Crying for no reason?.

 Today I am I week post op.  had extended abdominalplasty and full back lipo one week ago.  I am now totally swollen in the stomach...feel 4 months pregnant,,

How long does the swelling last?  It just started last night.  My doc said the next few days would be the worse swelling and he was right,

Also, since  adjusted and weaning off pain meds I am sleeping better and my pain is better.. (taking hardly any pain meds now and pain much better!).  so that makes me feel better. But, I am finding myself with very emotional moments,.......time when I just want to cry for no reason.....did this happen to anyone.?  Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Patty

YES, YES, YES!!! It's totally normal to get emotional and even depressed. Seems to alway**** me about the time for stitches to come out, but statistics say it starts around day five. For me, I think it's the worst around day ten, and gets better rapidly after that. (Do an Internet search for post-surgery depression, and you'll find tons of info).

Not sure about the swelling, but I'm sure someone will help with that. I was so swollen after my RNY revision that I could not wear jeans and pants for almost six months. I was amazed that my belly stayed swollen so long for gastric bypass surgery, so I'm sure you will be swollen a while with all you had done.

Hang in there!

Lynn

 Happens to just about everyone. In fact, happens so frequently I am going to steal from a previous post and just copy and paste.  You will feel better soon. There are good reasons why you feel/are weepy!


From Jan 8 post -
"Discussing the effects of general anesthesia which remain in your body tissues affecting you physically and mentally for up to 3 weeks post-op. "These residual effects can include LETHARGY AND DEPRESSION AND EVEN BOUTS OF UNEXPLAINED WEEPINESS OR DESPAIR."

plasticsurgery.about.com/od/psychologyethics/a/emo_aftermath.htm



"Quite frequently patients experience a brief period of "let-down" or depression after cosmetic surgery. Some may subconsciously have expected to feel and look better "instantly," even though they rationally understand that this will not be the case. Patients commonly question their decision to have surgery during the first few days after surgery. As the healing occurs, these thoughts usually disappear quickly. If you feel depressed, understanding that this is a "natural" phase of the healing process may help you to cope with this emotional state." - Dr. Simoni, plastic surgeon

"The ‘blues’ often set in about three days after surgery and many people at this time often wonder what possessed them to have surgery in the first place. However, the good news is that this is usually temporary. As the post-operative effects subside and the ‘new you’ begins to emerge, your mood should soon lift again." - Dr. Mark Henley, plastic surgeon

I can't find the real science data that I was referred to originally when I was learning about the chemical and hormonal impact of surgery. I know there is something about cutting thru fatty tissue and the release of neurotransmitters but damn, I just can't find it. 

Hope you are doing better today. Just remember, this is going to pass. It just sucks while you are going thru it."


From Jan 6th post -
Most patients have at least one "freak out" day which is caused by a the release of hormones and the aftereffects of anesthia and having tissues disturbed.  According to my plastic surgeon it usually happens around day 4 or 5 post op. I didn't have the freak out day until day 10.  Maybe you are having yours now?

Basically this release of hormones and chemicals along with the withdrawal from anastheia can make it seem like you are having the worst possible case of PMS.  It, of course, doesn't mean that your concerns are not valid or legitimate. It just means that how you are perceiving things at the moment can be skewed or overblown.

When it happened to me, I cried and cried and cried.  I sobbed in the shower because my drains hurt. I cried about my binder. I sobbed about the choice and money spent for the PS. It wasnt until I was crying when I was telling my husband that he probably doesnt even like me anymore that I realized - hey, I am not myself. Hopefully, you will feel better about things tomorrow.

Make sure you are getting enough fluids in.  If not, your body will hold on to all you have causing extra swelling.  On my day 8 of arms and tt, my arms really blew up and I called doc and he asked about fluids and I had to admit that I was WAY down over past 2 days.  He said drink up and wrap with ace bandages(over compression sleeves.)  Dramatic results within 3 hours.  Drink, Drink, Drink....where have you heard that before?   I hope you feel better soon! 

I guess I'm not normal as I didn't cry except from physical pain or loneliness-but then again although my Panni was 8/08/11 I was in hospital for two and a half weeks and weekly follow-up apptmts and then I was in hospital again for almost seven weeks far away from home (3hours by car) during Jewish Holiday season) so I did not have many family/friends able to visit. Sorry about that long run-on sentence-busting stating my reality facts.
In any case, I read the forum and knew that depression tears were/are a major possibility after the PS due to the anesthesia and swelling and body changes so I guess that left me open to not suffer those "side effects" but I think my being in hospital under "supervision" and Wound Care treatment that I "missed" that step
- I was lonely but not weepy sad. It does seem to be a norm that happens. This too will pass!
Drink Protein Vitamins Move Rest
Mikimi in Isrsel

Hey Hot Stuff, how's it going today?  Is it getting better? 

Patty,

I am 3 weeks out.. and today at lwork I cried cause I was missing my son.. I cried at least 3xs already..I think its anethesia related and lack of exercise..

I am weepy... still weepy..

It okay .. I know when I am able to do more I will feel better.. getting back to work seemed to help too.

HUGS PATTY!!