Post surgery depression.
Posted , 7 users are following.
Did any of you expect this? I know I was somewhat terrified of my surgery, so tbh I was ecstatic to just wake up. I remember being very, very happy. However, that was short lived. I don't suffer from depression as a rule, more anxiety vs anything else. As if you lot can't tell😆. Anyway, I'm a member of another colorectal cancer community where many post about their experiences before and after surgery, it seems mental health changes are common. What say you? On a personal note it's amazing to me how my surgery seems to have massively inconvenienced my girlfriend/fiance. She just can't be bothered it seems. This obviously doesn't help with day to day positivity. Thoughts appreciated. Or, share your experiences. Cheers, Jacob.
0 likes, 9 replies
a95997 jacob0373
Posted
cant be bothered with what?not sure what you mean by that
sorry you are feeling down part of it is just adjusting to the new normal
jacob0373 a95997
Posted
with anything that's in some way disrupting her routine.
greg80227 jacob0373
Posted
"She just can't be bothered"?
That's terrible, you need support right now.
glenda_82112 jacob0373
Posted
I was more than ready for the surgery. After 2 1/2 of diverticulitis hell I wanted it done. Anxiety is unfortunately one of the many symptoms. Unlike you I have a very supportive relationship with my boyfriend who literally saved my life. Even now he is understanding that I have bad and good days but we've both learned to deal with it.
laura10524 jacob0373
Posted
Hello,
So sorry!! You are wise being honest, getting the help you need from support here, others ( not trama drama peeps) 😀 your doctors counseling medication if needed! 🙏too🙏🙏.
LucyB53 jacob0373
Posted
Jacob,
All of your feelings are very normal. Just waking up is very good. After 4 surgeries back to back with not a very positive outlook for the 1st emergency one I understand your elation completely.
The depression is pretty normal and should subside before too long. Try not to think about anything but getting better. If your girlfriend can't be bothered then let her go home and you care for you first. Maybe she doesn't know what to do to make you better. It's frightening. Assure her that you will be fine but that it will just take time. My husband now (we weren't married when I had my surgery) almost drove me crazy trying to take care of me. He bought and fixed any food that I even mentioned that it sounded good to me. Not that I wanted it. If I didn't feel like eating at the time then he would sit there and feed me. I had to eat because I could see the worry on his face if I didn't. So I understand the significant other being different. Yours a bit distant and mine ever present but the same still.
It seemed like I couldn't get better and that was a bit depressing. When I finally got to stop having surgery and just heal life got so much better. Rest a lot and sleep when your body feels the need. Eat as you can tolerate. Life will get better a lot faster and you will wonder why you were so anxious....well not you won't wonder about that but you will get better and so will life. Chin up Chickadee, you will come out of the other side a lot better.
Always here if you need to talk.
Linda
jacob0373
Posted
Thank you all for the replies. I do appreciate it. I feel a bit silly to have even said anything to be honest. I just have to get on with it👍🏻
rhonda62323 jacob0373
Posted
Jacob,
I think being anxious is pretty typical. I feel it is my anxiousness that contributed to the episodes I had. Since July I have had two surgeries to address my Diverticulitis. The first surgery came after 2 hospital stays and 5 antibiotics. But they couldn't resolve my complicated diverticulitis (4 abscesses and ulcer in my colon). So I had surgery to rest my bowel and was given a colostomy bag. I had that for 4 months and then had a reversal this past January.
I am now about 6 weeks out and am still experiencing some issues, which I hope in time will resolve themselves.
But the reason I am writing is because it was a big wake up call for me and prioritizing my mental health(stress & anxiety). So my friend suggested a book and it hit home and motivated me to start meditating. At around that time I also started yoga. These two practices are definitely helping.
So I guess my suggestion is to find some ways to help you better deal with anxiety. There is a nerve (Vagus) in our gut that directly connects to our brain and recent science suggests that they affect one another and working on your anxiety can improve both.
Let me know if you want the name of the book.
All the best!
Rhonda
LucyB53 jacob0373
Posted
Jacob,
Never feel silly about anything you need to know on here. We are all here for one another. You will get better but take your time. You know your body much better than any of us. Listen to it and you will be fine.
Linda