Hypnosis Helping With Recovery

I was reading in the Post Op section where a lady was saying how Hypnosis helps alot with recovery and I have to say I agree with her 100%.

I am a professional hypnotherapist/hypnotist and before each of my surgeries that I've had I've made myself a CD and listened to it. I've always had pretty speedy recoveries.

I have my surgery this Friday and for the past week I've been listening to my pre-recorded CD and I've made one for myself to listen to during and after the surgery to help recover faster.

I firmly believe in this not only because it's how I earn my living but because I use it myself. I know there are many sites out there where you can buy recordings but also remember all you need is a tape recorder and you can make your own. Again online is wonderful for getting ideas of what to tell yourself. Even if you can't listen to it during surgery listening to it before your surgery and after I very, very strongly believe helps.

Anyone else out there have any experience using hypnosis before/during/after surgery?

Hypnosis seems kind of bogus to me, but I am sure there are those who enjoy this type of thing.

I experienced a "textbook" complication-free recovery from my hysterectomy and I was "not under the influence" of any pre-operative implanted thoughts or emotions. Personally, I feel more comfortable with my mind not being tampered with, particularly when, as a recovering patient from major surgery, I feel that it is in my best interest to be as rational and clear-headed as possible. So, based on my own experience, my vote is a definite thumbs down.

I whole-heartedly agree with you. I'm so easily hypnotized that all my lady has to do is touch my shoulder and I'm there. Another thing that helps is "Deep Breathing" meditation, and imagining you're in the most beautiful place and just keep breathing deeper and slower. Also, sometimes as I breath in and out I say "I am at peace" over and over. The longer my breaths are and the more slowly I do it, I go so deep that I frequently fall asleep and awaken very refreshed. bonniebolander60

Peggy Huddleston's book and CD "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster" included suggested sayings and helped me tremendously. Also, the hospital where I had my surgery had a free pre-op and post-op CD that I used prior and am using now that is very helpful. My anesthesiologist told me there is evidence for the effectiveness of post-hypnotic suggestion or some term like that. He was happy to use the positive statements that I asked him about. My gyn/surgeon said after the surgery she was amazed that I had very little bleeding during surgery and in addition to the excellent medical care by my team I credit the prior preparation I'd done and the positive statements used just prior to my surgery.

I also read the Huddleston book, and wrote my own healing statements for the doctor to read, including ones that I'd be thirsty, eager to walk, and would quickly resume normal bowel and digestive functioning. When I woke in the recovery room, I was thirsty and eager to walk, and my bowel movements returned to normal in a few days. Did the healing statements help? Maybe.

Where hypnosis really helped me, though, was in dealing with my phobia about general anaesthesia, which was so severe that I almost cancelled necessary surgery, preferring the risk of cancer to the risk of going under anaesthetic. Seeing a hypnotherapist helped me change some of my irrational, phobic "programming" and substitute healthier, less frightening, more positive thoughts. I was still anxious about the surgery, but the anxiety was manageable and I wasn't wracked by wheezing panic attacks anymore. I couldn't have gotten to that point without either hypnosis or being tranquilized into insensibility. All things considered, I think hypnosis was the best pre-operative health choice I could have made.

I'm sure a believer. May I ask if you know of any hypnosis tapes or guided meditation tapes to help lower your blood pressure caused by stress? My husband's is really high. I've personally, in the past enjoyed hypnosis for overeating, anxiety and stress. It's a "heavenly" experience! I've just recently wondered about trying it to stop biting my nails, I've bitten them ever since I had teeth! bonniebolander60