Panic Attacks

Really just venting...

I've been having mild panic attacks since I got home from surgery (late Saturday). My mind races and I start thinking about everything that can go wrong with this surgery. Maybe I've lost confidence in my ability to keep up with everything and not be sick. I was completely at peace with everything pre-op. And then to top it off, I hop over to the other board and see a bunch of posts about bad outcomes. MUST STOP READING.

The pharmacist said Lortab can add to the panic attacks too. Also said not to take Ambien or Xanax with Lortab. I guess anything that makes you breathe lighter can have that affect. Geesh! I think I'm going to avoid all meds tomorrow and see if that helps. Watching TV and playing games on my phone have helped keep my mind busy. But when I'm not doing that I start to think and it's all downhill from there. It's only day 3 post-op and I'm ready to go back to work (mentally). Ahhhh!

Okay, thanks for listening.

Most people don't realize that depression is a most common side effect of general anesthesia.  This is true for any kind of surgery done under GA.  And depression can manifest as anxiety, or panic attacks.  I think I remember your last post mentionig that you've taken Xanax in the past.  If the Lortab makes your anxiety worse, I believe you can take a Xanax.  I am not a doctor, just a fellow sufferer.

It might be a good idea at this stage to stop reading.  Your psyche may be too fragile to handle even other people's negative stories.  I think you're on the right track, keeping your mind occupied with other things.

Don't try to rush anything....your body needs time to heal and adjust to its new configuration.  Go for walks, read light hearted short stories...I personally enjoy David Sedaris and the Chicken Soup for the Soul collections.

Good luck to you, and keep venting!  It's good for the soul!

What "other board" are you talking about? Thanks in advance.

I don't know if it will allow me to post this but there's a "proboard" for WLS. I bet Google will help you find it because I know I can't post a link.

I've found that OH is a bit easier to navigate but the other isn't difficult. Some vets post on both and some post on just one. So I follow both to ensure I am in the loop. I've posted questions on both as well. Everyone has been very helpful and I honestly don't have a preference on sites. They are simply tools to keep us involved in the WLS community.

remember also that hormones are stored in fat. as you begin to burn your stored fat,those hormones are released into your blood stream. o don't have to tell you what hormones vcan do,lol. it will pass as your body adjusts.

 

if it doesnt pass in a reasonable lenght of time,discuss it with you PCP.

GL

That's pretty typical.  After any major surgery, injury or health scare, you go through a period of feeling very fragile and vulnerable.  It will pass, but it takes a while . . . could be days, weeks or a few months.  Best thing is to concentrate on your recovery, the things you need to do, like getting in your water, protein, planning and beginning your supplements, walking and beginning light exercise.  Just take it a day at a time.

Thank you all for posting! I know my hormones are a mess. I had to stop taking my anti-depressant/anxiety meds about a week before surgery. I get to start those again tomorrow. Yay! I will have to monitor that over time and have my PCP make adjustments.

I like the idea of short stories! I have the patience of a fly anyway so that's a great idea. And my guilty pleasure is trash TV and home improvement shows. I'm going to pack my DVR as full as I can. I've also been sitting on my porch with my pup. He "protects" the yard (imagine a small, fluffy Pekingese growling at everything that walks by) while I either take a nap or play Candy Crush in the breeze. Being outside is more distracting and stimulating than being on my couch.

The good news is that my boredom has allowed me to keep up with work emails. Since I get roughly 120 per day it's best that I not get too far behind. Other than that, I'm taking it easy.

Thanks again for listening to me vent. I really appreciate the support!

Your going to do just fine!

Hydration is the most important thing right after surgery, and work up to 90 g protein in 90 days.

Do *not* use Flintstones/children's chewable multivites! Use a Centrum Complete-type vitamin, with a pill splitter, and quarter it. This makes sure that your stomach acid gets to the vitamins, and dissolves the pill quickly and completely. The enteric coatings can hamper that. A good second source for post op vites is Bariatric Advantage. They now have a formulation specifically for DSers, with the ADEK's that we are most prone to be deficient in, included.in the tablet. Not really enough for long-term use, but it is a starting point. For all your nutrient levels, adjust according to your labs. That is one reason for ordering all your vitamins and minerals separately, so you can adjust the dosage if needed.

Same for Calcium Citrate, and make sure to take Magnesium and D with the Calcium, or get a 1:1 Cal/Mag combo with Vitamin D. Some people take 2:1 Calcium and magnesium, but I haven't really seen any difference in my levels with that combination. I'm battling osteopenia right now, and trying not to get to osteoporosis. Being post-menopausal doesn't help mattters, either!

I went through this same thing for a couple of weeks after surgery.  The "oh my god, what the hell did I do to myself" panic attack, even though nothing is really wrong.

ALL sorts of weird crap can happen to your body when its doing major healing, including psychological repercussions.  It's pretty normal, don't worry. :D

You'll start to feel better psychologically when the pain and stuff subsides physically.  Getting into a routine helps, with eating, drinking and walking. :D

If you had to cease your anxiety meds, that'll definitely do it as well.  Again, same thing happened to me!