How to deal with emotional rollercoaster

My surgery is scheduled for one month from today. Believe me, I am PSYCHED.

I'm also anxious as ever.

I have generalized anxiety disorder.  I have been taking medication for this since early 2006 (Lexapro, 10mg a day).  It helps A LOT but I still struggle with episodes of dread, fear, and the sick-to-my-stomach feeling.  I have been seeing a therapist since early 2007 and I have learned a lot about my triggers and personal things I need to work on.  My biggest problem is when I get anxious, my stomach/intestines seem to clinch up and I have this overwhelming feeling as if I'm going to throw up.  It's extremely rare that I get so worked up that I actually DO throw up. 

I am scheduling a few appointments to talk with my therapist about these HUGE changes I'm facing but how do you deal with it?   On that note, just how do you handle the immense emotional rollercoaster?  What have your experiences been with pre-surgery jitters?

I've had a hard time with the four weeks of full liquids and have just cried once in awhile and gotten over it.  My family is so supportive, it's really helped.  I worry about the big hormonal change that is coming and how I'll deal with that.  I guess just take it one day at a time and see what happens.  It's good that you're seeing a therapist to discuss these changes.  I have not dealt with an immense emotional rollercoaster, yet, but I expect it to happen one of these days!!  Good luck with your surgery!

I have depression and anxiety issues-for me, I took alot of time to even decide to have surgery.  I stayed in close touch with my psych as I got closer, and coming to the boards and posting/reading really helped.  come to coffee, go to group-it really helps to be with those who are on the journey with you.  If you haven't yet-find something like a hobby (I knit/cross-stitch/crochet) that helps to calm you.
you will be okay-stay honest with yourself and keep coming out here and asking questions.
good luck!
lynn

I am almost one week in pre op surgery diet. My surgery is May 26. I was doing fine-not really feeling like I was missing anything until today. My poor husband took the brunt of my tears but  I feel better and hit the message board to reinforce why I am doing this. Having a strong support system is one of the ways-I look at how many times I was the strong one. Now if I need to lean on them a little I will. I also know that even though I have not yet met any of the people on this OH board I can learn a lot from them. I am just in the beginning of this journey but as long as we seek out the help, support, distractions, education, resources, whatever we need- the end result will be health, strength and confidence for a long life.

Just like it was said above, you really just have to take this one day at a time. Yes, it is imperative that you know what's coming down the road and be prepared for it, but this roller coaster ride, as you so aptly put it, doesn't end in just one day. It's weeks and months and potentially years of relearing who you really are and what you want out of life.



I'm a month and a half post-op, and each day there is something new for me to meet. Some days are better or worse than others (ask me about the day I started crying because I couldn't get my contact out.. o.O or the 'I feel Pretty' stages..), just remember that everday is a new day.



Good luck!

Katie

Thank you everyone.  I'm a big-picture person so I get overwhelmed REALLY easy.

I do feel quite supported by my husband, a few siblings, my parents, and also when I come onto the message boards.  I was thrown into an episode earlier today when my mother-in-law mentioned that she heard my company laid off 6 to 8 people at the end of last week (I took sick days Thursday and Friday).  I have been laid off twice from different jobs over the past 2 years and it was a horrible time for me.  I found out I wasn't one of those that was laid off but it still really made me freak out.  I really hate hearing about all of the lay offs, especially when they were other divisions but when it came to my company I feel devastated as we're a pretty close knit company.

When my husband got home I right away told him I need to talk to him.  I used to hold it in and wait until some mundane thing made the floodgates burst open.  I was really wound up about the work thing and about getting ready for surgery.  I think I'm scared that, over the next week and a half I might go hard-core 'Last Supper' and eat all sorts of stuff.  Tonight we went out to eat but went to the Mongolian Grill in town (woohoo coupon) and I brought at least 2/3 of my bowl home with me and it was all veggies, some chicken, and tofu.  In the future that bowl may last a whole dang week - or more!

I too have generalized anxiety disorder and even the panic attacks with the throwing up like you discribed.  I had it really bad as a teenager so much so I dropped out of school for a year.   By the time I had my surgery though my disorder had been under control but I can relate to how you must been feeling. 

Just do what your doing; keep taking your medicine and talking to your therapist sounds like you have a good medical support team there.  I didn't have a lot of pre-surgery nerves but what I was really worried about is if something bad happened how my family would feel.  I wrote them a "just in case letter".  I hid it in a special place and just told my best friend where it was.   It help me tell my loved ones how much they mean and gave me peace of mind.   It was hard to write the letter but I felt very calm afterwards. 

I personally think the first 3 months after surgery are emotionally the most difficult  When the comfort of food is taken away you feel kind of lost.  When ever I felt anxious is when I like to eat so not having that there any more was hard but you need to use that time to build new habits that will be healthier.  Find a way to comfort yourself with out food (make sure its a healthy way you don't want to develop a transfer addiction).   Really take the time to understand your disorder and the causes and how you can work through the anxiety.