Three weeks and counting!

[Marge]

Based on my personal experience of non-OHS but extremely major surgery, I think it is not just OHS that causes these mood changes, it can be any major life-threatening surgery. Or having survived any other major life-threatening experience. You feel very vulnerable even though you have survived, and even though your own problems may have been alleviated. I think that it is most probably a form of post-traumatic-stress-syndrome. It generally wears off, but if you find you want to seek mental health or psychiatric help, it might be well to locate a professional who knows how to deal with PTSD.

 

[Raverlaw]

I have heard the same thing from many people who have had near-death or life-altering experiences. There is an unreal feeling to being alive afterwards, and all report having great emotional or mood swings. Those who have had surgery also tell me that they think that the anasthetic contributes to this - it takes weeks to wear off, and they're not "themselves" until it does wear off.

One of the things I'm grateful for, besides my family, is this board, because most of you have been through this and can alert us to these kinds of things, so we're forewarned and can deal with it.

The depression or mood swings that accompany these type of events are best dealt with by being with loving, understanding people. Don't forget to warn them, too! They need to know what to expect in those first few rough weeks.

 

[George DiMundo]

I, too, think the emotions are a result of relief at having survived the ordeal and the effects of the anesthetic that do take a long time to pass through the body. I think another important aspect is the humbling experience of receiving the good thoughts, prayers, and kindnesses of those with whom we interact each day. We too infrequently take the time to let them know how much they mean to us. And, for that matter, we often don't realize how much we mean to them.

I remained pretty stoic and upbeat prior to the surgery because I had to get things ready for a substitute teacher and I did not have much time to give the surgery a lot of thought. Even immediately afterwards I was upbeat and excited that it was behind me. But when a friend from school called to see how I was doing in the hospital and I heard the concern in his voice I unexpectedly cried as soon as I hung up. Then a few days later after a long 3.5 hour ride home from the hospital during which I was not very comfortable, I walked into the house and burst into tears when I saw that our neighbors had left flowers and had made a pot of corn chowder for us to enjoy.

The support from this board, from friends, and from family is so very important. As I have said before on other threads, it is such a comfort to know that whatever we are experiencing there are others who have been there.

 

[wweir]

To all you good folks waiting to get your operation over with. My wife Linda and I wish you all the best and will have you in our prayers.

I sometimes think the drive to the hospital might be more dangerous than the operation itself. You should take a deep breath and be assured that you will be in very good hands while you are in the hospital and the drugs they give you will greatly reduce the anxiety and the pain.

Look forward to reading your first post after your operation.

Walter

 

[Aunt Granny]

Hopital Drive

Hopital Drive

We live so far away from Baylor they offered us their hotel to stay in, because I have to register @ 5AM. Good thing they are giving me drugs, because I am NOT a morning person.

 

[Bryan B]

Bill,

I experienced this feeling while recovering from endocarditis. Most of my "mood swings" were of the emotional variety. I was so grateful for feeling better after months of sickness, and every time I talked to family and friends (or even read e-mails wishing me well) I got all choked up. I guess I should expect to be a basket case after surgery.

BTW, your coutdown is making me nervous for you...lol.