Question:
I have been plagued with mild axiety attacks almost every day as a post op.

I am almost 4 weeks post op today. The attacks are very mild but are troublesome! I suddenly feel a sence of panic or very nervous energy, feel a tingling sensation through my entire body like a wave, and I start to feel lightly nauseaous ands scared. This happens first thing in the morning some days and throughout the day. It has happened on an empty stomach and a full stomach. I have never been on medications for anxiety and I have made an appt. with my PCP to see what the deal is. Has anyone else dealt with this? If so, how? My mom says that she thinks that I was anxiety prone pre op (true) and maybe I would eat when I felt anxious. Now that I can't eat like I did, I can feel the feelings that food squelched before. Does this make any sence? If meds are the awnser, what types are out there? Thanks for reading and awnsering! Peace,Stacy Cavicchia    — Stacy C. (posted on September 12, 2002)

September 12, 2002
Stacey, I'm still pre-op, but I think your mother sounds very wise and probably is right. As for anti-anxiety meds, there are a number of them. Your doctor will have to take your particular health concerns (i.e. other meds you are on, weight, other symptoms, etc) into account and then will make his or her decision as to which one will be best to start you out on. A lot of time, it's a crap shoot and has more to do with which one they are most familiar with in prescribing. I've taken Buspar before for anxiety. You can check out the library for the topic "anxiety" and I'm sure you will find a wealth of information. Good luck and God bless you. Robin
   — rebalspirit

September 12, 2002
Stacey, I had anxiety and depression for about the first five weeks after surgery. My surgeon said that what we go through after surgery is as much stress as losing a loved one. We have to learn how to be all over again. I used food to keep me calm before surgery and didn't even realize it until I couldn't do it any more. Try to get your exercise in regularly and I am sure it will pass soon. Take care, Rita
   — Rita M.

September 12, 2002
I'm no doctor... but I think your Mom is probably right... and to be honest.. maybe its hit you.. you've ended a relationship with your best friend and companion... that was very scary to me at first.. still is sometimes... do take care of your stomach though too in case its physical.. I don't let mine get too empty for too long... its full of water or crystal light when I'm not eating or waiting after a meal. Good luck...
   — Lisa C.

September 12, 2002
Hormones, Hormone, Hormones!! You are releasing TONS of hormones into your system right now. That can cause anxiety like you would not believe. And your mom is probably right too. It is really hard not to turn to eating post op to squelch your anxiety. You'll do great, the antidepressant may help as you go through these changes.
   — Vicki L.

September 13, 2002
Stacy, I had the same problem for the first 4 weeks. Worse the first 3 then it started to finally gradually ease off, now at 6 weeks I am fine again. I think it is more from the anesthesia from surgery than anything else. Though I also tend to agree with your mom too. Mom's have a tendancy to know us sometimes better than ourselves. Yes, there are several medications out there that can help, Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac (which I am on ) to name a few. Talk to your doc. and see what he / she recommends. One thing to be aware of ahead of time though, most meds take a bit of time before they start working so be prepared to go through at least a few more days or weeks of this. Good luck,
   — Tami D.

September 13, 2002
<b> Original poster here!</b> Thanks to all who have taken the time to awnser and share your experiences with me! It has helped me tremendously! Peace,
   — Stacy C.