Question:
What do I do about uncontrollable anxiety?

I am about two weeks post-op and although my surgery went very well.... I am dealing with an amazing amount of anxiety.... I get upset about everything.... I'm crying all the time.... I'm afraid of everything..... tell me it will go away! Also, I am worried about my wound... the top and bottom seemed to have healed but the middle part (about an inch) is not healing very well... it's leaking... and not closing... and I'm freaking out about it. Tell me everything is going to be ok! Please?????    — Christi F. (posted on October 8, 2000)

October 8, 2000
christi - everything will be ok. I know it hard to believe it. but as each day go on you will stop focusing on your wound. It just post op blues!!! Just take it oneday at a time. Just focus on getting better. I had concerns after I had surgery then as each day went on I notice how strong I was getting. My doctor told me to use peroixde on my wound. But ask your own physician what he recommend for you to do. Everything will be all right.
   — Sharon T.

October 8, 2000
Wow... sounds like me! Its comforting to see others saying the same thing. Im 3 weeks postop, and having the same problems. Im so angry, then turn to sad and crying in 30 seconds. My hubby whom is 2 yrs post op, assures me this is all normal. But it sure is hard to deal with. I have been scared since surgery that theres something very wrong inside. Im sure my line is disrupting, the opening is too small...oo yes I worried over the incision also! An inch on the bottom and top would not heal and continuelly leaked. My nurse had me come in to the office to assure me all was well. Im still not at the point were I feel it was all worth it. I have angry thoughts all the time as to why I did this "stupid thing". Hubby says this will also pass. I dont know if this helps, but anytime you would like to message me, feel free. I think I know what your going through! Patricia [email protected]
   — Tricee

October 8, 2000
This sounds very familiar. The first four weeks after surgery were an emotional rollercoaster for me. I would cry at the drop of a hat. I worried about dumping, vomiting, dehydrating, getting an infection in the opening in my incision. Now I have more emotional equilibrium, but I still tend to obsess. Now I worry about whether I'm eating too much or not enough. I worry about getting enough water. I worry about whether I'm losing too fast or too slow. I'm worried about reaching my goal. I'm worried that this won't work and I'll fail again. I've decided that I've become mildly neurotic since my surgery and that as time goes by it will wear off like the anesthetic.
   — Nanette T.

October 8, 2000
First--contact your surgeon about your wound. Second--it is very common to be emotionally labile (all over the place) for the first 2-3 months post-operatively. Go with the flow. However, if you were on any kind of psychiatric (emotional) medication before your surgery, I'd consult with my physician about restarting the medication (especially antidepressants). If you feel things are very much out of control, consult your physician immediately. HDMatthias, M.D.
   — Heddy-Dale M.