7 days post op and need help and ??'s

I am trying to get enough fluids in but no where am I getting 64 oz.  I am also suffering from anxiety. panic attacks.  Anyone suffer those?  I did suffer them before surgery but they were pretty much gone.  Now, this week I am on the verge of one every hour.  

My pain has pretty much gone.   I have called my Surgeons office today but they didn't get back to me yet.  Do you think I should make an appointment with my primary care doctor to see if she can help me?  My psychiatrist left for over seas and the new one doesn't take his place until Sept 1st.  I am really stuck with these anxiety attacks. 

Maybe they are from surgery, if anyone else had them please let me know what you did to keep them at bay.

Mary G

Mary, take a deep breath and relax.  I don't think I had panic attacks from my surgery but everyone is different.  Did you take meds for panic before surgery?  Maybe you should call your pcp and have her give you something for the panic.  I think we all had this time right after surgery when we were thinking what the heck have I done.  That's normal because of not feeling so good and being a little weak and having to work so hard at getting everything in.  If you don't do anything else, try and get your water in and your vitamins.  I suspect you are on a liquidish diet now, so much of that will count for your liquids.  Like jello is really one of those liquid foods and can take some of those ounces.  Also, the broth is liquid and if you are doing shakes, they are usually mixed in a liquid.  I think, but may be wrong, that even those cream of wheat cereals can be liquid since you put a lot of water in them.  So, sip your water, don't gulp and remember that this too will pass and in a few weeks, you will start seeing your energy level rise and your waist shrink.  But, call your pcp or your surgeon if you think your anxiety needs to be checked.

Hi you are right.  I am a little weak and still nervous from having the surgery.  But the panic attacks won't leave me alone.  I was on medicine for them before surgery but took myself off of them pre op and post surgery.  Now I think I am paying for it.  I am on them now, hopefully in a couple of days they will kick in and let me be ok.  I would be doing much better if I didn't  have them.   I called my surgeon yesterday but she hasn't called back yet.

Thanks for your wonderful comments and helpful suggestions.  I am taking deep breaths..:)

Mary

I suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and was on pixel.  My MD told me to no way go off it while I was going thru weight loss.  You may want to ask your doc about getting a little help with the attacks while going thru this journey

I took Paxil for a while but it didn't work.  I'm on to the big guns now...Prozac, and it keeps me in check wonderfully.

I think that is my problem.  I took myself off of everything pre op and during surgery.  Now I am paying the price.   I am back on everything, hopefully it will help in a few days.

Thanks for writing

Mary

WOW Mary that was drastic!  I hope now your back on everything will be OK.  Please don't take yourself off without your Doc OK.  It just isn't worth it.  You have enough now to do just getting yourself healthy.  Take care of your self!

I have suffered from anxiety at various times in my life. I was more anxious before surgery than after. I DID worry about those first few "meals" and swallowing those crushed pills.  Sipping and being afraid it would not go down right.

I'm not sure about the anxiety but expect big hormonal changes. My doctor said not female hormones just hormones in general. With weight falling off so fast you will have some highs and lows.

 Do you have a local support group to go to? I would highly recommend it if you do. We are here for you and I know for me just knowing that others went through it helped me to believe that I would to. It is an uncharted path for you right now, but within a few weeks you will feel like you are more familiar with this new road.

Congratulations, Mary. You're on your way. I know I didn't feel like I was getting that 64 oz in either. I would think "That's a GALLON!" and I'd think about a milk jug. But like Jeannie says you're probably getting more than you think you are.

One thing that helped me at first was I kept an insulated cup of ice chips by me all the time.For one thing I liked sucking on the ice. (Kind of like chewing!) And that will get some fluid in too.

Each day it will get better.  Your PCP can prescribe something to help the anxiety. For me anxiety arrives with new and unfamiliar situations. Hopefully as you become more confident with your new "tool" the anxiety will subside. BUT don't be afraid to ask for help with it. Take care,

I think 64 oz is a half a gallon....

Thanks for being here.  I am sure I will be writing more. Right now, I need the support and it feels good I can come here.

Yes, I am on my way and can't wait until the panic attacks leave me.  Hopefully soon, I know I will feel much better when they do.

I am going to call my PCP to see what I can do about them.   Thanks for all the help and kind words


Mary