What happens to lonely people under anesthesia?

#loneliness #depression #surgery

What does loneliness have to do with surgery? Why did the surgeon general declare a loneliness epidemic?

I'll share the impacts of loneliness on both mental and physical health, exploring the associated risks of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. As loneliness continues to be a pressing issue in today's society, understanding its far-reaching consequences becomes increasingly important.

Loneliness has been linked to various health issues, affecting not only emotional well-being but also increasing the risk of several chronic conditions. We'll discuss the connection between loneliness and the following health risks:

Heart disease
Stroke
Dementia

We will also examine the unique challenges loneliness poses for individuals undergoing anesthesia for surgery. In particular, we'll explore how worsened depression or anxiety can heighten the risks of postoperative pain and nausea.

💔 Heart Disease Risk and Loneliness

Research has indicated a strong association between loneliness and the development of heart disease. Lonely individuals may be more susceptible to inflammation and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, feelings of isolation can contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, further exacerbating the risk of heart problems.

🧠 Stroke Risk and Loneliness

Like heart disease, loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. The stress and inflammation associated with chronic loneliness can lead to vascular changes, which may contribute to the development of stroke. Furthermore, loneliness can result in poor health habits and increased stress levels, both of which can elevate stroke risk.

🔍 Dementia Risk and Loneliness

Loneliness has been identified as a potential risk factor for dementia. Social isolation and a lack of mental stimulation may accelerate cognitive decline, increasing the likelihood of developing dementia. Research suggests that maintaining strong social connections and staying mentally engaged can help protect against cognitive decline and dementia.

💉 The Implications of Loneliness for Anesthesia and Surgery

For individuals undergoing surgery, loneliness can pose unique challenges. Specifically, the worsening of pre-existing depression or anxiety due to loneliness can increase the risks associated with anesthesia and postoperative recovery. In this video, we'll discuss how these risks manifest themselves, including:

Increased postoperative pain: Heightened anxiety and depression can lower an individual's pain threshold, leading to more significant postoperative pain and a higher demand for pain medication.
Greater risk of postoperative nausea: Those with worsened depression or anxiety may be more susceptible to postoperative nausea and vomiting, a common side effect of anesthesia.
Prolonged recovery time: Mental health issues related to loneliness can interfere with the body's natural healing processes, potentially lengthening recovery time and increasing the risk of complications.

This live stream offers a comprehensive look at the far-reaching effects of loneliness on mental and physical health, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue to ensure overall well-being. By understanding the risks associated with loneliness, including those related to anesthesia and surgery, we can take steps to alleviate its impact and promote a healthier, more connected society.

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This video/speech/channel DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. Patients with medical concerns should contact their physician. If your concern is an emergency, immediately call 911. This information is not a recommendation for ANY THERAPY. Some substances referenced in this content may be illegal, and this content is not a recommendation for, or endorsement of, their use in any way.

[kellifaulkenberg]

It brings me back to a quote from Robin Williams (RIP) "I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel alone."

[chilijean]

Lonely does not always mean alone. Some people can be in a room full of people and still be lonely.

[karenlewkowitz]

The issue : fewer and fewer people have anyone to pick them up and be with them after surgery. We need a solution for that

[Neko-qxiu]

As someone fighting depression, I can say the biggest thing going through my mind when going under was "I hope I don't wake up." Many of us fighting depression are passively suicidal in that regard. When we are asked that question "do you have any thoughts of harming yourself or others." Our Answer is "No". What we want most is to go to sleep and not wake up again. You are absolutely right to delay anesthesia if you find the patient is depressed, getting some mental health intervention.

[sarahhayslip]

As an elderly senior, there is nothing worse than having people be condescending and not take you seriously.

[lindaowens]

My husband has dementia and had surgery for hydrocephalus, he's 84 years old. When he woke from surgery and came out of the ICU he ripped out his IV's and it took 8 people to get him back into his room. They were going to restrain him but a kind nurse remembered he likes Elvis and started to sing one of Elvis' songs and my husband settled down and started singing with her.

[doxcb]

It’s good to see someone with integrity and not all about the money

[meganmccusker]

I worked in hospitals and it’s the most vulnerable place to be. The providers who show this level of bedside manner are saving so many lives. Thank you for talking about this difficult topic. ❤

[lbazemore]

Coming out of anesthesia, I remember a nurse asking me in a scolding tone, "You're not going to cry on me, are ya?" This was 50+plus years ago. As attributed to Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

[emilygov]

I had an emergency surgery that involved an ambulance trip at 2 AM with my 4 year old and just me. I was sent home with a lacerated spleen on bedrest 3 days before, which works so well as a single parent, and I literally felt my guts open up at about 1:30 AM. Realized I couldn't walk, called 911, and tried to put on a brave face for my poor, scared little kiddo. "Some very nice people are going to give us a ride because mommy needs a check-up : )". Ambulance showed up, my 4 year old rode on a seat above my head in her pj's and her little stuffed monkey. I smiled, told her it was going to be ok, we were going on an adventure, and these are cool doctors with a cool truck. Of course they had to start an IV, hook me up to the monitors, blah blah. I was asked if there was anyone to call once I got to the hospital to take my kiddo. I just said "nope : )" through tears looking at my kid. We found someone after an hour, the surgeon was called in but promised to wait until someone got to the hospital to be with my kid. It took two hours, but someone showed up. Nurses and Anesthesia ran me through the halls. Apparently I coded as soon as I hit the hall. My kid didn't see it, but i was conscious before I went wheeled into surgery. I said "dude, i'm scared". I felt like such a bitch. They gave me an IV push of something in the hallway and said "It'll be ok". I asked what they gave me. The nurse said "We put the lime in the coconut". Then slowly the 6 people rolling me down the hall started singing "You put the lime in the coconut, mix it all up..." clearly this was not protocol, but I think if my last thought before anesthesia was me freaking out about my kid all alone it would have been really awful. I needed three blood transfusions and some kind of vacuum to suck up all the stuff that already bled out. If my heart rate was any higher I for sure would have kicked the bucket. I can't even track any of those people down to thank them. Some of those people went to medical school for 3-7 years to sing my dumbass "Coconut" to lower my blood pressure so I wouldn't die. So, just a general 'thank you' to everyone in this field of medicine. I was stressed, and anesthesia probably made it possible to save my life.

[cheryldias]

Why are there so few medical doctors like you. A great gift to healthcare.

[cspiritl]

I hope every anesthesiologist is as kind understanding and good with their job like you are.

[Animalfarmcats]

I'm lonely, I have anxiety, and depression. I had foot surgery in September in 2023. The doctor and other medical professionals told me I was talking about my cats. My 6, wonderful, precious and loving cats. They are what makes me get through my days.

[alvinable]

We need more doctors like you . Doctors need to be more empathetic and add compassion to their practice.

[TheAmandalebeau]

WHO ARE YOU?! Such kindness, caring and interest in your patients and talking about mindset, effects on the subconscious 😮 im so impressed, thank you for your work. We need more like you

[anna]

It is both rare and remarkable that you express such compassion and concern for the wellbeing of patients. We need more compassion in the medical field and in the world.

[carmonk]

This Doctor is an empath. We need more of these around. 😊

[annmccall]

I have an opposite story. My 86 yr old dad had a partial hip replacement. In the recovery room he was slow to wake up and his BP was lower than it should be. The recovery nurse came out to get my mom (married 63 yrs) to bring her back. Within seconds of her presence and holding his hand his BP came back to normal and woke up. It just proved the real love and connection I saw all my life.

[sherylbenningfield]

Wow, I am not used to anesthesiologists with so much interest in the psychological side of the patient. Bravo!

[jonsey]

Man, I wish that other anesthesiologists, physicians in general, and others in the position to make a d8fference were as plugged in to their patients as you. You are a rare health-care professional. As a retired surgical nurse, I have seen the apathy many, many times.