Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/599442
3 4 | PULSE W i n t e r 2 0 1 5 we are not sensitive enough to the anxiety of the patient," he says. Being a surgeon, Dr. Unatin clearly knew all the possible risks of knee replacement surgery, which would seem like an advantage but in reality elevated his stress level. For instance, the risks of anesthesia gave him pause even though he had the benefit of knowing—and trusting—the physicians and surgeons responsible for his care. He imagines patients without as much insider knowledge could become even more anxious. Besides worry about the operation or illness itself, the idea of taking time off from work and/or extracurricular activities distresses many patients. is type of stress can lead to sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, attitude, depression, shortness in temper or breath. How a patient deals with their anxiety can make a huge difference in their recovery. "I had anxiety. When you do something within your own specialty you know all too well every possible risk. It weighs on your mind," he says. "I made up my mind to just be a good patient. I did exactly what I was supposed to do. I even went to the new patient orientation meeting." Dr. Unatin decided he wanted to experience what other patients experience at the clinic and the hospital. "You have to take yourself out of the realm of being a surgeon and just be a patient. You have to follow what doctors and nurses and physical therapists say.'" e nurses, staff and physical therapists could not have been more professional and calming, says Dr. Unatin. He has great confidence in the anesthesia department and had the opportunity to ask Steven Underberger, MD, to administer the anesthesia. e anxiety he experienced was directly linked to his own knowledge about the surgery and his worrying over its effects. He never realized how big a role stress plays, even months before and aer surgery, and now he's much more sensitive to a patient's individual needs. "I'm more sensitive to when my patients need surgery," he says. "We don't treat X-rays—we treat people. I say, don't rush into a big operation like this. If all a patient has is a little arthritis on an X-ray, maybe it's not time yet. ere are conservative non-surgical methods of treatment. Wait until the issue is really affecting their daily quality of life." His experience as a patient reinforced Dr. Unatin's belief that most patients need to get in shape and lose a bit of weight in the months before an operation. For best results in recovery, less weight, stronger muscles and heart health count. Dr. Unatin exercised using g ym equipment and watched what he ate to lose a bit of weight four months prior to surgery. Losing weight and keeping in good shape can seem daunting for those who have reduced mobility, but swimming and other options should be explored. And healthy eating is always important at any stage of life. Exercise