Brain Surgery Recovery – Psychological Challenges

(Written from the view of the patient)

Psychological Challenges Faced By Brain Patients

After surgery, brain patients experience different kinds of side effects or changes to your body, whether it be from the surgical procedure or treatment there-after. It also affects how they feel. Each person is different. However, we will touch on some of the general challenges.

1. Brain patients experience frustration and agitation for the following reasons:

• When it seems to the patient as though their thoughts and cares are undermined by others.
• Being treated by others as though they have no real understanding, because it is presumed that this is how they are after a brain operation.
• The person realizes their body is slower and weaker than before, while their mind is ready and wanting their body to function normally.
• When the person want to speak and verbalize their thoughts, but cannot physically speak at all, or are battling to speak properly.
• When the person thinks they have verbalized what they were thinking, but are made aware they had not done so properly.
• The patient is disappointed that their body is letting them down – not functioning normally. They experience vulnerability and may act out on it in different ways.
• Fearful of being taken advantage of in a physical or psychological way.
• The person tends to worry about the future, about family and friends.

Keep in mind –  Not all brain patients after surgery loose their understanding and cognitive abilities. So be aware of how you speak and treat all brain patients. The body may not respond as normal while the brain function is their. Have empathy. People should be treated with dignity and respect.

2. Brain patients think a lot about the stark realities such as:

• Uncertainty about the future. How can they plan if they don’t know if they have a future. At this time they have already had to put plans on hold.
• Will the tumors or cancer come back?
• Fear about the side effects, like strokes or epilepsy. Fear about treatment side effects.
• The surgery might be unsuccessful or the treatment is unsuccessful.
• Fear and anxiety of the tumor or cancer reoccurring.
• Fear of dying or losing their loved ones. Is this the end? And if it is, how do they deal with their own mortality?
• Who will take care of the loved ones left behind?
• Will they gain full function of their body and brain.
• Their relationship with God is challenged. Do they still trust God for their lives?
• Will they end up in a step-down facility?
• Financial strain after surgery as the person may face extra costs.
• They wonder if they will ever be able to work again. If not, how will they survive financially?

3. The person can experience extreme emotion and sensitivity.

4. Feeling of paranoia and anxiousness are also common.

5. Facing the reality that their body has taken a knock and appears weak. They easily get tired and need to rest a lot.

6. Their night and day activity switches – they sleep during the day and want to be active in the evenings.

Some helpful tips for both the brain patient and those who are supporting them:

• Remain flexible and accept that plans may change.
• Learn more about coping with the fear of the treatment’s side effects.
• Understanding what your treatment options are today and in the future may help you know what to expect next.
• Learn more about coping with the fear of recurrence.
• Feeling fear is natural when you think about dying or losing someone you love. It’s normal to struggle with a fear of death. Reach out to someone or a counsellor if the feeling for fear becomes stronger.
• Acknowledging all the “unknowns” may make you feel anxious, angry, sad, or afraid. You may even have physical symptoms from these feelings. For instance, it may cause sleeping problems or make it harder to focus at work. Learning to manage the uncertainty is an important part of staying healthy.
• Recognize that there are situations you can control and those you cannot. As hard as it sounds, many people find it helpful to let go of those things that they cannot change and focus on their reaction to events.
• Talk with someone you trust if your feelings of uncertainty are affecting your daily life. They can help you find the resources you need to feel better.
• Talk with friends and family members. Tell them how you are feeling and how they can help.
• Learn as much as you can about the diagnosis you were given and its treatment. Having the right information can help you know what to expect.

There is also an upside to the psychological state for brain patients. They do experience positive emotions and feelings of excitement about the following:

• Being grateful to have a second chance at life.
• Being grateful to see friends and family again.
• Having spiritual encounters.
• Appreciation of life and people.
• Looking forward to spending time with loved ones.
• Looking forward to doing new things they may not have done before.

It is important to note that sometimes these individuals find it difficult to express how they feel to their loved ones. In such situations they may find it easier to talk to a counsellor, pastor, oncology social worker, or a confidant they feel comfortable with sharing.