Many people tease me about my dependence on my smartphone, but I felt a sense of validation when I came across a study discussing the advantages of texting before undergoing surgery. According to research published in the Pain Medicine journal, individuals who text right before receiving anesthesia require fewer painkillers post-operation.
Interestingly, the study compared texting with playing a game, specifically Angry Birds, and found that those who engaged in gaming requested more medication than those who texted. Perhaps they should have chosen a more calming game; something like Candy Crush might have yielded different results.
Having experienced the excitement of being on my BlackBerry during labor with my daughter, I can relate. (This was back in 2007, just a few months after the iPhone’s debut!) I wasn’t one of those women prioritizing work over childbirth; I just felt incredibly bored between contractions and appreciated the distraction of chatting with others. Of course, I reveled in the surprised reactions of friends asking, “Why are you on your BlackBerry? Aren’t you in labor?” But it was also refreshing to talk about anything other than the impending arrival of my baby.
What’s particularly intriguing about this study is that texting with a stranger proved to be more beneficial than texting with a friend. This makes sense since friends may express sympathy and concern about the surgery, potentially increasing anxiety. In contrast, a stranger offers an opportunity to discuss completely unrelated topics, which was precisely the appeal for me during my own experience.
Patients who refrained from using their phones were six times more likely to request additional pain relief compared to those who engaged in text conversations with a research assistant. This sparks an entrepreneurial idea: a service connecting chatty strangers with patients before their procedures. Imagine if you could specify interests or hobbies, similar to how people post on social media looking for someone to discuss their favorite shows.
I envision a platform for freelancers where they can sign up, list their available times, and share topics they enjoy discussing. This could be a perfect gig for introverts—after all, it only requires texting! The possibilities are endless. For more on home insemination, check out this post on artificial insemination kits, and for expert insights on baby care, visit Natural Baby Care. Additionally, for more information on genetics and IVF practices, see this resource on the Genetics and IVF Institute.
In summary, the study reveals that texting can serve as an effective distraction before surgery, potentially reducing the need for post-operative pain medication. The type of conversation also matters, as engaging with strangers offers a more beneficial escape from anxiety than conversing with friends.