Preparing for surgery:
A roadmap to a smoother recovery

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Preparing for surgery. What's in your emotional toolbox?


Going through surgery is an emotional rollercoaster. From the moment you leave your surgeon's office, you feel pulled between the hope for better health or wellbeing, the relief you expect from a successful procedure, and constant worry about the surgery and recovery.


"What if there are complications during the surgery?"

"What will my body look like? Will I be able to handle the way it looks?"

"The surgery is over now but my pain is so bad, I can't focus or do anything."

"I worry about surgery so much it keeps me up at night."

"I'm afraid of not waking up from the anesthesia."

"I worry about whether my family will cope with my surgery."

"Things won't be the same after the surgery."

 

Sounds familiar?


If you're feeling anxious about surgery, you are not alone! Up to 70% of adults undergoing surgery experience anxiety prior to surgery and during recovery. Yet, while pre-operative surgery is not uncommon, it doesn't make it any more comfortable or easy to experience.


Did you know that your emotional health and coping skills can impact your quality of life long after the procedure is over?



  • Symptoms of anxiety and depression are associated with greater chronic pain, after the surgery and even months later.
  • Expectations about surgery and recovery can impact perceived pain following the procedure.
  • Even sleep difficulties can impact the way you cope with pain.
  • Making healthy lifestyle changes (e.g., increased physical activity, dietary changes) can help kickstart your recovery.



Being well prepared for surgery goes beyond arranging for someone to pick you up from the hospital after the procedure and having help around the house as you recover.

Now onto the good news, there are tools you can develop to prepare for a smoother, less painful recovery. As a health psychologist, I'm specially trained to support your efforts to recovery and better health.


Together we will come up with a personalized plan to prepare for surgery and cope with the emotional and physical distress that can show up during recovery. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from working with me before surgery and as you recover:


  1. Learn techniques that can help you manage stress and anxiety, such as relaxation training and mindfulness.
  2. Learn evidence-based tools to manage post-op pain and improve functioning during recovery.
  3. Find unconditional support and guidance as you navigate concerns about illness, body image, self-esteem, or functional limitations.
  4. Sleep better! Learn behavioral techniques to improve sleep by adjusting your routines and environment.
  5. Make progress towards a healthier lifestyle (e.g., increased physical activity, diet changes, smoking cessation) to support your recovery.
  6. Use problem-solving to cope with stress
  7. Become more assertive about your needs and communicate about your health with loved ones.


Together, we can make a plan for the tough days ahead and plan for a smoother recovery. I will be with you at every step of your journey, to celebrate your successes and provide support when you hit a roadblock.


Let's talk!
Miami psychologist can help you prepare for surgery

Hi, I'm Dr. Lucette!


I love to help adults navigate the ups and downs of a medical condition (and those who love and support them!) and folks who need support taking steps towards healthy lifestyle changes.


I'm a health psychologist! That means that I'm trained to help take care of your mind... and body! 

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