Anxiety and depression after surgery?

[sarahmizzou]

Hi All,

So, I am a freshmen nursing student and I just had minimally invasive spine surgery last Tuesaday. So, my question is this; is it normal to have a certain level of anxiety and depression afterward? I have been basically debilitated since Oct 2010 with two herniated discs and I was and (still am because of recovery time) dependent on my husband and mom. I am actually doing 100% better as far as pain relief and back issues and the injury happened after I was accepted into school. Now, I find myself anxious a lot which was NOT there before. I feel moody and weepy all the time. Which is abnormal for me. I used to be so focused, energetic, the person that took care of everything and now I feel anxious and scared. I have mini panic attacks each time my husband leaves for work. I have an 18 month old and today he was with my mom because I can't care for him alone and then he got snowed in at here house. I started crying and was upset for like two hours. I feel like I am a crazy person. The only other episode I ever had like this was after the birth of my son where I was diagnosed with PPD. I was put on lexapro and it cleared up and I got off the meds. IS THIS NORMAL? Should I tell the doc I am having issues? Thanks ahead time for comments. Please keep hateful/judgmental comments to yourself. Thanks!

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

I don't really think feeling anyway but your everyday self is "normal". It sounds like you have a lot going and maybe you could benefit by talking to someone about. Sometimes all it takes is a good talk.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Absolutely tell your doctor. I'm guessing you have lots of time on your hands, and surgery makes people feel vulnerable and losing control. I sympathize greatly, but your question borders on asking for medical advice, which isn't allowed here. By all means get some help ASAP, you don't need to feel this uncomfortable mentally while feeling this uncomfortable physically. Don't underestimate the side effects of pain meds, either.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

as per site terms of service we are not able to offer medical advice. you really need to talk to your pcp.

this is not a medical advice bulletin board

this is a board for nurses and nurses-to-be to discuss nursing issues. please do not ask for any medical or nursing feedback related to a health situation that affects you, a family member, or someone that is not a patient under your care. this is not a free medical advice board. please be aware that allnurses.com cannot be responsible for problems resulting from reliance on medical or nursing advice received here. if you have a medical problem, please seek attention from your health care provider.