Wellbeing

We understand that going through any medical procedure can cause feelings of anxiety and stress. Our prehabilitation service will help you talk about how you're feeling and suggest ways you can improve your wellbeing. If needed, we can refer you to specialist support.

The NHS has information on five steps to mental wellbeing. On their website, you'll find stress busting tips, audio guides and breathing exercises to help with stress.

You or your family can also self-refer to the following local services:

• Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Talking Therapies
• Bristol Mind
• We Hear You Cancer Counselling
• Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership
• Age UK Bristol Support Hub

Watch this relaxation video that can be used to help relax the body and mind if you're feeling tense.

Fatigue

Many cases of tiredness are due to stress, not enough sleep, poor diet and other lifestyle factors. There are lots of ways you can reduce fatigue and the NHS website has self-help tips to restore your energy levels including a bedtime meditation video.

For additional information and support around managing fatigue please visit the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire Cancer Alliance website.

Occupational therapist, Kirsty, from Royal United Hospital Bath, has a created a presentation on practical ways to cope with cancer related fatigue.

Smoking

Whilst you are having medical treatment, or waiting for an operation, stopping smoking is one of the healthiest choices you can make.

Stopping smoking before you have an operation lowers your chances of experiencing complications during and after your operation. It has been shown to help you to recover quicker and spend less time in hospital. Studies have shown that if you develop a chest infection after your operation you are likely to spend up to 11 additional days in hospital.

If you're having cancer treatment, stopping smoking may help the treatment work better. It can help your body respond to the treatment and heal more quickly, including reducing possible side effects. It may also lower the risk of certain cancers coming back after treatment.

Getting support will increase your chances of quitting. The NHS has online support available to help you quit.

Alcohol

It's recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. For guidance one unit of alcohol equates to half a pint of regular beer, lager or cider or half a small glass of wine or 1 single measure of spirits.

There's no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health and keeping you well during medical treatment.

Find out how many units you drink and get top tips on how to reduce your intake on the NHS Better Health website.

It is important to avoid alcohol completely at least two weeks before your surgery. This is because alcohol can increase risks related to having anaesthetic, bleeding during your operation and complications such as infections after your surgery.

If you are dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can be dangerous and you may need support to cut down. Please speak to your health care professional about this.