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anxiety after surgery

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/25/2015 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
just recently had surgery to remove my left kidney. Due to cancer. Lucky it was confined to just that kidney. I thank God everyday. But I have recently been to the hospital twice due to increased heart rate, can't breathe, hands tingles got sweaty. They have twice now ran tons of tests. Ekg. CT scan for pulmonary embolism, chest xray and all kinds of blood test. And everything came back fine besides my white blood cells were high. But that's normal for someone that just had that kind of surgery and I was kind of catching a cold. But again the same thing keeps happening. I find myself saying it can't be anxiety or a panic attack. Something else is wrong. . So now they put me on some meds for anxiety and it seems to work a lttle. I am under control of it while on the meds . But they have now gave me something much stronger and I'm afraid to take it. I don't want to be a zombie. But I dont want to feel like I'm dying either. Please someone tell me I'm not crazy.
Posted 7/25/2015 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Your definitely not going crazy. It's just anxiety. As bad as it feels it cannot harm us at all. May I ask which anxiety meds you are in?
Posted 7/25/2015 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
I had my right kidney removed 22 yrs. ago.. thats not an easy surgery.. I hope you are doing better....I to have panic attacks..i take xanax as needed for it.. but my panic attacks started after I had surgery on my leg about 9 yrs ago...... prayers for you...sorry to hear of your surgery and your cancer...
Posted 7/25/2015 8:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum.

You have been through a lot so i'm not surprised you are experencing anxiety which can cause all sorts of symptoms including the ones you mentioned.

The good news is lots can be done to help with anxiety such as taking medication, talking therapies and self help. Have a look in our resources thread which you will find on the main page first post for some useful links to self help.

Stay with us and keep us posted we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 7/25/2015 9:51 AM (GMT 0)
I'm taking vuluem. They just started me in that. Thank you guys for the reply. I felt crazy. Like something was really wrong. I try to do some breathing exercises to help control it. I'm 4 weeks post op. I just want to feel better and go back to work.
Posted 7/25/2015 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to our family. It is very common to experience anxiety after any surgery. It's a trauma to your body, and can cause your brain to react in all sorts of crazy ways.

Take the medicine! It won't make you a zombie, and it will help you relax. Your body needs to be relaxed in order to heal properly. Trust your doctors.

I know it can be scary to start a new med, and I'm sure you've heard all sorts of things, but really, you will be fine as long as you take it as prescribed, and follow all post surgery instructions.

Keep posting. We are here for you.
Posted 7/25/2015 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome angelao, I'm happy you found us, but sorry to hear you are experiencing anxiety. You have found an awesome place to come too, it's full of caring people that understand what it is like to live with anxiety.

Anxiety after or even before surgery is really common, as everyone has posted above. However there is a lot to do to help anxiety, taking a RX like you have been prescribed along with therapy is the best way to treat anxiety. Therapies such as CBT or Mindfulness both have really good results in dealing with anxiety.

Please take a look at the top link on the forum titled Anxiety/Panic Resources for a lot of helpful self help coping skills, I'm sure you will find a couple things there to help with your anxiety.

Keep posting for support and encouragement, whether you need to ask a question, to ask for support or simply to vent post with us anytime. You are no longer alone in this journey, we will walk along your side. :)
Posted 7/25/2015 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you very much. I am going to contact a therapist monday. I can't do anything with out my heart racing. It's been a very stressful time for me and my family. My world is crazy right now. I just want to get better and be able to take care of my family and house again. I'm not a messy person so when I look around and see all the things not done it makes me anxious. My kids try to help but I have asked so much of them as it is and they have spent most of their summer inside due to my issues. I feel horrible.
Posted 7/25/2015 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Great job on seeking out therapy, I really believe this will help you out a lot.

How old are your kids? I think it is good for kids to have chores, so try not to feel so guilty about it.
Posted 7/25/2015 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I say don't feel bad about your children having to help you. This is a valuable lesson for them in compassion, and what family is supposed to do for one another.

I know as the normal caregiver, it's hard to let others take over, and they often just don't do it the way you would. Try to let it go, and remember that the mess will be there for you when you are able to tackle it.

All of this is easier said than done, I know. Just know that all of this hardship will make all of you stronger in the end.
Posted 7/25/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
My kids have been very helpful. 13 and 9. Anything I ask they do. It's just my guilt. I just don't understand how I wake up with anxiety. Walking to the restroom and I can just feel.it coming. Heart racing and breathing harder. Just makes me feel there must be something else wrong.
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