antidepressants after surgery

I have read somewhere that some Dr put patients on antidepressants after surgery.  Is this the norm with patients at St V's?  I really seem to be on edge the last few weeks and I think some of it is preparing for surgery and waiting and wondering if the insurance will be approved.  My PCP suggested that if there is a chance people should go on something post op that I should start on something now since it takes awhile to work.  She gave me samples of Lexapro in case I want to start on something.

Lyn (husband) and I see Dr Stote tomorrow for our psych eval.  Don't know if it is against us if we say we think we might need something or not?

THanks for any advice.  Terry

I was put on mine by my pcp at the start of my 6 month pcp diet and have been ever .since. I have very bad anxiety and panic attacks so for me it is a GOD send! shanna

Yes, Dr. Huse and most other surgeons at St V send you home on Lexapro.  If you're already feeling stressed, it's probably a good idea to start it now.  Dr. Stote is not likely to hold it against you ... in fact, it's better to admit to and deal with the stress now than try to hide it.  Good luck with the process, don't let it freak you out.

I didn't get on anti-depressants before surgery and I probably should have.
The first month out can be really challenging physically & mentally.  I visited my family doctor last week who asked me a few questions and put me on Wellbutrin.  I plan to start taking it tomorrow.  The pills do take a few weeks to work, so if I could do it over again, I would've started taking them a few weeks before.

Thanks everyone.  I have never thought of me being someone who needed something but the last few weeks even I think I am grouchy.  Seems like I am on edge alot so this is what brought it up at my pcp. 

I am 53 and I also talked to my gynecologist last week about hormones and even though the tests show I am not in menopause she said it may happen quickly since all my fat is storing the estrogen and once I start losing quickly, it could put me quickly into menopause.

Maybe it is a good idea to start on something pre op especially if it is something that I will probably be put on post op anyway.

Guess that was my question, if I would be on it anyway postop?

Thanks everyone.  Terry

Terry,

Glad to see you are on your way. Don't be afraid of Dr Stote. Just be yourself. He is just making sure you are not nuts and know what you are doing with this surgery.

I mean, Joe and I made it thru our appointments so I am sure you and Lynn can too. Haha

By the way we have 2 weeks and 2 days before our big day!! Getting really anxious!!

Connie