait for surgery involves emotional management, practical planning, and support-seeking. Evidence suggests that those who actively use these strategies not only feel better emotionally but may experience better physical outcomes. Implementing these coping skills can transform a potentially distressing waiting period into one that is manageable and constructive.

Good luck to all waiting or recovering!

Now let's hear from all of you!

1) What are your best tips for waiting for surgery, please share with us.

2) Have you had surgery or are you awaiting surgery? Tell us more!

3) For the fun side, tell us about your best fun distractions, what do you like to do? What helps distract you when you are facing something?