Question:
Does Anyone Else Have Panic Attacks?

I Am A Little Under 2 Weeks Til Surgery. I Have Had Anxiety, Depression And Panic Attacks For The Last 8 Years. They Have Become So Bad In The Last 2 Weeks That I Have Considered Canceling Surgery. Anybody Else Have This Problem Or Any Suggestions As To What To Do? Thanks For Any Help.    — TAMMY H. (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
Yes, I have panic disorder also! Trust me, you will do and be fine. They keep you drugged and you don't even care! I am 3 months out, minus 60+ lbs and happy I made the decision to have the surgery!! Just tell your surgeon about the panic and also the nurses, they will take great care of you!! :)
   — Peggy B.

May 7, 2003
Panic attacks were a common thing for me. I was on Paxil 40 mg once a day to control and then I had to take Xanax .25mg to supplment that. The day of my surgery I was concerned that I would have a full blown attack but the last thing I took was my xanax the night before as preventative. It worked. No panic attack. Everything went great. That was two weeks ago and 20#. I no longer take the Paxil or xanax. I feel great. You'll do great and congradulations!
   — Barbara S.

May 7, 2003
I also suffer from severe panic attacks...but I breezed through my surgery with a big smile! I decided ..."Hey man, I jumped threw all the hoops(appiontments and research) I have waited along time for this...this is for ME" I visioned myself 1 year out...and I believed in every prayer that people said for me....amazing peace! I still can't believe I made it through without even a twinge of an attack! Believe me...MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU! Good Luck :)
   — Darlene B.

May 7, 2003
I have had panic attacks since 6th grade. A couple years ago I was scheduled to have a hysterectomy. I pursued it, I wanted it, couldn't wait to have it, but as soon as they gave me a surgery date I started crying and had a panic attack. It lasted all day - I called my PCP and she gave me Klonopin to help me through the anxiety - worked like a charm. Now I keep them handy if something extremely stressful is coming up - and they just soften my anxiety right down. I would definitely talk to your PCP about this - don't cancel your surgery because of your anxiety. Get something to help for now and stick with your decision. Now, if you want to change your decision for other reasons, that is perfectly fine, but don't let your fear control you.
   — bethybb

May 7, 2003
I have had panic attacks since 6th grade. A couple years ago I was scheduled to have a hysterectomy. I pursued it, I wanted it, couldn't wait to have it, but as soon as they gave me a surgery date I started crying and had a panic attack. It lasted all day - I called my PCP and she gave me Klonopin to help me through the anxiety - worked like a charm. Now I keep them handy if something extremely stressful is coming up - and they just soften my anxiety right down. I would definitely talk to your PCP about this - don't cancel your surgery because of your anxiety. Get something to help for now and stick with your decision. Now, if you want to change your decision for other reasons, that is perfectly fine, but don't let your fear control you.
   — bethybb