Anxiety Relief Before Surgery - Doctor's Top 3 Tips

#anxiety #anesthesia #surgeryrecovery

Are you anxious before surgery and anesthesia? Learn Dr. Kaveh's top 3 tips to reduce anxiety before surgery!

Anxiety before surgery is very common, but it can also cause complications both inside and outside the operating room. Anxiety can come from fear of pain, anesthesia, surgery, complications, unknowns, and so many other things. Because it has such a serious impact on the body, I wanted to share my top three tips for how you can naturally reduce anxiety both before surgery and in other stressful times of your life!

Some patients are anxious because they might say embarrassing things under anesthesia. This is where the importance of mind body control comes in. And you don’t need significant training to begin to take control of your mind and body, it all starts with breathing techniques!

In one of my previous videos, where I connected myself to the ventilator and the life support monitors, I demonstrated just how powerful breathing techniques can be to control panic attack symptoms. You should check out that video!

Additionally, there are some supplements that can help relieve anxiety. Unfortunately, many of them are contraindicated, or dangerous, before surgery and anesthesia. I discuss some of the safer ones, but you should always discuss any supplements with your doctors first, especially before surgery!

Lastly, and most powerfully, is the power of curiosity about the effects of anesthesia on your body. Leaning into this curiosity, especially with an anesthesiologist willing to guide you, can help overcome anxiety with lifelong effects! This is because the disinhibited brain is powerfully influenceable to unlock your inner healing potential. Some call it the placebo effect, I call it simply uncovering your hidden healing potential. This is by far the most mysterious, and my favorite, strategy for overcoming anxiety in stressful situations.

There are runner-up’s that I didn’t get to in this video, including exposure therapy and music therapy, among others. If interested, let me know below and I can discuss those in a separate video!

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.

[naomisims]

I've had a few surgeries. I know my life is in the anesthesiologist's hands while under, & knowing human beings are fallible, it causes quite a bit of anxiety. I make sure to "make my peace" before getting to the OR, & pray for all the team members...which seems to help me the most.
Just before administering the anesthesia for my last surgery, my anesthesiologist asked, "Are you having a good morning so far?". I said, "Yes, are YOU having a good morning so far?" He chuckled, "Yeah". I sighed, Good!", in relief.
I feel anesthesiologists have to be the bravest & most caring people in the world, & I thank you all! I can't imagine how anyone consented to or survived surgery before anesthesia.

[butchncasey]

I intuitively have felt this. That the calmer I am going into surgery, the easier the healing will be afterwards. Good to hear it confirmed

[michellepicard]

Listening to this in pre op right before having a port implanted. I love the 5 second breathing in and out. I'm also adding heart centered breathing. Very relaxing. Thanks Dr. Kaveh! ❤

[warmwomyn]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!! I WATCHED THIS THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE DAY OF MY SURGERY. STARTED THE HARA BREATHING AND WAS DONE. WOKE UP, SURGERY DONE, STILL NO PAIN AS I TYPE THIS.

[tHatsHot]

This is just what I needed to find before my surgery in 2 weeks. Thank you Dr!

[robindabreu]

I love the warmth and comfort feeling that I feel for like 2 seconds when they put the anesthesia into the IV, before passing out.

[savanahasargent]

Thank you, yes my Anesthesiologist was awesome with my CPTSD/TRAUMA DISORDER. Makes all the difference in the world during surgery to have a Dr. like you. Thank you.

[mudshovel]

curiosity is something that has been helpful for my meditation practice. just sitting still and seeing what you see for a few minutes can be very worthwhile and interesting.

[annmroyhughes]

I really wish I would have known this information. I never had anesthesia nor surgery before. Went I. For extensive shoulder repair. Anesthesiologist came into pre-op with consent form in a rush not really willing to discuss anything-literally simultaneously nurse was starting an IV. Was told I was going to have nerve block and I asked if I could avoid General Anesthesia and anesthesiologist said “absolutely no, ” nurse said I am going to give you something to relax- I said I am not nervous but too late-I was out. I don’t remember anything. Work up vomiting and them saying time to go home. I am a 70 yo woman and I don’t feel like I was treated with any respect or dignity. Will never go to that surgeon or surgery center no matter what.
Thank you for your kindness to your patients and teaching those of us who did not have any information what actually happened to us.

[reneekillino]

Thank you so much. I’m going in for foot surgery tomorrow 😮. I handle Anesthesia well but I’m really nervous and anxious about the recovery! I’ve had bunion surgery on this same foot and recovery was so painful😮😮😮. Thank you for all you Do❤❤❤🩼🩼🩼✌️

[LifeBetweenTheDash]

Too bad none of my doctors explained this aspect of surgery. Still dealing with the medical trauma of surgery 3+ years later. Never want another surgery again.

[luanarose]

Not many doctors call their patients. I love that idea!!

[jaybytez]

Found your channel and love it. When I was a teen, had my wisdom teeth out. I remember waking up and freaking out, saying “I am gonna have a seizure” (history of epilepsy). They applied the mask to my face and I fell back asleep. I have been afraid of surgery ever since. Using this data to help me overcome.

[dang]

Wow thank you Dr. K
Very informative tips!🙏🙏🙏

[Jima]

I remembered everything before surgery, even though I told them I was super nervous while waiting to be wheeled into the operating room.

[peggycrochetz]

Back in 2010, I was having an appendectomy along with exploratory surgery done. I was given propophol (not sure what else). In recovery, I can (to this day) recite verbatim, the conversations amongst the nurses with my Mom & Husband! The. Nurse did the knuckle rub on my chest (It Hurt!). She tickled my feet etc... I was Screaming in my mind to let her know I could hear and feel Everything, but I could NOT move At All! I could Not communicate whatsoever! I've never been more terrified in my life! I heard the nurse say to my Mom, "She should have woken up by now!" I Was Fully Awake, and was screaming in my head "I'm awake! I Can hear Everything! Why can't I open my eyes? Why can't I kick your hand when you mess with my feet? Why can't I grab your hand everything you hurt me with the knuckle rub....Dr I fought as hard as I could to communicate to no avail. Finally, I felt myself Literally "slipping away", all the voices & conversations slowly sounded as if i were hearing them from far far away, as well as all the feeling I had, had, suddenly it was just a total heaviness of my body, feeling was gone. I remember thinking to myself, "Well, Heavenly Father, I hope they all know how much I love them. I can't fight anymore, the Michael Jackson drug is overtaking me, the Dr gave me too much. This is it, take me home if it is in fact the time." I do not remember anything after that. When I woke up I the voices were loud & clear again, it still took a bit to be able to open my eyes, but when they did, I saw the sweet nurse right in my face saying my name, and I said "Please do not do the chest knuckle rub on me anymore." I then recited verbatim All of the conversations, feeling everything but not being able to move, as you can imagine. Since then I am Terrified of any anesthesia. I cry and have anxiety severely (even with the pre meds they give me) and I wake up crying. I just can't seem to get over that traumatic experience to this day. I haven't had any procedures/surgery since 2016 so I'm great! 😊🙏 Thank you for taking your precious time making these very informative videos! Many Blessings to you, wish all Dr's had such a soothing & caring spirit and bedside manner as you!

[KS-sfvo]

Thank you the first tip worked for me very well when I was super anxious. You are a very caring doctor. 🙏🙏🙏

[kathygildea]

Thankyou so very much for this wonderful information, and advice Dr. 😊

[sylviebilodeau]

Thank you! I appreciate all your videos 🤍

[smileme]

Amazing content as always. My favorite doc!