Susan's Place Logo

News:

According to Google Analytics 25,259,719 users made visits accounting for 140,758,117 Pageviews since December 2006

Main Menu

Post op depression/anxiety

Started by Whynaut, March 19, 2015, 02:37:30 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Whynaut

Hey all.
Just had top surgery on Monday and I'm dealing with some off and on anxiety. I'm not sure why. It feels similar to the anxiety I got from binding sometimes so this post op binder might be the cause.
I keep reading about top surgery hematomas so I'm also really worried about that. I keep psyching myself out wondering if I have one. I just want everything to heal normally. I have a high pain tolerance so I'm not sure if this is normal pain or abnormal pain. I'm just taking regular Tylenol, a couple times per day. I'm worried that I might be overexerting myself since it doesn't hurt.

Just thought I'd make this thread for some feedback but also for people to share their experience since this subject doesn't get talked about as much, in case anyone is going through this now and could use tips.
"It's like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story."
- The Name of the Wind
  •  

Alexthecat

You should be able to tell if your chest starts inflating like a balloon, mine did briefly then went back down very quickly, like in the first day. Just spend the first week watching TV and playing on the computer and you won't over exert yourself.

  •  

Laura_7

There was a similar thread lately... a person stated that the meds for anaesthesy and other meds might cause some depression after an operation...
so alone knowing might help...
you could try a healthy nutrition, drinking enough water or maybe tea, eating whole grain products and maybe lots of fruit and fresh vegetables... possibly organic...
passing on high sugar drinks...

And I'd say keep yourself motivated... do some things you like... (within reason :) )


And, well, you could talk to a counselor if you are really depressed... and there are helplines...


hugs
  •  

sam1234

I had my top surgery in the winter. The surgeon bound my chest and had a drain that needed emptying every couple hours on each side. Two days after the surgery, I went out for a walk that turned in to a three mile hike. I think I was just trying to prove to myself that i was a tough guy. No problems came from the walk, and i was walking through snow. My surgeon probably would have had a fit if he knew and I wouldn't recommend doing it, but the point is that some activity after the top surgery probably won't cause a problem.

Surgeons are pretty careful about making sure that there aren't any bleeders and usually give post op directions.
If you don't feel pain, don't worry about it. Soft tissue surgery that doesn't involve entering a body cavity is usually not horribly painful. Although the Dr. may prescribe pain medication, often times you can get away with over the counter pain meds, but ask your Dr. if its ok first. Things like Aspirin should be avoided because they can make bleeding more likely.

Having any surgery is a stress on the body and the psyche. Is it possible that some of your anxiety is coming from the fact that you have made a major change to your body? Even though its something you wanted, its still a change and a step from thinking about not having breasts to actually not having breasts.

If you need support, by all means put it into the forum. Try to keep good thoughts and enjoy your new freedom. This summer, you will be able to go out without a shirt on for the first time!

sam1234
  •  

Whynaut

Thanks for the reassuring words. I'm about a week out now and I feel much better. Being back in my home state helps. Showing helps. Having the bandage off helps.

The only thing I'm struggling with now odds how to properly wash my armpits without letting the shower hit my nips. Haha. Being swollen makes me nervous but Satterwhite said I look exactly like I should and the swelling isn't as bad as it could be due to taking Arnica. Hopefully it will go down soon.
"It's like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story."
- The Name of the Wind
  •  

Alexthecat

Quote from: Whynaut on March 24, 2015, 03:15:33 PM
Thanks for the reassuring words. I'm about a week out now and I feel much better. Being back in my home state helps. Showing helps. Having the bandage off helps.

The only thing I'm struggling with now odds how to properly wash my armpits without letting the shower hit my nips. Haha. Being swollen makes me nervous but Satterwhite said I look exactly like I should and the swelling isn't as bad as it could be due to taking Arnica. Hopefully it will go down soon.
Wet washcloth or back into the stream.

  •  

KingCarr

I had tons of anxiety and stress also, but try to keep your mind busy while you heal.
  •  

FTMax

Quote from: Whynaut on March 24, 2015, 03:15:33 PM
Thanks for the reassuring words. I'm about a week out now and I feel much better. Being back in my home state helps. Showing helps. Having the bandage off helps.

The only thing I'm struggling with now odds how to properly wash my armpits without letting the shower hit my nips. Haha. Being swollen makes me nervous but Satterwhite said I look exactly like I should and the swelling isn't as bad as it could be due to taking Arnica. Hopefully it will go down soon.

In case you haven't figured out a good method yet - baby wipes.
T: 12/5/2014 | Top: 4/21/2015 | Hysto: 2/6/2016 | Meta: 3/21/2017

I don't come here anymore, so if you need to get in touch send an email: maxdoeswork AT protonmail.com
  •