Reducing your Fear of Surgery

Fear of surgery is one of the most common medical anxieties. Feeling scared does not mean you are weak. It means you care about your health and your life.

The fear makes sense. Surgery involves anaesthesia, an operating room, recovery time, and uncertainty. But fear often grows when we don't fully understand what's happening or what our real risks are.

There are a few common reasons people fear surgery:

Fear of pain

Fear of complications

Fear of anaesthesia

Fear of loss of control

Worry about recovery time and cost

These concerns are normal. But it helps to separate emotional fears from medical facts.

Modern surgery is far safer than many people realise. Advances in imaging, sterile technique, anaesthesia, and minimally invasive procedures have dramatically improved outcomes over the last few decades. Surgeons and anaesthetists undergo years of specialised training.

Anaesthesia is a concern for many people, because it results in a total loss of consciousness and control. One of the biggest fears around surgery is "not waking up." Modern anaesthesia is closely monitored, and during surgery, your vital signs are continuously tracked. Do keep in mind that your anaesthetist is a trained professional whose job is to keep you safe and comfortable during your surgery.

Tips to ease the fear:

Notice your feelings

Reflecting on your feelings can be helpful. You might feel hopeful or scared. You might have tension in your jaw, a knotted stomach, sleep difficulties or headaches. By naming your feelings and experiences, you can help relieve them.

Be informed

Part of what contributes to this anxiety of surgery is fear of the unknown. Learning the specifics of what will happen during surgery can go a long way in alleviating worries. However, pay attention to what feels right for you. If you think it would be helpful for you to know exactly what will happen during your procedure, ask your provider to explain it in detail, or ask them to keep it short and simple. Some people find that understanding more about the procedure and what will happen helps relieve worry.

Remember, when it comes to your health, there are no silly questions. Talk to your medical team about how you’re feeling. They’ve likely helped many other people deal with pre-surgery anxiety.

You could take a written list to your appointment with questions such as:

Why is this surgery necessary?

What are the most common complications?

What is the expected recovery time?

How much pain should I expect?

What restrictions will I have?

Understanding specifics can reduce the fear. You can remind yourself: ‘I am in safe hands, I have expert surgeons who do this every day, and after the operation I will be well looked after’.

Prepare for Recovery

Anxiety often comes from uncertainty about "what happens after." You can speak to your medical team and clarify how long you'll need help at home, when you can return to work, pain management options, and signs of complications. Having a recovery plan in place reduces stress significantly.

Recall ways you’ve managed anxiety in the past

One way to navigate fear before your surgery is to think about other times you’ve dealt with anxiety and try to remember what helped you in those moments. Was it a walk outside to clear your head, or maybe you practised deep breathing? Perhaps you watched a funny movie, read a book, or did something creative. While your fears about your upcoming surgery might feel especially intense, try using coping techniques that have helped your anxiety in the past.

 A simple, three-step breathing exercise you can try is:

Counting to three as you inhale

 Briefly pausing

 Then, counting to three as you exhale

Music may also have a positive effect on your pre-surgery anxiety. When preparing for your procedure, consider making a playlist of your favourite feel-good songs that you can listen to on the day of the surgery.

Surround yourself with support

Know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Talk to your friends and loved ones about your concerns. And ask for help when you need it. Support from your loved ones could include transportation to the hospital and follow-up appointments, help at home with things like cooking and cleaning, or simply the opportunity to talk about what you’re feeling.

Focus on the things you can control

Focus on the things you can control, such as looking after yourself while you are waiting for your surgery. These could include maintaining good regular sleep, eating healthily, taking quality ‘me’ time, practising relaxation and looking after your mental health.

Focusing on the benefits of having surgery can help you feel less anxious. Remember that the procedure can improve your symptoms and give you a better quality of life. You could reflect on the positives; for example, you will have the tumour removed from your body, your quality of life will improve, etc.

Other strategies that can help you control your fear:

 Deep breathing exercises

Short daily walks before surgery (if safe)

Speaking with others who've had the procedure

Practicing relaxation techniques

I have created a calming audio specifically for people who are experiencing fear around surgery, the link is here: https://www.restorativecreativity.co.uk/shop/p/fear-of-surgery