More info on the surgical headphones

Several people have asked me about the headphones...if they go over the head or behind the neck? The answer is "behind the neck." This is the newer way that headphones are being made today and we have had 100's of people try them lying down, walkikng around, leaning back in a comfortable chair or sitting up straight. So far, all of those positions are reported to be perfectly comfortable. I think it's important to know that, although the headphones come pre-programmed with the music that I have chosen as "ideal for surgery" once your procedure is over you can delete this music if you want to and put any music you want onto the headphones. They come with a USB cable and all instructions. But keep in mind, it's not about entertainment, it's about "entrainment" and synchronizing the heart-beat and breathing to the slow, steady pulse of the music! This 60-minute selection of music repeats in a loop until the headphones are turned off, hopefully when you leave the recovery area! Let me know what your other questions might be! Happy listening!

Do you want Headphones or MP3 Player for your surgery music?

Now that we've established what all the many benefits of music during are, what are the pros and cons of the pre-programmed headphones vs. the music that is downloadable to your MP3 player. For me, the most obvious benefit is that:

• the headphones are totally cordless and the MP3 player or iPod has wires that connect the earbuds to the player
• During surgery, or other medical procedure, you need to be able to move your head easily and many people report a problem with earbuds falling out.
• Although many people take iPods and MP3 players into surgery and do not report a problem, I think the cordless, pre-programmed headphones are safer and less likely to become entangled with anything the surgeon or nurses might be doing for you.
• Another advantage is that you don't have to worry about where to put the MP3 player. Although surgical gowns often have a small pocket, it's not really intended to keep an object in it and could easily slide out.

Of course either one is preferable to no music for your procedure. What's the downside? Absolutely nothing! Let me know if I can help you!

Headphones orders are coming in

I am so excited because people are ordering both the headphones and the downloads of the surgery music I've worked so long to choose and program. Soon I'm hoping to have at least 4 different genres of music to choose from but right now it's classical music. But, keep in mind, that you'll be asleep during your surgery and your body will be kept relaxed through the process of entrainment. You will hear the music while you're waiting to be taken back and you'll be aware of it in the recovery area, but it's not about entertainment; it's about entrainment! Please feel free to send me all your questions. After a few months of sales and questions I'll put together an eBook with the most frequently asked questions and concerns. If you're having surgery anytime soon, it's best to order them NOW! If I do get backlogged, you can order the download for $79.97 and load it on to your own iPod or MP3 player. Thousands are taking iPods into surgery now but they're not wireless/cordless like my headphones! To your good health! Alice

Surgery Headphones are ready for YOU!

For almost 20 years I have been reading about, thinking about and finally creating headphones for patients to wear during surgery. The research is there: through the process of rhythmic entrainment, patients who are listening to steady, rhythmic music through headphones, stay relaxed and as a result, require less anesthesia, less anxiety meds before and less pain medication afterwards! This is BIG because one of the things you must recover from after surgery is the ANESTHESIA! The anesthesiologist monitors all of your vital signs during surgery and by watching things such as your blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature, determines how much anesthesia you need. (This is of course, a great over-simplification of what he does.) When slow, steady, heart-beat tempo music is entering your brain directly through the 8th cranial nerve (thanks to the headphones) your bio-rhythms will entrain or synchronize to the pulse of the music, and you will stay relaxed as a result.

Most people are pretty tense and anxious when they go into surgery and need a little more anesthesia (or an anti-anxiety drug such as valium or other benzodiazepines) just to begin to relax their muscles. If the headphones are put on at least 30 minutes prior to surgery, less anesthesia will be needed in order for the patient to "go to sleep." When headphones are used throughout the surgery and into the recovery area, less anesthesia and less pain medication will be needed for the entire procedure!

These facts have been known in the field of music therapy for years, but until now no one had created wireless, totally self-contained, preprogrammed headphones just for surgery! Now that they exist, I hope that you will help me create safer surgical experiences for your family and friends but spreading the word! click HERE to purchase your headphones, or, if you wish, you can purchase a download of my specially chosen surgical music to put on your own iPod or MP3 player. Of course, the MP3 players are not cordless but still you can have the music.

Please feel free to leave your comments! To your good health!

Benefits of Less Anesthesia

As I talk to people about the benefits of music during surgery, invariably I get the question, "But Alice, why would you want less anesthesia during surgery...I want MORE anesthesia!" OK, I know what you're thinking: you don't want to risk feeling any pain or being "accidentally awake" though the doctors think you are asleep. Yes, there's been a lot in the news about that recently. Here are some of the many benefits of using less anestheisa:

• anesthesia can take up to 6 months to completely leave your system
• all bodily systems are brought to an almost complete halt by anesthesia, severe constipation being a common result of this
• anesthesia is fraught with adverse reactions in patients including allergy and just plain sever side-effects
• side-effects include prolonged nausea, dizziness, fuzzy thinking, rashes, double vision and depression
• the less anesthesia you have, the sooner you can leave the hospital, begin your healing journey and get on with your life!

If you could have beautiful music playing through headphones cordless, self-contained, lightweight headphones during your procedure and take less anesthesia without an increase in pain, wouldn't you do it?? Please let me know! Thank you!

People's Fears of Surgery and Anesthesia

Most people are concerned and somewhat frightened when they learn that they are going to need surgery to correct, repair or heal from a condition. Many people are actually terrified that they will not wake up after general anesthesia. Although the science of anesthesiology has come a long way in the past five decades, there are definitely risks!

Recently I read a very interesting thread on a music blog. It went like this:

Who's been under the knife? How does it feel waking up from the anesthesia? Do you feel groggy, disoriented, pain, numbness? Is it like waking up from a long sleep? Does the pain hit you like a 10 ton brick or does it gradually set in or do you have to keep taking pain killers?

The responses were fascinating: a combination of comforting and scaring the person further. To my delight, many of the readers seemed to be aware of the option of taking their iPod with their favorite music into surgery. If you're looking at surgery in the near future, please feel free to contact me so assistance in preparing your perfect music!

Preparing for plastic surgery with music

Nearly every day I read a new source online where people are recommending music either before, during or after surgery. Of course my recommendation is to have all three. Here's an excerpt from another blog recommending music: Written by Cathy Enns on February 5, 2009 - 3:26pm As a plastic surgery writer, I’ve had the chance to talk with dozens of women about their experiences. While sharing feelings of excitement, anxiety and more, many have offered advice for others about preparing for surgery. Let’s assume you’ve navigated the initial part of the process. You’re confident in your choice of plastic surgeon and surgical plan, and you have a date for the procedure. Now what? How can you help ensure smooth sailing? Obviously, it’s vital to have your medications ready. Fill all prescriptions your surgeon writes, even if you don’t think you’ll use them. If it turns out you need something you don’t have on hand, chances are good you won’t feel much like visiting the pharmacy. Think about other products that may make recovery easier. You may benefit from having certain creams or lotions at home. If you’re having facial plastic surgery, eye drops can soothe scratchy eyes. Another important task is to choose a friend or loved one to help you. Your surgeon will require that someone drive you home after surgery, especially if you have general anesthesia. You should also plan to have someone stay overnight to help you with medications and to be there in case of problems. The more invasive your procedure, the more you’ll want to have a loved one around to help for a few days. If you have children or pets to care for, it’s a relief to have someone else on the front lines. Remember that you’ll need plenty of rest and you’ll move a little more slowly at first. If you have breast or abdominal surgery, you won’t be able to lift much right away. Finally, prepare your home to welcome you back. Most women like to return to a clean house, so apply some elbow grease before surgery. Put clean sheets on the bed and have soft pillows and throws for extra comfort. Stock up on food that’s easy to prepare and easy on your system. Have books and magazines you look forward to reading on hand, and some music or maybe a book on tape to listen to. The first few days after surgery may be somewhat uncomfortable as your body adjusts and recovers, but preparing in advance can make all the difference. Turn your post-op period into a pleasant time of rest and relaxation.