1. Community
  2. Cancer
  3. Bowel Cancer

Anxiety during Recovery

Posted , 3 users are following.

alyce73809
alyce73809

I had a colon resection one week ago after being diagnosed with colon cancer. During my hospital stay, I suffered a panic attack. In my 41 years of life, I have NEVER had problems with anxiety. Now recovering at home from the surgery, I've had another panic attack and also suffer from that anxious, butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling often. I'm usually very positive about things, but this is debilitating. I don't think my surgeon knows what to do with me. Has anyone else had this problem? Please help...

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • TheToad
    TheToad alyce73809

    Posted

    It's possibly fear of the unknown? The big worry I have is recurrence, which I'm told is quite normal. The first 3 monthly blood test wait was not good, but all ok after a year. Including the follow up colonoscopy. It does get better over time and forums like this are great for sharing and hopefully reassurance. Your surgeon must have had patients who suffer the same way. Maybe have another chat. I had some counselling which helped a little too. Best wishes. 
    • alyce73809
      alyce73809 TheToad

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply. I also believe that there must have been other patients that went through the same thing, and I do plan to have a conversation with my surgeon.
  • lynda22857
    lynda22857 alyce73809

    Posted

    Hi Alyce,

    I hope you are feeling better.

    It's been 5 yrs now since my colon resection surgery and I still have anxiety. I wake up every day shaking, tense, nauseous etc. Originally, my surgeon told me I was having withdrawal from the pain meds and wrote me off. I've been to so many doctors, have been prescribed so many psch drugs, and I just do not know what to do. I too never had these problems before. I can't even work! I have a feeling that a hormone gland or something was damaged during the surgery. It feels like my adreniline pump will just not shut down. Hope you are better or they found out what was causing your anxiety and panic.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.