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Marital Strife Impedes Surgical Recovery

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Marital strife during or around the time of surgery may impede a patient's recovery

A recent study reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that marital strife during or around the time of surgery may impede a patient's recovery. Couples who felt hostile toward one another or experienced conflict at or around the time of surgery realized slower recovery times and wound healing than their non stressed counterparts.

It is important that patients, whether preparing for surgery, labor or delivery, or any other medical procedure are prepared not only physically but mentally to deal with the stresses associated with healing. The most recent study on marital strife revealed the following startling statistics:

Conflict can result in delayed healing. Subjects with higher than average hostility ratings generally took at least one day longer to heal than those who did not report hostile relationships.

Patients under stress revealed varying levels in the production of important biological chemicals that affect healing.

Patients with high stress levels were more likely to succumb to negative side effects during or after surgery.

The study suggests that frequent or chronic stress can contribute to plasma level changes which can affect wound healing and overall health post surgery.

Marital Relations and Health
This study relates to chronic and intermittent stress exhibited by couples in committed relationships. Happy partners however are still at risk if they suffer from even occasional bouts of stress resulting from conflict with their partner. The results of the study suggest a deeper mind-body connection than researchers once realized.

Wound-healing is just one aspect of health affected by even minor stresses. Minor stress affects the body in many ways. Stress can affect a patient's mindset prior to surgery, which is why so many doctors now encourage patients to relax as much as possible prior to undergoing major procedures.

The results of this most recent study suggest that hostile couples healed 60% less quickly than their less stressed partners. Further the study revealed higher than normal cytokine levels surrounding post surgery wounds. This poses secondary health threats and may lead to complications including depression, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and even cancer according to researchers.

Short and long term stress affects healing. Thus it is important that couples work to maintain healthy relationship prior to surgery or other medical procedures.

Tips for Reducing Marital Stress
Stress is a normal part of life. Most people work long, hard hours and overly exert themselves throughout the day. If you have children your stress level is probably higher than average. Not all stress is bad stress. Even completing the every day tasks that you have on your to do list when in a great mood may lead to some stress.

Clearly a mind body connection exists between stress and our health. It is important that you do everything possible to 'keep the peace' so to speak particularly with regard to your relationship, as scientific evidence now exists confirming a negative relationship between stress and healing. Here are some pointers for couples looking to reduce the stress and conflict in their lives:

Communicate openly and frequently with your partner. Set aside some time every day to connect. This may be simply holding hands while watching TV together.

Don't hold grudges. There is some validity to the idea that you should never go to bed angry. The stress associated with resentment is not worth the physical cost to your health and well being.

Make a point to complement your partner every day. Far too often we forget to mention how much we love our partners or the good things they do during the day. It's easy to point out the negative. This however can lead to chronic nagging. Remind your partner each day how much you care by sharing a positive observation with them.
Designate at least one day per month as your date day. This should be a time when you go out without worrying about work, your to do list and a time when you don't talk about the children. Use this time to connect with your partner.

Don't expect your partner to be a mind reader. It is vital that couples communicate with one another. If your partner does something that bothers you, let them know in a calm and direct way. Holding things in will only increase your stress level.

Communication is ultimately the key to a happy and healthy relationship. Remember also that you should pick your battles wisely. Sometimes its simply not worth getting worked up over a pair of dirty socks hanging over the sink. Your health may depend on your happiness! Next time you find yourself the victim of chronic stress, take some time out to breathe, relax and remember all the positives in your life!