Whether you have already booked an SGB treatment, are still deciding whether to book, or have already had it, Stella is committed to you before, during and after treatment. Here are 7 ways to take care of yourself or a loved one before and after SGB treatment
Make a Plan
Clear your schedule for the day of the treatment and the day after. Plan time off work and arrange a support system to temporarily handle your responsibilities (an assignment from your boss, childcare, errands, household chores, etc.).
Choose a family member or close friend to accompany you to the treatment. Think of them as your companion in the healing process: someone who will support you and look after you on treatment day.
If you plan to update close friends and family about the treatment, we suggest setting communication expectations with them in advance. Explain that you will send a quick update that everything is fine right after the procedure, and that you will share more details the next day, once you have rested and properly recovered. This can help you “disconnect” and focus on resting.
Get Some Sleep
Give yourself permission and make time to sleep and rest properly after the treatment. Sleep allows the body to recover and feel calm. Many patients find that turning off their cell phones while resting helps.
Eat and Drink
Plan a good meal with your healing companion so you can have an enjoyable, stress-free experience.
Please note:
Before you eat or drink, make sure you can swallow normally. Nearly half of the people Stella treats experience hoarseness or difficulty swallowing for a few hours after the procedure.
Limit caffeine and alcohol. In the 12-24 hours after your procedure, your body and brain will be “restoring” the connection between them. Psychoactive substances affect the sympathetic nervous system and may interfere with this process.
Listen to Your Body
Some people feel full of energy after the treatment, while others feel very tired. Both reactions are normal!
You can go for a walk or do light physical activity. However, you should wait 24 hours before doing any intense exercise. You can return to your normal activities two days after the treatment.
Notice Changes in Your Symptoms
You may not feel a difference in your symptoms at first, but the people close to you may notice changes in your behavior. Like watching a child grow, gradual change often goes unnoticed by the patient. Ask a trusted family member or friend to assess the change and share their observations with you. Change takes time!
Build New, Healthy Habits
Make mindfulness, meditation, yoga or regular exercise part of your daily life. These activities can help keep your body and mind in harmony.
The urge to smoke, drink or use other substances may change after the treatment. Some of the people Stella treats report less interest in, or need for, using substances.
Partner With a Mental Health Professional
After SGB, people feel a new sense of calm that can accelerate the positive effect of existing treatments (for example, psychotherapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT, etc.). If you already have a mental health provider, we suggest you keep working with them to support your healing.
About SGB Treatment
Stella’s treatment is backed by dozens of clinical studies and is called SGB (Stellate Ganglion Block): a short procedure that targets the neural and physical changes in the “fight or flight” system that occur in the patient’s body as a result of trauma or anxiety. The treatment is a medical procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic into a bundle of nerves in the neck, performed under imaging guidance (ultrasound) for maximum precision and effectiveness. For more information, contact us or visit the FAQ on our website
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