Afraid of Surgery? How to conquer fear & anesthesia anxiety

#surgery #anesthesia #fear

Do you dread the thought of going under the knife? Do you experience anxiety before surgery and fear the loss of control that comes with being put under general anesthesia? If so, you're not alone. Surgery anxiety affects millions of people worldwide and can be a major hurdle to getting the medical care you need. 1 in 4 patients may even cancel their elective surgery from fear of the general anesthesia alone.

0:00 - How many patients are afraid of surgery?
1:51 - The 5 sources of surgery fear
1:11 - #1 Losing control & regaining it
1:42 - Control cravings
2:35 - Tools for regaining control
4:50 - #2 Certainty before anesthesia & surgery
6:13 - #3 Confidence in surgery
7:46 - #4 Trust & PTSD
9:19 - #5 Curiosity (I & D types)
11:39 - Tying it together

But fear not, because in this video, we're going to share some practical tips and techniques for conquering your surgery anxiety and facing your fears head-on. We'll cover everything from advocating for yourself to building trust in your surgical team and the importance of staying curious throughout the process.

First and foremost, it's important to recognize that feeling anxious before surgery is completely normal. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of people experience some level of pre-surgery anxiety. So, know that you're not alone in this.

One of the biggest fears that people have when it comes to surgery is the fear of losing control. The idea of being unconscious and vulnerable while a team of strangers performs complex procedures on your body can be daunting. But the reality is that modern surgical techniques and anesthesia have come a long way in recent years, and the chances of complications are relatively low. We'll discuss how to regain your perceived (and actual) control before going under anesthesia.

That being said, it's important to take an active role in your own care and advocate for yourself throughout the process. Ask your surgical team questions, voice your concerns, and be an active participant in your treatment plan. This will help you feel more in control and less anxious about the procedure.

Another key component of conquering surgery anxiety is building trust in your surgical team. This means taking the time to research your surgeon and their qualifications, as well as asking for recommendations from friends and family. When you trust your surgical team, you'll be more confident in their abilities and feel more comfortable with the process overall. This can also reduce the risk of developing medical PTSD after surgery.

But trust isn't just about the medical professionals involved in your care. It's also about trusting yourself and your own instincts. If something doesn't feel right or you have concerns about your treatment plan, speak up and advocate for yourself. Remember, you are the most important member of your surgical team, and your input and participation are essential to a successful outcome. You want to be certain about your surgery and know what to expect before, during, and after anesthesia.

Another helpful tip for conquering surgery anxiety is to stay curious throughout the process. Ask questions, learn about the procedures involved in your treatment plan, and educate yourself on what to expect before, during, and after surgery. When you have a better understanding of the process, you'll feel more confident and less anxious. The more confident you are in the process, the better your outcomes will likely be (and the better you'll feel!).

Finally, remember that patient empowerment is key to conquering surgery anxiety. This means taking an active role in your own care, being proactive about your health, and advocating for yourself throughout the process. When you feel empowered and in control of your treatment plan, you'll be more confident and less anxious about the surgery.

I will help you understand that facing surgery anxiety can be a daunting but also healing experience, but it's important to remember that you're not alone in this. By advocating for yourself, building trust in your surgical team, staying curious, and empowering yourself as a patient, you can conquer your surgery anxiety and face your fears head-on. Remember, your health and well-being are worth the effort, and the rewards of conquering your fears are immeasurable.

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.

[jgoodman]

my hand surgery went great and this video helped.

here are important points:

- What does Anethesia feel like? Nothing! Its like you ain't even there. Don't remember going under at all. Next thing I know I am in recovery just chilling! I was terrified but it was SO easy!

- Want to skip surgery? General Anethesia is your ticket! Skips you to the end.

[JrNelson-wo]

I always leave my fear with God? He will take care of me!

[marilyn]

I binged Dr. Kaveh’s videos to manage my major fear of gallbladder surgery and I can honestly say they all helped me so much! Thank you, Dr. Kaveh for your amazing channel! P.s. Surgery went exceptionally well yesterday and loved my anesthesiologist and surgeon because I knew what to ask and do beforehand. One thing I should not have done: I waited too long to schedule my surgery and in those 2 months, my anxiety built up…should have scheduled in within a couple of weeks to avoid all that unnecessary anxiety.

[scubabecky]

I have very strong ‘I’ curiosity but it’s sprinkled with a bit of ‘D’ curiosity as a result of surgical ptsd. I have always been curious about the world around me and was so full of questions about everything as a child, I drove the people around me, crazy. It’s likely why I am a grade 5 teacher. However, post some very horrendous surgical experiences, I now NEED to know everything that’s going to happen or my anxiety is through the roof. I watch every video showing my surgery that I can find on YouTube so that I can feel like I can have some control. I agree 100% with you that knowledge is power. Is there such thing as too much knowledge? My husband thinks I’m just scaring myself even more.

[moNm]

For me its the fear of not waking up 😢

[contactusece]

I have more anxiety now then before this video

[trishjeannidis]

Thank you for sharing. I was induced in a coma due to double pneumonia from covid. It was two month's.. And had the worst experience, woke up paralyzed. Also had emergency c section and almost died. And anxiety depression ptsd anyway. Im having a hysterectomy in july. You have helped me with my approach to increasing my calm and pray. Thank you God bless

[CosmicD]

I just came back from my first general anesthesia, and i was terrified going in, and they kept talking to me, I must have asked 3 times why the heart won't stop but your breathing will", I brought up the Michael Jackson thing (and ofcourse they know, because they must have heard this "fear of death because Michael Jackson died of propofol too"" concern a million times before me. Last thing i knew they were saying that he had no support at all, and I've got 4 ppl around me. Then i was in another room and it was 3 hours later, and it felt so good! next time I won't be so scared anymore!

[jaeljade]

I was able to help out someone today by directing her to your channel. She has an upcoming surgery and so scared. I was glad I was aware of your channel.

[ladychastitybelte]

I think you missed the fear of not waking up - everyone I know, including myself that has to have surgery is afraid they wont wake up from it.

[maryjanias]

Thank you so so much for all of your videos! I'm having surgery tomorrow for the first time, and you have helped me to know what kinds of questions to ask. I was so lost and had so much anxiety. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[warriorzentennis]

Hey Doc Kaveh,
I really appreciate your insight on this. I recently underwent surgery and fear of losing control was my number one concern. I had done all this planning for "the moment" I would be injected with propofol and what that would feel like and that moment never came. I remember being transferred to the operating table and then hearing the voice of my nurse. I cried when I woke up but overall I am recovering well.
My anesthesiologist told me in his experience it's always the smart ones who fear losing control under the medication. The entire medical staff was great and helped me stay calm through the whole process.

Ultimately I am proud of myself for not allowing panic to take over.

[sherrimusic]

I didn't get a full on surgery today but I went for a routine endoscopy with a different doctor. Before the procedure I was able to communicate with the nurse on my fears of having my throat paralyzed. It was uncomfortable, but I felt supported by the nurse and she helped me to breathe. A LOT BETTER than the panic attack inducing atmosphere I experience twice before.

Also my previous doctor apparently misdiagnosed me with having Barrett's Esophagus when the doctor I saw today says I don't have that? He also told me to stop taking the vonoprazan fumarate ( I live in Japan) I had been prescribed because it was damaging my stomach. I'm really confused as to how something so serious like BE can be misdiagnosed, although I am more inclined to listen to this new doctor since he and his staff were very supportive of me.

[emanrandom]

For me it’s the fear of waking up in pain and not remembering what happened and having to be in pain for a weeks

[rhsb]

The worst part for me is the mask. For whatever reason, part of me wants to fight, but I'm strapped down. The rational part of my brain knows having the surgery is what's best, but the fear part takes over once the mask goes on. Thank goodness it's only for a few seconds before I'm out.

[PrayersandCrayons]

I may need open heart surgery in the future to correct a heart valve and the idea terrifies me so badly. Thanks for the video.

[TerriBrabantCreager]

I had fear of my heart valve surgery. I had two concepts that gave me ease. The first was i only had Two outcomes, life with God or life with my husband. The second was told to me by the surgeon. He said I will have a good out come because I had a sense of humor and I liked the music that was playing in the OR. I have watched many of your episodes. You provide so much knowledge and in my case, I think, some ignorance allowed me not to a have hang up on every detail. I did have disappointment at home healing than during my hospital stay.

[robinboyle]

I don't have any fear of anesthesia. In fact there's about 3 seconds as I'm going under that's one of the greatest highs I've ever experienced... wheeee (child of the 60's).
My only fear is simply not coming back from unconsciousness, ie, death. Also, a tranquilizing shot about a half hour before going under is helpful.

[estelleadamski]

I'm facing 2 surgeries in 2 states before the end of the yr. It is now Oct 16th. I will have a meniscectomy and won't have a spinal. The other is abdominal surgery which will be open not laparoscopic. They will both be general. I have never had any problems and I have had at least 12 surgeries plus at least 10 endoscopies. I have never had a sore throat. I remember the exact second I go out. I don't ever remember waking up in the OR, although I know we do.

[richardkostura]

I found this to be a very informative video. I have had 5 terrible experiences with sedatives. the worst was during a wrist operation. I made it perfectly clear to the hand surgeon that I did not want the surgery if i had to be sedated. On the day of surgery they put in an IV, and then the anesthesiologist tried 3 times to do a brachial plexus nerve block but all 3 failed. In the operating room, the surgeon had the nurse inject versed and fentanyl. I woke up mid operation and had a panic attack . I was given more drugs and passed out again just before seeing my pulse drop from 140 to 40. after the operation I lost 75% use of my thumb even though the operation was not on that side of my had (It was on ulnar nerve) After 21 years, I still wake up 1-4 times a month and have flashbacks about being forced into procedures against my will. the fentanyl had little if any impact on the pain
1. would general anesthetic cause a better or worse reaction to someone with paradoxical reactions?
2. any explanation why a nerve block wouldn't work?
3. I will never have elective surgery again any suggestions if my cardiologist says I need stents or bypass at some point.

again thank you so much for your videos