Relax Before Surgery

Relax Before Surgery

By M. Ron Eslinger, RN, CRNA, APN, MA, BCH, FNCH

Intended for the Holding Area. However may be used by patients at home the day before their procedure.

This is a 5-minute Progressive Relaxation and Guided Imagery with Suggestion for Comfort and Relaxation during the procedure. The background music is biorhythmic with an underlying Theta Tone to enhance mental and physical calmness.

Research by Blue Shield of California and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences has shown that listening to Guided Imagery prior to surgery resulted in less N/V, and pain. Also reported are shorter procedure times, PACU and hospital stays.


Testimonials

Dear Richard, (Richard Nongard called me to ask for something for Stephanie before having surgery)
Thanks for sending me the mobile app for the holding area before my surgery last week. I did "preview" it the night before just so I knew what Mr. Eslinger sounded like, etc. Then when we got to the hospital I started to listen to it but the nurse came in. I explained to her what I was doing and made it clear it was important to me that I have time to complete it. She said she had worked for a very progressive hospital in Mass. that encouraged this sort of thing. Shortly after she inserted the I.V. I had time to complete the whole 5 minutes. Then my husband Ron and my friend talked to me for a bit. The plastic surgeon came in and marked me for the surgery. After that I was sort of sitting there waiting again so I opened the mobile app and listen to it again.

The man doing the anesthesia came and gave me anti nausea meds and then some sort of tranquilizer. After that I don't remember a thing. In past surgeries I remember going into the operating room & moving over to the table, etc. This time there is no memory at all of this part of the procedure. I woke up very calm and happy. Felt wonderful. At St. Joseph 's Outpatient there are about 6 rooms for overnight stays. They wheeled me over to that area. The nurse laughed and said "I'm not used to people talking to me like this!" I was clear, alert, and answering all her questions. I was not in a lot of pain. She also told my mom that I was the last person out of surgery that day and I was by far doing the best! That night I got out of bed several times and walked the halls. My voice was strong, my color good, and I was not dependant on too much pain medication.

I truly believe that this had a significant effect on my having such a good experience. I have had 4 surgeries in 2 years. This one was thought to be the most difficult and it has been the easiest. Please let Mr. Eslinger know how much it meant to me! I thought he covered everything in those 5 minutes and it was very reassuring and calming. My "freak out" is the I.V. since my veins are bad & they can only use one arm - it tends to be a bit traumatic. This time they put it in my wrist, which I hate, but it did not bother me one bit! Obviously you know I'm a big believer, but this exceeded my expectations!

I am very appreciative that he would take the time to help me out.

Thanks again!

Stephanie Skiba
PeachTree Professional Education, Inc.

Again, I am happy to report continued success with your Relax Before Surgery App.