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Increased Depression After Major Surgery

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Posted 10/6/2014 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All!

I'm wondering if there is anyone here who can relate to having a severe increase in depression symptoms after having surgery...

Three weeks ago I had my entire colon removed (Colectomy) due to chronic slow transit/colonic inertia. Since I've been home recovering, I've noticed that I'm so incredibly sad for no discernible reason - every single symptom of depression that's out there, I have 3 fold!
Has anyone experienced anything similar to this?

I've been diagnosed with depression & anxiety for years (and recently, ADD-Inattentive Type). Prior to this surgery I was on a combination of medications that worked very well. What I'm going through now is a dramatic change.
I'm working closely with my Therapist & Psychiatrist to get through this challenging time. I've got to keep hoping that it's situational & will pass...

Thanks for reading!
Posted 10/6/2014 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum.

Not only has your body been through a trauma, mentally you have to now adjust to a whole new way of living to put it plainly.

We do have colon forum, should you want to post there for support. Just scroll down the forum list, you will see it.

Most people do become rather well adjusted and live normal happy lives with their new condition.

I think the best thing you can do, is work with your doc and therapist, it takes time. talking it out, using any coping skills they teach you. Life changes such as this are not easy to say the least. Depression would be normal, being brave enough to face it and get help is extradinary!

Well done!

Peace and strength
Trina
Posted 10/6/2014 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
It seems that there was a thread on this awhile back. It isn't uncommon to have depression after major surgery. I just don't know why it happens. /The body goes through quit a shock with surgery.

I am sorry you had to have a colectomy. But I imagine you are going to feel better in the long run.

I hope that you feel better soon. Welcome to the forum.

I would talk to your doctor about how you are feeling, hopefully it is only temporary,

Hugs, Karen,..
Posted 10/6/2014 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Mosaic and WELCOME...There are wonderfully compassionate people here.  My experience throughout what seems like a lifetime of surgery, is that I suffer horribly with depression (post surgery). However, I suffer from severe depression for most of my life.  It's normal to feel sad when your physical health slows you down.  I would think that your feelings are "situational" related to your surgery.  I would hope with every week that passes that your spirits will lift.  I'm not certain of your limitations as you rehab, but would suggest several things.  Don't isolate yourself.  If you have friends and family nearby, surround yourself with them.  If not, please know that you're not alone when you are HERE.  If weather permits, sit in the sunshine or near a window.  Watch funny movies and listen to music that makes you smile.

Surgery of the tummy, no matter the reason, is TOUGH.  Be good to yourself and give it time.  I know where you are right now.  I promise it will get better.  I'm here if you need to talk.

Hugs~~Dixie

Posted 10/6/2014 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much to you folks for your insight and support! I'm glad I found this site!

I don't have too many post-surgical limitations except for diet & lifting. I'm supposed to go for short walks throughout the day to help my small intestines, but I have not been able to do it yet today. I took a nap instead.
Dixie6, thank you for the suggestions - those are doable & not overwhelming to me (like going out to walk today).
I will try.
Posted 10/6/2014 8:39 PM (GMT 0)
Mosaic,

Can you tell me more about your situation...the reason for your surgery?  As you can see in my signature, I've been through HELL...and that's the short version=(  If your story is too personal and you choose not to share, I certainly understand.  My email is available if you click on the image to the left.

My best advice is DO NOT allow sleep to seduce you.  Too much "bed time" is deadly where depression is concerned.  It's paramount that you avoid retreating to bed.  Put on your track suit or sweats and go for brief "steps" even to the end of your driveway.  Sweetie, I KNOW from which I speak.  Take care to keep your spirits up=)

Hugs~~Dixie 

Posted 10/6/2014 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Here's the background story...

The reason for my surgery was due to a combination of issues... They include lifelong IBS with constipation and consequently, overuse of stimulant laxatives. Last month I was in the hospital for 5 days because I had not had a bowel movement in 47 days despite taking EVERY over-the-counter med plus Lactulose & Linzess & and calling my G.I complaining every week that I was in extreme pain & losing weight without trying. Hospital found nothing significant & sent me home after tons & tons of enemas (not fun, not at all!). Next day I had a SitzMarker test that showed I still had all 24 markers in my colon after 5 days, when they all should have passed - thus the diagnosis of 'colonic inertia'. Basically, my large intestines simply quit working. They still don't really know why. Anyway, they just took the whole thing out & re-connected things. Now my small intestines does it all.

I was also informed by someone in the hospital that my depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand with IBS-C.

Dixie, thank you for the gentle kick in the keister! :) I'm going out to walk around the block.
Posted 10/6/2014 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for sharing, as I feel even more of a connection.  I've always suffered with IBS with constipation too.  I fear there will come a day when drastic measures must be taken.  My recent attempt at pain management almost caused abdominal obstruction with Morphine.  That drug trial failed when my doctor FINALLY listened to me.  I've yet to find the right med for my CP issues.

But, hey...We'll talk later...You're running out of sunshine for the day...Get going=)

Hugs~~Dixie

Posted 10/6/2014 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Mosaic-

I can't say much more than what these helpful folks have told you- although depression absolutely stinks, you just went through a major surgery with big changes due to the colostomy. If you didn't get depressed, I'd be shocked.

Like someone said, it's very likely this is situational and will resolve itself with time and maybe even tweaking your meds a bit.

My moms best friend had a similar surgery about 12 yrs ago and got very depressed after. She was 65? at the time and to my knowledge, had never had depression or anxiety before and needless to say, was very upset. My mom is an RN who has taken Prozac for years and "demanded" her girlfriend get to the doctor and get on Prozac (my lovessss Prozac lol). Long story short, she did and got better. Physically she got better too. Mom & her love to take day trips and do all the time now, even to the casinos. They're both almost 78 now :-). She adapted just fine to her colostomy.

Sending you much healing & love!

Lisa
Posted 10/6/2014 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
So no stoma? Sounds like your small bowel was connected to your rectum in that case.

Colectomy surgery is absolutely brutal in my experience. I also had a new stoma to contend with, plus two horrible drugs to taper off - oxycodone and Prednisone. I didn't really get over everything until nearly a year after the op, but I don't think it will take you that long. I reckon the drugs really delayed my mental recovery, if not physical one.

Now I'm depressed my Crohn's might be coming back. Life >_>.

But again, you won't have that particular Damocles sword to deal with. 3 weeks after a colectomy is nothing really. Be patient with yourself and take it easy for the next few months.
Posted 10/7/2014 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
I did a quick search on 'depression & surgery' and it seems to be a pretty common occurrence. I understand that the spike in my depressive symptoms is probably situational.

I think that I just needed to hear from others who have been there too. Thanks so much to you all for sharing your experiences with me. That kind of connection is helpful - it's good to know that I'm not alone in this!

The past 2 days have been particularly bad because the pain has increased for some reason. I'm worried that I have another complication (I had an ileus - blockage - just 4 days post-op). Ugh. I just want to go more than 6 months without a medical issue (I've had many).

Right now my Psychiatrist has me taking an extra dose of Wellbutrin to see if that helps. So far no changes, but it's only been 4 days.

Again, I'm thankful for a place to vent & connect with others who get it.
Posted 10/7/2014 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Post surgical depression.... When the human body is 'hacked' in to, our lovely system of nerves (pain receptors) gets booted into overdrive. Then comes the pain relievers. The common denominator in all of this is chemical. Plenty of mental illness involves a chemical imbalance in the brain, so it all ties together with an ugly bow.

Mosaic, you have been given the great advice, and 'cheerleading', to go out and work your way back into exercising. I sure hope you aren't having any complications, but hope this tidbit of info helps you to understand what you are going through a little better. Blessings to you.
Posted 10/7/2014 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
i believe that after surgery depression either starts or precipitates more and more for even ppl who do not have it .

i had minor surgery last year and since that time i felt off ...and sliding more anxious than ever.

its stress on body and mind that makes it worse.
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