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Health anxiety after major surgery, normal?!

Posted , 6 users are following.

elly79107
elly79107

Hi everyone,

Since birth I have had a very high instep and wide feet causing me to walk on the outside of my foot. Over the past few years the pain has effected me in everyday life and was very painful. I had an operation 3 months ago to correct this. It involved tendon transfer to bring my foot into a straighter position as well as loosening my calf muscle and shaving bone off the top of my foot. 

I have never considered myself a worrier or someone who gets anxious but over the last couple of months I have been experiencing this almost on a daily basis. I worry about my operated foot becoming worse or undoing the operation so to speak. Not only this but I get anxious and paranoid about general health issues and things happening to my loved ones, I'm sure most people have these thoughts from time to time and I did in the past but it seems to have gotten worse recently. For example, when my partner or family go out I worry about the most stupid things happening to them. 

This could just be down to the fact that I have had a lot of free time recently as have had to be non weight bearing for over 2 months, so spend most of my time in the house untill I can return to work. Just wanted to know if anyone has experience a similar thing after major surgery or has any advice, thank you in advance!

Elly (20 years old)

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • blodwyn
    blodwyn elly79107

    Posted

    Hi elly, You don't say if you have PMR or GCA but being so anxious sounds like you might be suffering from depression.I would see your GP and explain your worries to him/her.Being in so much pain and unable to go out can make things seem much worse than they are in reality.It may be a good idea to take a member of your family with you as they may also be aware of the change in you.Please don't suffer in silence.

    Good Luck

    Good Luck.

    • elly79107
      elly79107 blodwyn

      Posted

      Hi,

      Thank you for getting back so quick. 

      I'm not aware of the terms PMR and GCA, would you be able to expand please? 

      I have considered consulting my doctor, as you say it could be nothing but is always best to get checked out just in case. Thank you for your concern!

      Best wishes

  • Nefret
    Nefret elly79107

    Posted

    Uness you have either PMR or GCA and are taking steroids, then I think you have posted in the wrong place.  I would suggest you go to the Depression and Anxiety community.
    • elly79107
      elly79107 Nefret

      Posted

      Yes I notice now that I have posted under that specific section, I wanted to post in the bones, joints and muscles forum!
  • mrs_k
    mrs_k elly79107

    Posted

    I had a major foot operation as I had snapped a tendon. I won't go into it in detail.

    After major surgery you do worry and as the foot is the most complicated item

    because of the number of joints, ligaments and tendons, it takes longer to get over it.

    I could not put my foot to the floor for over three months.  After six months I had to learn to walk again using that foot.   It took one year from the date of the operation to get back dancing.   It will come OK just takes time.

    I saw my Orthopaedic Consultant every 3 weeks.  I think you need to see your Consultant again and get your worries sorted out.  Write everything down and take someone with you.   Good Luck

  • Light
    Light elly79107

    Posted

    You may have posted in the wrong forum, but I would say that not being able to go out and move your body around would understandably contribute to a more depressive mood, even if you were not recovering from a tricky operation.

    I agree with Blodwyn: see your GP about it. Don't be shy.

    f she thinks it warrants it, she'll refer you to a counsellor, which may be all you need right now while you're healing...

    And take care of yourself, both body and soul.

  • mrsmop
    mrsmop elly79107

    Posted

    Hi Elly, I agree with MrsK and hope her reply has helped you to understand how long it will take you to return to normal.  

    Have you been in to work, just to visit?  Your colleagues would be pleased to see you.  

    When are you due to go back to the hospital, is there someone in the clinic you could speak to?  Try ringing the secretary, she would be able to arrange an earlier appt. for you.  Good Luck

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