1. Recovering from surgery is a lot like recovering from an illness, it’s all bed-rest, right? I don’t need to make a big deal about it.
False! Recovering from surgery presents unique challenges, distinct from overcoming an illness. After surgery, your body experiences a heightened stress response due to the physical trauma, leading to a surge in stress hormones that can linger for weeks. This can manifest in various ways, including emotional and behavioral changes such as impatience, heightened sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating, making everyday interactions more challenging. Engaging with a coach during this time offers a supportive environment to navigate these changes, offering strategies to manage stress and improve communication with loved ones. Moreover, surgeries that impact mobility add another layer of complexity to recovery, transforming simple tasks into hurdles that necessitate external assistance. Recognizing these changes and planning for them can significantly enhance your independence and ease the recovery process, making it crucial to approach this period with understanding and support.
2. Your doctor will set you up with everything you need to know about the surgery and recovery at home.
False! Your medical team wishes you well, but it will most likely give you the bare essentials of recovery information. For my last surgery, I had four vitamins recommended to me pre-op and was given a single fact sheet about the milestones of the post-op visits. I realized that helping me set up a recovery plan was just not their job, and there is a great need for patients to receive some help here. I like my doctor and his medical team but in no way did my pre-op appointment prepare me for the emotional, physical, relational, nutritional, mental, and practical needs 'stone soup' that is recovery. I created my program to fill that gap. I offer practical tips to plan an efficient surgery and recovery, coach 1 on 1 through the emotional and mental needs, as well as offer a guided journal for emotional awareness. Don't waste time, money and pain learning the hard way.
3. Surgeons have the same idea of a ‘successful’ surgery as the patient does.
False! Take this example from Hospital for Special Surgery, “Most spine surgeons would say a successful surgery looks like this: lower postoperative pain scores, increased functional scores and images show a solid fusion; the patient isn't readmitted to the hospital and doesn't complain of any further complications. But that's not necessarily how patients would define "success." Patients are looking for a surgery that alleviates their pain, allows them to return to work and daily activities, and reduce or eliminate narcotics use. And they want all of this done in the most efficient and cost-effective way. Otherwise, they don't consider their procedure a success.” The difference in the definition of success can sometimes lead to resentment, anger, or disappointment by the patient.
My clients are able to work through these emotions with me or pre-empt them altogether. Knowing patients have different ideas than physicians is a great heads up to our expectations and planning.
4.Mental Health has nothing to do with the pain we feel.
False! Emotional pain activates some of the same areas of our brain as physical pain. The more depression and anxiety one feels, the more pain sensations we must endure. The more we worry about the surgery, the less confident and compassionate we feel towards ourselves and our surgeon. The more anxiety, the worse the outcomes. There is a very real relationship between our mental health and our surgical success, no matter what happens in the surgical suite.
5. It's only in the early days (Pre-op to a few weeks post-op) that a coach is needed.
False! Preparing for surgery involves not only planning for the operation and recovery but also understanding that this marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with your body as it changes. It's natural to feel a mix of emotions, from fear and anxiety about the uncertain future to concerns about how you'll adapt to these changes over time. Many wonder whether they'll struggle with their new reality, especially if challenges arise early on. However, envisioning a future where you confidently navigate these changes can make all the difference. Working with a coach can help unravel these fears, guiding you toward a positive outlook for the future, irrespective of the immediate outcome of the surgery. Imagine having unwavering support for yourself, thinking creatively to shape the life you desire, and embracing your body with kindness and acceptance.
Think about the long-term possibilities: being open to exploring new therapies, massages, and mobility classes that not only enhance your physical well-being but also deepen your connection with your body. Imagine approaching the search for effective products and therapies with enthusiasm rather than embarrassment or stress. The secret to a fulfilling life post-surgery isn't about having the perfect circumstances but about fostering a positive mindset. Those who lead rewarding lives after surgery do so because of their resilient and optimistic thoughts, not because everything went flawlessly. Embracing this perspective can transform your surgical journey into an empowering experience that sets the stage for a bright future.
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