Guided Imagery

Hi,
Just thought I would add a bit about my own experience with guided imagery. First of all it was very helpful (I did it prior to having a bi-lateral mastectomy). It served to reduce my anxiety quite a bit. I understand that this can actually reduce blood loss during surgery because it can lower your blood pressure, which then can reduce blood loss). My doctor actually suggested that I see a person who specialized in guided imagery (she is an integrative medicine specialist). She (my doctor) told me that she had sent several patients who were about to undergo surgery to this same guided imagery specialist and that the recovery times for those that utilized it were shorter than for those of her patients that did not). My doctor told me that it was anecdotal evidence, but, that she believed it made a difference and that if it were her about to go into surgery, she too would take advantage of it.

If nothing else, it definitely calmed me down and I think that alone was very helpful. But, I truly think it had other benefits as well.