Panic attacks and surgery recovery
I’m a 43yo female. Had neck surgery in May. I’ve been pretty much debilitated and out of work since Feb. I have a dx of GAD with panic attacks.
Can surgery increase these symptoms?
i woke up today literally in the middle of a panic attack. One after another. I did some breathing exercises. Seemed to help enough for me to make this post.
I truly hate this 😢 I want to feel myself again. I don’t think my anxiety has been this intense since my teen years. I could be wrong because I’m in the moment.
I have a therapist I see 2x week. A psychiatrist (who increased my mood stabilizer) recently.
So much fear surrounding the surgery, medications, living a normal life. Days feel super long. Especially when there’s no one to talk to. Yesterday, I drove just to drive. Today I’m fearful. 😰 😭
@peachThinker662
I hear you, truly. What you’re going through is incredibly hard and no, you’re not alone, even if it feels like it right now. What you described waking up in panic, the fear, the exhaustion of feeling like this day after day it’s so real and so overwhelming. And yet, here you are. Breathing. Posting. Reaching out. That is strength. Yes, surgery especially something as intense as neck surgery can absolutely ramp up anxiety and panic. Your body has gone through trauma, even if it was necessary and planned. It’s healing physically, but emotionally too, and that can take even longer. When your body is in pain or limited, it can make you feel unsafe in your own skin and anxiety loves to feed off that And I know it’s terrifying when you don’t feel like yourself. You start to question whether you'll ever feel okay again. But please hold onto this healing is not linear. There will be ups and downs, moments that feel unbearable, and then sometimes quietly moments that feel a little lighter. You’re already doing the right things: therapy, medication, trying to regulate with breathwork, reaching out instead of suffering in silence. Try not to measure today by yesterday or tomorrow. Just this moment. Right now, you made it through a storm of panic attacks. You’re here, showing up for yourself. That matters more than you know. I’m so sorry you’re feeling so alone in this. But I promise you’re not broken. This isn’t forever. You are not your panic you are someone incredibly strong experiencing panic. And one day, this version of you will look back with compassion at the you who kept going, even when every cell screamed not to.
You’re doing better than you think. One breath, one hour at a time. You’ve got this. 💛
@16peacefulBraveheart01
thank you, the reassurance means so much. I am so lonely. So so lonely. I don’t know what to do with myself sometimes. The weekends are especially rough without my son here.
The adrenaline makes it all so surreal. 😭
@peachThinker662 I'm sorry you're going through this :( Wishing for your healing and fast recovery 🤍🤍 Sending lots of love ur way! ❤️
You are not alone and this is a very natural reaction to a very real physical trauma. I am 40 and have been through roughly 25 surgeries since birth. The body doesnt forget this type of trauma.
Stay strong! You have been through some tough stuff! I only have one neck scar and don't remember that surgery, but I remember plenty and it can be very hard! You are not alone and you are doing great, even if it doesnt feel like it!
I appreciate your feedback. I’ve never thought of surgery as a trauma. That does make sense though. Plus, being in the house, no interaction. My life went from 10000mph to 5mph lol I’m really not used it.
I have been through tough stuff. It’s like I’m being gaslighted. lol. My arm hurt so damn bad prior to the surgery. I had no choice. And now I feel better but have restrictions.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
The restrictions may lift, bit it sounds like you had a surgery i could head toward myself one day! Change is hard, and on top of your physical trauma, you had a major change to your daily life. This could throw anyone off! You are not alone here, no matter how it feels!
If you wake up in panic again, just sit with it for a but and remember we are more than our emotions, but they are a part of us. Then, send us a message here somewhere. It may help! I am still learning, but this is a heck of a unique community, and we are here for you!
@intellectualTown3080 you’re so kind. 💓
I do what I can! But my experience on this site continuously teaches me that we are not alone! I will say that i don't get anxious over surgery itself (but going under anesthesia...), but for me it was a fact of life from before I could form memories. For me, surgery just was... and is... But that is not everyone. I may have your same trauma, actually, but I had to process it so young that I didn't realize it!
This is nothing to be ashamed about! The physical trauma of surgery is very real! Believe me, I've been there! Please don't be afraid to reach out when you are struggling with it! You have a community, even if you don't see it yet!
I have trauma history with my neck to begin with. So I don’t know that the sensations of healing are helpful with that.
You sound like you have had your share of surgeries. Very difficult. I empathize for you. I Hope that you are able to move forward on a healthy positive journey .
For me, there was no healing journey, there just was surgery. Not as big as deal for me because that was a fact of life. My first was within 24 hours of birth.
Your journey is different and I am so sorry for your trauma, including what lead you to the medics. I can only send good vibes your way! Just remember that there are people out there who understand!
