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Anxiety after surgery

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Posted 8/5/2015 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I had gallbladder removal surgery (laparascopic) three weeks ago and have been experiencing anxiety and depression. I've been on citalopram for years to help control it and Xanax as needed. Normally I don't need to take my Xanax, but lately I have been before I go to bed. I don't take it during the day because it makes me drowsy, but it's getting to the point where I feel like I can't breathe right sometimes and my heart races and I'm wondering if I should just take it. Then I try to calm myself down and it gets better. But then it may be a half hour later and it starts up again. My energy level is horrible, but I know I'm still recovering from my surgery. And I get lightheaded when I stand up to do things and my heart races. I plan on going to my PCP tomorrow to see what he says, but is anyone else feeling lightheaded when they get up to do things, heart racing, and the need to sit back down?

It's scary and very frustrating. Of course I keep thinking I have something else going on, like others do, and that just escalates the anxiety, so I try to tell myself it's JUST anxiety. I was just in for my post surgery follow-up on Monday and my blood pressure was great, so I don't think that's an issue.

Thanks for any insight on the lightheadedness/heart racing when standing up.
Posted 8/5/2015 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry that you are experiencing these worrisome and confusing symptoms currently...but glad to see you reaching out and joining us.:)

So, as I understand it...you are having returning anxiety...post surgery...after previously having it pretty well under control?

This is to be somewhat expected...as anxiety is opportunistic and you are in a naturally weakened state from what you have been through.

Medical procedures take their toll mentally and physically, and there is bound to be some increase of your challenges...even with your medication...

...and that is where coping skills and support come in....

...and guess what? You've found a great place for both! :)

At the top of our main forum page, you'll find our Resources. Check them out and find some new tools for your belt.:) The Stress Relieving Exercises as well as the meditation links are great!

Also, keep posting with us. We understand what you are going through, and will be here any time you need encouragement.

With time, you are going to gain the upper hand on this again. This is a temporary detour along the journey of wellness.

Be patient with yourself and the process!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/5/2015 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you very much for getting back to me so quickly. I'll check out the Stress Relieving Exercises and meditation links and keep you updated.

Alicia (a/k/a Cognetto)
Posted 8/14/2015 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I've been do breathing exercises to help with the anxiety and taking my Xanax. Xanax is the only thing that's really been keeping it at bay. Along with my citalopram of course. I was extremely sick all last week and went to the ER by Sunday and come Monday, the ER called to tell me I have C. difficile. So I've been on antibiotics (Flagyl) all week. Still feel tired and anxious and no appetite but am trying to have faith that it'll get better eventually. They said I contracted it during my hospital stay for the gallbladder surgery. Hopefully things will all return to normal with my anxiety once I'm better.
Posted 8/14/2015 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this.:(

This may hinder your anxiety recovery a bit unfortunately...as physical issues are prone to do...

...but hopefully you will be clear of the infection and back on track really soon!

Keep up the coping skills and your Rx as needed.

Post back when you feel up to it and give us more updates as to your progress.

S.C.

Prayers thoughts and well wishes going out your way
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