Question:
Has anyone else noticed that you scare easily as a post-op? Or is it just me?

I seem to scare easily since I had surgery (distal RNY, 5/21/01) about 9 weeks ago. I jump at every sudden noise, and I even get a feeling of a strong burst of adreneline. I live in a big city with lots of noise coming from the streets, and before surgery it was like a normal background noise that didn't bother me. What's going on? Is this common or am I just a weirdo? Take into consideration that before surgery I was taking Zoloft for depression/anxiety. They didn't give me any Zoloft while I was in the hospital and when I got home, I didn't go back to taking it. I know they say you should never stop Zoloft suddenly, but I had a hard enough time getting my other meds (and supplements) down, I just couldn't stomach one more pill. I seemed to be doing great without the Zoloft anyway. Except for these freights I get, I feel OK mentally. I'd rather not have to go back on the Zoloft; I'm already spending over $400/month on my other meds and having financial difficulty because of it. Of course, if I have to go back on it, then I have to do it. But if being freightened easily is common after surgery, then I don't really need the Zoloft. So anyone else going thru similar stuff?    — lalasmommy (posted on July 25, 2001)

July 25, 2001
I have been on Zoloft for years as a booster to the Lithium I take for manic-depressive disorder. From time to time I tried doing without the Zoloft and when I had been a week or so without it (Zoloft has a half-life so it stays in your system awhile) I noticed the same thing - noises startled me, my skin seemed to tingle, and my flesh felt as if a low surge of electricity was continuously running through it. When I told my shrink about it he said those were signs of withdrawal from the drug. I know Zoloft is expensive and they don't have a generic for it yet. But I wouldn't recommend going off. Try breaking the pills in half, they are scored for that purpose, so they go down easily. Ask your doc to lower your dose since you seem to be doing better (in some respects) without it. Maybe a little will ease up the startles. God Bless. Linda
   — Linda V.

July 25, 2001
Hi Alexandra, just my vote here but I can't relate to "scaring" since being post op. I'm 3 1/2 months out and live in a busy community,go into NYC and I don't experience what you are. I'd check with the Dr. Maybe it's withdrawl from the Zoloft or something. Maybe they can wean your body down so you don't experience this. Best wishes to you!
   — Linda M.

July 26, 2001
I took prozac prior to my open RNY 5-01-01. After I came home from the hospital I didn't take it anymore. I went for 5 days with out it in the hospital. I was very jumpy/nervous my first couple of weeks without it. Your being jumpy could very well be from not taking the Zoloft. I would check with the Dr..
   — psstanz

July 26, 2001
Peggy--you probably do need to get off the Zoloft gradually--definitely check with your PCP---also if dr determines that you do need to take the Zoloft for awhile longer--ask for samples from him--it will cut down on the rx dollars you have to spend!!
   — karen D.