Question:
Major anxiety AFTER surgery???

I am 3 weeks post op... Open RNY... a few days after surgery I developed a SEVERE anxiety disorder. It lasted for several days and I was hospitalized for 2 days because of it. All of a sudden, it went away for a bit but now it's back. I NEVER expected this kind of post op side effect and it's ruining my life. Anyone else go through this after surgery? WHEN WILL IT END???    — Neil R. (posted on August 1, 2000)

August 1, 2000
Hi Neil, As someone who has suffered from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression for years, I can understand how distraught you must feel. I haven't had my surgery yet so I can't speak to that part of your question, however, has your Dr. prescribed anything for the anxiety? I take Buspar which has been very effective. Paxil is another anti-anxiety med. Both of these tend to be preventive. Xanax can be taken during a panic attack to calm you down. I have no idea if these meds come in a liquid form (I need to find out for myself). As for why now - I can only speculate. I think many of us (myself included) hide behind our weight as a defense mechanism from getting hurt and to keep our distance from other people. Take that away and we feel very exposed and vulnerable. Ok...enough with the psychobabble. There are meds available to help you through this transition. I suggest you contact your Dr. to see if one of them will work for you. At least until you adjust to the "new" you a little more. Best regards.
   — [Anonymous]

August 1, 2000
"A & E" has a couple of programs on tonight about Panic Disorders....
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 1, 2000
I am 2 wks post and I had terrible anxiety after surgery. I was subjected to TERRIBLE care (or lack of care) by the staff on the floor where I was placed post op and it really helped to make my anxiety a LOT worse. As I was on anxiety meds prior to surgery and had to reduce the amt that I took so that I could be free of all medication for the wk after surgery, I was getting anxious anyways. They tried to give me crushed meds in the hospital 2 days post of for the anxiety but I could not take it w/o getting ill. Finally, they gave me Valium Elixor (liquid). I had a prescription for when I got home which I used for a few days til I could reach my own doctor. It did help the anxiety to lessen. The effects only lasted about 4 hrs though. I am now back on one of my regular meds which comes in a capsule form. I open the capsule, pour it in w/ about 15 cc of crystal lite lemonade flavor and mix. It is much more palatable this way. I sip it, a little at a time while taking sips of regular crystal lite lemonade in between. It takes me about 10 minutes to finish it. I am feeling calmer each day. The events that occurred w/ my interraction w/ the care givers while I was hospitalized was VERY traumatic on me. Each time I think about it, I get very anxious. I had to block the entire experience out of my mind in order to find some peace...in order to relax. When I first came home, I had nightmares and woke up in the middle of the night almost shaking as a result of my experiences in the hospital. I know that most people do not have this kind of problems when they are recovering while still in the hospital but unfortunately, I was one that did. I am feeling better, relaxing more and not taking Valium anymore...just my regular medication that I took prior to surgery, I am not even taking all the psych meds that I took prior to surgery anymore. I am trying to see how little I can take and still maintain my moods at an even level. good luck in finding a solution to your problem. I know that severe anxiety is not a fun thing!
   — kathy S.

August 1, 2000
Hi, thanks to those that responded so far. I had a similar experience in the recovery room with the nurse from hell. When I am able to, I am going to write a letter to the hospital about her. She was extremely condescending and downright uncaring. When I told her that I wasn't expecting to feel so bad, her response was, "Well, you chose to do it." Can you imagine that??? I think I awoke from the anesthesia with a severe anxiety attack. About 13 years ago, I had an Anxiety Disorder associated with depression. But, I got over all that. Pre-op, I would take a very low dose Xanax as needed. (Maybe 1 every few weeks and that was for slight nervousness). THIS anxiety, however, is unbearable. It starts about 1/2 an hour after I wake up and renders me useless. I cry and suffer sooo much. It feels like it will never go away. I have been told by my Primary Care Physician to take a stronger dose of Xanax every 4 hours and more as needed. The Xanax makes me tired and a bit depressed. I had been taking 75mg of Effexor pre-op for years. I am now taking 225mg. Please, folks, if you have the time... say a prayer for me? Thanks
   — Neil R.

August 1, 2000
I have no advice to offer, but I just wanted to say hang in there. I will keep you in my prayers. :)
   — Paula G.

August 2, 2000
Neil, Xanax should not be taken by anyone who is depressed. Xanax can contribute to depression. Please, please, please, go see someone and try to get on another anti-anxiety medication. Buspar is non-addictive, and doesn't cause the same side-effects as Xanax. I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years and Xanax only amplified the depression. I find that (for me) taking up meditation and deep-breathing techniques helped to control my panic attacks better anyway. Have you consulted a therapist? Maybe it's time to go in that direction. You are in my prayers. [[[hugs]]]
   — [Anonymous]