Everyone deals with stress a little bit differently, but no matter how you deal with it, the first step is to recognize the factors that cause the stress in the first place. Stress leading up to surgery, or surgical anxiety is no exception. Common symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain and nausea are common side effects, and depending on your ailment, you could risk making it worse before you even start treatment.
Most people will suffer from surgical anxiety in their lifetime, and it is usually caused by fear of the result of the surgery. This is especially notable in cases where the appearance or functionality of the patient’s body will be altered. Ailments like breast or prostate cancer can cause low self-esteem after surgery, but the anxiety leading up to the surgery can be equally impactful. It is important to recognize the risk of this anxiety when planning treatment, and if necessary, seek out mental health treatment leading up to and following your surgery to help you cope with the stress and ensure the best possible outcome.
In other less-serious surgeries, there are still plenty of problematic outcomes that can cause surgical anxiety. The risk of hospital-acquired infections like MRSA and staph is worthy of some concern. A study conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) in 2007 suggests about one in twenty hospital patients carry or are infected by MRSA. ?Though contracting these illnesses is quite possible, they can be avoided. By asking whether or not you will be receiving antibiotics at any point before and after surgery to lower your risk of contraction, and to not allow any doctors or nurses touch you unless you have seen them thoroughly wash their hands.
Though infections may initially cause the greatest concern, the biggest risk you face when going in for any treatment is medication error. One missed decimal point can be the difference between recovery and a much more serious problem. According to the Institution of Medicine, approximately 450,000 injuries per year suffered from improper medication. The scariest factor of medication error is that you can’t really expect it. Anyone can make a mistake when writing or filling a medication request, so you have to be aware of what you are being prescribed, and open with your doctors about any medicine you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Though these are the biggest risk factors to consider and prepare for going into surgery, dealing with the effects of it afterwards is of equal importance. Talk to your surgeon before the surgery about any fears you may have. This will give him or her the chance to provide you with a better idea of what to expect after surgery, and ease of the worry any unrealistic outcomes you may have imagined while preparing yourself for surgery.? If necessary, your doctor may provide you with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication to make the surgery more successful.?
About Author : Rick Hernandez has been involved in the medical industry for over fourteen years. For more information on surgery, medical malpractice, and more, please visit http://www.wardandcaggiano.com.
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