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Surgery and depression

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Depression
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Posted 3/8/2014 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all:

I am new to this, but feel very alone and trying everything I can. I had surgery for a colon resection....was supposed to be laparoscopic, but everything went wrong. Lesions everywhere; almost had to have a colostomy and also had to have appendix, ovary, and fallopian tube removed. To make matters worse, my incision opened up after staples were removed which left a 4 inch hole in my stomach. In addition, the length of surgery added to the fact that those working on me were not sure if I was going to survive at all.

I have been healing well....have a visiting nurse every other day to pack the wound. Going to start working part time at home week after next and go back to full time in 3 weeks. I have tried reaching out to friends, but they have no idea what I have been going through and how depressed I feel. I know that this is not uncommon (depression) after major surgery and I have been under a therapist's care. I am really trying here but I feel really really blue. Any support/input appreciated.
Posted 3/9/2014 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

Welcome to the depression forum. You are right, depression often follows surgery. I am so sorry for what you have been through.

You have been through a lot, so go easy on yourself. You will be able to talk to friends about it in time. Give your body and mind time to heal.

I think working from home will be a good idea. Get you back in the swing of things. You are doing a lot of good proactive work for yourself. This will pay off.

Keep your chin up. Try to keep a positive attitude. You didn't have to have a colostomy and that is a good thing.

If you aren't seeing a counselor, think about doing so. It might help you until you aren't feeling depressed anymore. If you think you might need medication, talk to your doctor about it. Being depressed is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid to talk about.

I am so glad that you joined us. I think coming here will help you to know that you aren't alone. Sharing with each other helps a lot.

Keep posting.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 3/9/2014 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
i just had double by-pass graft surgery. the first go was very traumatic as i had anaphalaxis and a code blue was called and i was hit with addrenalin. second operation went well but i went into renal and heart failure and nearly died another 2 more times. i was on dialysis and god knows what for my heart. i was intubated 3-4 times. i was in hospital for 30 days, thus i fully understand about depression following surgery and especially when it goes pear shaped.

i send you many healing prayers. i am glad you are with us. we care. please keep strong rafaler. i am in therapy and agree with karen about seeking support. i have found a support program through the hospital, maybe you may find something simualer. my spelling is really off today. take care of you. keep posting.
Posted 3/9/2014 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello .......

   You have gone thru a great deal ... and you shouldn't feel as though you must go thru this alone. We all need some degree of support as we go thru difficult times ... and your experiences do need some trained support.

   Three years ago, I went thru renal failure and then found it was the metastisized cancer that was blocking the kidneys. I was in the hospital three times + a rehab center once in an 18-month period.

   I would think that the hospital might have suggested some trained support for probable depression. I would highly suggest seeing someone on a frequent and regular basis whether the hospital suggested it or not.

   It would seem so appropriate for you to at least have some temporary medication - but that too is for a professional to decide.

   Whatever you do ..... don't go thru this alone. And write again here if you have any doubts or questions.

   Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 3/9/2014 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your support. I have a call into my therapist for a phone counseling session and have contacted my med management psychiatrist. I am already prone to depression and anxiety. I keep busy all day so as not to remain in "meltdown" mode....knitting, reading, visiting my son and my family. I think that getting back to work, albeit from home for a couple of weeks, will really help too.

Thanks again all!
Posted 3/9/2014 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hope that you are feeling better.

Hugs, Karen...
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