6 Reasons to Feel Uncertain About Surgery

In times of illness, you want to believe that medical professionals have everything from your medication to recovery after surgery handled. However, it isn’t uncommon for patients to have uncertainties before a surgery. Afterall, it isn’t every day that you undergo an operation. 

For the most part, these fears are nothing to worry about. It is still vital that you do your homework for non-emergency operations and have several talks with your doctor beforehand. There are six main reasons that people become uncertain of surgery. Here’s why. 

1. A Lack of Sleep

While you might have been up all night worrying, it doesn’t impact the surgery if you’re running on only a few hours of sleep. What about the doctor, though? Could a lack of sleep lead them to make a fatal mistake?

As it turns out, the answer is no. Recent studies show that surgeons are equally as effective even with their long hours and sleepless nights.  These individuals have functioned throughout medical school and well into their careers on as little sleep as possible. It’s all a part of the job. So, this is one fear you put to rest. 

2. Your Nerves

One of the top reasons people feel uncertain about their upcoming surgery is anxiety. The closer the date approaches, the more stressed you might become. It’s perfectly normal, but you should understand that these thoughts and feelings do not reflect the outcome of your operation. Talk with your doctor about your anxiety to help calm your fears. 

3. A Change in Health

One reason you should worry, however, is when you come down with something before your surgery date. Anything from a cold to the flu or more serious illnesses can drastically change the outcome of any operation. Make sure to discuss any oncoming sickness with your doctor and anesthesiologist. 

4. Worries About the Surgeon

If your surgeon makes you feel uncomfortable, rushes you into a decision, or intimidates you, then you probably need to find someone else. Elective surgeries require extensive conversation and deliberation. Medical malpractice attorneys suggest that you always seek a second opinion, ensuring that the words of your primary doctor match those of another as close as possible. 

5. A Questionable Facility

This uncertainty doesn’t pop up often, but it is a possibility. Hospitals strive for greatness, ensuring their facility is clean and safe. If the place your surgery will be held in looks like it’s falling apart or needs a serious scrubbing with bleach, you need to find somewhere else to have your operation. 

6. Unanswered Questions

Part of your uncertainty may simply be a lack of knowledge. When patients aren’t fully aware of what their operation entails, their anxiety tends to increase. This is why speaking with your doctor and anesthesiologist is vital to the process. 

The medical staff at your facility of choice won’t take offense to your questions, no matter how many you have. The more you know about your surgery, the easier it is to get rid of post-op jitters. So, ask away.