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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
Posted by Nibor on August 28, 2000, at 17:42:01
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
Dear Dona
I know how scared you must be, but you probably know people who have had this surgery and were walking around in a short time. I have an 86-year-old friend who came through it so well, she can't wait to get the other one done. She says that mass quantities of Ibuprofen were enough for her pain. Of course, she IS a stoic New Englander...
I'll be thinking of you on Friday.
Nibor> I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
Posted by Chris A. on August 29, 2000, at 0:00:22
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
Dona,
Hope you can keep your focus on the pain this surgery is going aleve - the long term outcome. My mother needs the same surgery and keeps procrastinating. Every time I see her bend her knee and sense the pain I am thinking "just do it." Sometimes trying to envision the bigger picture helps reduce the present anxiety.
Now, to take my own advice!
Just let people pamper you. It's ok. As a fellow nurse I'd feel pretty rejected if a patient said "I don't need you, just go away." Other people reap benefits when they are allowed to help out.
You will make it through this.Blessings and prayers,
Chris A.
Posted by shar on August 29, 2000, at 0:02:03
In reply to Re: HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Nibor on August 28, 2000, at 17:42:01
I'd heard about doctors making terrible patients, but I didn't know nurses did too! (just kidding around here!)
I always think of the hospital as a vacation; people come in and take care of me, bring me food, check my health, let me watch TV, eat chocalates, friends may bring flowers or treats. Man! That is heaven. Plus pain meds!
If you are anxious, I urge you to bring with you the things you are most comfortable in (pj's or "dusters" or robes or slippers, etc.). If you have a favorite pillow, or a favorite scent, bring those. You can spray a little scent on a pillow and it's very homey/soothing. If you are used to hearing a clock ticking, or a radio, etc. bring that too. The closer you can make it like home, I think the better you will feel.
First and foremost, think comfort. Even if your beloved nightie is a bit rag-tag (as is mine) that's the one you want! That favorite book or journal, whatever is familiar to you.
Also, if you have any friends you can ask to come by, that can help a lot. You would benefit by having someone to talk to openly and honestly about how you feel. If there is nobody, sneak out to a computer and write to us!
Since you have had a hard few months, try to be easy on yourself. Allow yourself to receive instead of just giving. Ask for what you want.
I will send prayers and ask the angels to bless and comfort you.
I doubt that a short disruption in your AD schedule (esp. since Prozac stays around so long in your system) will cause a problem, and I take hydrocodone for pain and have not noticed feeling more depressed from that.
Shar
Posted by stjames on August 29, 2000, at 0:30:03
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
> I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
I would think the pain would be very likely cause you
depression, so take what you need to be comfortable.
My cronic pain friends say that some opioids do
cause depression in them but others don't. It seems
to vary my person so take comfort in that there are
many pain meds you can try if one does give you trouble.
You might consider taking something short term b4 your replacement,
to calm yourself. No point going to the OR all stressed out.
In general these kind of replacements are done a lot
with very good outcomes. Function is very improved.
Try to focus on the end of all of this, being a good thing.james
Posted by Greg on August 29, 2000, at 7:43:40
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
Dona,
Some real good input here. While I agree that short term use of pain meds shouldn't be a problem, I believe that long term use certainly can be. I had double disk fusion about 2 years ago and was in horrible pain following surgery and the Vicodin wasn't doing the trick. I was given Norco and Soma and that helped as long as I was taking four of each every four hours. Eventually the pain returned and I was put on the Fentanyl patch. I wore the patch for about 16 months. As the time extended on the meds I started to become extremely depressed along with the physical damage they were doing to me. I eventually went thru detox to kick the meds and am happy to say that I've been off them for about 7 months now. I realize now that I could have stopped the meds long before they became a problem, but the addiction to them had a firm grip on me.
While I believe I've had depression and anxiety most of my life, I believe that the extended exposure to the pain meds brought my depression to the point where it could no longer be ignored. So, I guess what I'm very long-windedly trying to say is, as soon as you can tolerate the pain you should stop the meds. You being a nurse, I probably didn't need to tell you this. Ask some people what time it is and they tell you how to build a watch.... :^)
On the lighter side, I current play Volleyball with a person who had a knee replacement a little over a year ago and while he doesn't get around quite as well as he used to, you would be amazed at how well he does. So life does go on with, or in spite of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you for your surgery and I'll say a few extras on Sept 1st! As soon as you are up to it, please let us know how everything went and how you are feeling.
Hugs,
Greg> I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
Posted by judy1 on August 29, 2000, at 12:19:54
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
Dear Dona,
After a car accident 2 years ago where both knee caps were crushed, I had to have surgery on both- 6 months later (after repeated trials of physical therapy). I found the panic attacks I experienced preceding the two surgeries was so much worse than the actual procedures. My benzo use went way up before and I was able to curtail it afterwards. As far as pain, I'll echo Greg's statements. I went one step further than he- I went to a pain management specialist and was prescribed ms contin. While I felt I had hit the mother lode (over the loud protests of my orthopedic surgeon and psychiatrist), it, too, eventually worsened my depression. But I also feel that no one should be in pain, and if you don't have a history of abuse you have nothing to worry about. If you do, than try to be honest with your treating physicians so they can monitor you closely. Since you are a nurse, I understand your concerns about being dependent on anyone, but after a few days, I had a full leg removable soft cast and got along amazingly well with crutches- I was able to take care of my child and menagerie of animals with no problem. I told my husband to take care of himself. Best of luck and good thoughts are coming your way- Judy
Posted by mark on August 29, 2000, at 12:38:40
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
I wish I, or anyone, could say something magical to lessen
your anxiety. Just know that you are among friends here and we'll
all be thinking and inquiring about how you are doing.Mark
Posted by Dona on August 29, 2000, at 16:05:25
In reply to Re: HELP!! Need support before surgery » Dona, posted by mark on August 29, 2000, at 12:38:40
Thanks to all of you with your supportive and tender words. It is amazing how much it helps, even though I have never seen any of you. I will tell you how I do after the surgery. Thanks again
Posted by chdurie2 on August 29, 2000, at 19:57:27
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
> I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
Dona- I'm real tired right now, but i'll try to help. Eight hours ago I walked out of the hospital after a general-anesthesia breast biopsy.
I've been putting this thing off for eight months (i had the other breast done then with a local) cuz i was scared to death the general anesthesia would give me a major relapse - i have chronic fatigue syndrome, and any surgery, no matter how minor, is primo relapse time. the one done with a local set me back a few weeks. well, the last few days have been all kinds of craziness, partly cuz of my self-imposed anxiety and partly cuz of a series of administrative screw-ups. the insurance company was even primed for the possibility that i might need to stay overnight, even tho that's usually not done for this. well, the joke's on me. except for the fact that my boob hurts a bit and i'm tired, also from six hours of yard work i did after surgery, i haven't felt better in weeks. whatever was in that anesthetic i'd like some more of - the guy said cuz of my specific meds - he wasn't gonna give me the usual one. except for certain medical personnel who seem to think they have the right to treat you like a 3-year-old, it was a breeze. and i felt really silly wasting all that angst. when it was over, i couldn't wait to get home to eat something more than that eensy ham-and-cheese sandwich they call lunch. so, i guess i'm saying, if it makes you feel better, freak out all you want. but it might be a waste of energy. maybe you should just take the next couple of days indulging and pampering yourself (lavendar epsom-salt baths and ice cream are my favorites.) surely you have a few. hope this helps. caroline
Posted by Cindy W on August 29, 2000, at 22:00:53
In reply to Re: HELP! Need support /surgery! -Was there TODAY!, posted by chdurie2 on August 29, 2000, at 19:57:27
> > I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
>
> Dona- I'm real tired right now, but i'll try to help. Eight hours ago I walked out of the hospital after a general-anesthesia breast biopsy.
> I've been putting this thing off for eight months (i had the other breast done then with a local) cuz i was scared to death the general anesthesia would give me a major relapse - i have chronic fatigue syndrome, and any surgery, no matter how minor, is primo relapse time. the one done with a local set me back a few weeks. well, the last few days have been all kinds of craziness, partly cuz of my self-imposed anxiety and partly cuz of a series of administrative screw-ups. the insurance company was even primed for the possibility that i might need to stay overnight, even tho that's usually not done for this. well, the joke's on me. except for the fact that my boob hurts a bit and i'm tired, also from six hours of yard work i did after surgery, i haven't felt better in weeks. whatever was in that anesthetic i'd like some more of - the guy said cuz of my specific meds - he wasn't gonna give me the usual one. except for certain medical personnel who seem to think they have the right to treat you like a 3-year-old, it was a breeze. and i felt really silly wasting all that angst. when it was over, i couldn't wait to get home to eat something more than that eensy ham-and-cheese sandwich they call lunch. so, i guess i'm saying, if it makes you feel better, freak out all you want. but it might be a waste of energy. maybe you should just take the next couple of days indulging and pampering yourself (lavendar epsom-salt baths and ice cream are my favorites.) surely you have a few. hope this helps. caroline
Dona, I hope your knee surgery goes well for you! Please let us know how you are doing!
Caroline, I had a breast biopsy a few months ago and was just terrified. Afterwards, it didn't really hurt and I was really relieved. Glad to hear you made it through OK!--Cindy W.
btw, before the biopsy, I insisted on some stuff to make me unable to feel the core biopsy needle, and also insisted on Ativan (took 3 mg and don't remember much). I made a total baby out of myself and it was worth it, because the less anxiety, the less pain!!
Posted by chdurie2 on August 29, 2000, at 22:49:55
In reply to Re: HELP! Need support /surgery! -Was there TODAY!, posted by Cindy W on August 29, 2000, at 22:00:53
> > > I am having knee replacement surgery on 9/1 and my anxiety is getting out of control. I thought I was really ready for this, but now I am not sure. I have long history of depression and am currently on Prozac 40mg and feel better than I have felt for a long time. Will the surgery and the needed narcotics for pain throw me back into depression?? And I am a nurse and hate to be dependent on other people. I am just getting so nervous and any soothing words would help.
> >
> > Dona- I'm real tired right now, but i'll try to help. Eight hours ago I walked out of the hospital after a general-anesthesia breast biopsy.
> > I've been putting this thing off for eight months (i had the other breast done then with a local) cuz i was scared to death the general anesthesia would give me a major relapse - i have chronic fatigue syndrome, and any surgery, no matter how minor, is primo relapse time. the one done with a local set me back a few weeks. well, the last few days have been all kinds of craziness, partly cuz of my self-imposed anxiety and partly cuz of a series of administrative screw-ups. the insurance company was even primed for the possibility that i might need to stay overnight, even tho that's usually not done for this. well, the joke's on me. except for the fact that my boob hurts a bit and i'm tired, also from six hours of yard work i did after surgery, i haven't felt better in weeks. whatever was in that anesthetic i'd like some more of - the guy said cuz of my specific meds - he wasn't gonna give me the usual one. except for certain medical personnel who seem to think they have the right to treat you like a 3-year-old, it was a breeze. and i felt really silly wasting all that angst. when it was over, i couldn't wait to get home to eat something more than that eensy ham-and-cheese sandwich they call lunch. so, i guess i'm saying, if it makes you feel better, freak out all you want. but it might be a waste of energy. maybe you should just take the next couple of days indulging and pampering yourself (lavendar epsom-salt baths and ice cream are my favorites.) surely you have a few. hope this helps. caroline
> Dona, I hope your knee surgery goes well for you! Please let us know how you are doing!
> Caroline, I had a breast biopsy a few months ago and was just terrified. Afterwards, it didn't really hurt and I was really relieved. Glad to hear you made it through OK!--Cindy W.
> btw, before the biopsy, I insisted on some stuff to make me unable to feel the core biopsy needle, and also insisted on Ativan (took 3 mg and don't remember much). I made a total baby out of myself and it was worth it, because the less anxiety, the less pain!!Cindy W. -- Thanks for everything!!!Obviously, we had different surgeons! Mine flipped at my anxiety level for the biopsy in December, which didn't make anything any easier. Great truth you speak: the less anxiety, the less pain!!!! Whatever you have to do to get there!Caroline
Posted by Nibor on September 1, 2000, at 8:10:40
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY
Posted by Cindy W on September 1, 2000, at 9:18:43
In reply to I'M SENDING GOOD VIBES YOUR WAY TODAY. (NM) » Dona, posted by Nibor on September 1, 2000, at 8:10:40
> THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY
Dona, I'm thinking about you today too!!--Cindy W
Posted by chdurie2 on September 1, 2000, at 18:58:14
In reply to Re: I'M SENDING GOOD VIBES YOUR WAY TODAY TOO, posted by Cindy W on September 1, 2000, at 9:18:43
> > THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY
>
> Dona, I'm thinking about you today too!!--Cindy WDona, hope i'm not too late to get on the sending good vibes your-way list, but i have been thinking about you. so more good vibes go your way.caroline
also, don't know if what happened to me will haapen to you, but just wanted to warn you in case: i was fine day of surgery and afterwards as i wrote. but i took for me a lot of ultram for pain (200 mgs over eight hours) next day i was woozy and dizzy and out of it from the ultram. so tired that i crashed without sleep med at 6:30 p.m., woke up next day at 6 a.m., still in clothes, had major fight with shrink, cried all day and generally behaved very irrationally, still feeling out of it. talked to surgeon about it; she said she thought it was delayed subconscious reaction to stress of surgery. damage done with shrink may be unrepairable on both sides - so when they say on hospital release forms don't make any important decisions for 24 hours after surgery - i'd expand that to at least 48 hours and also include don't even think about anything important for 48 to 72 hours later. this long weekend i'm going to have to figure out whether my reactions were "real" and therefore inevitable, or whether in my post surgery-haze i damaged an important relationship - damage that could and should have been avoided. so just so you know, if this applies to you.caroline.
Posted by Cindy W on September 1, 2000, at 23:04:48
In reply to Re: I'M SENDING GOOD VIBES YOUR WAY TODAY TOO, posted by chdurie2 on September 1, 2000, at 18:58:14
> > > THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY
> >
> > Dona, I'm thinking about you today too!!--Cindy W
>
> Dona, hope i'm not too late to get on the sending good vibes your-way list, but i have been thinking about you. so more good vibes go your way.caroline
>
> also, don't know if what happened to me will haapen to you, but just wanted to warn you in case: i was fine day of surgery and afterwards as i wrote. but i took for me a lot of ultram for pain (200 mgs over eight hours) next day i was woozy and dizzy and out of it from the ultram. so tired that i crashed without sleep med at 6:30 p.m., woke up next day at 6 a.m., still in clothes, had major fight with shrink, cried all day and generally behaved very irrationally, still feeling out of it. talked to surgeon about it; she said she thought it was delayed subconscious reaction to stress of surgery. damage done with shrink may be unrepairable on both sides - so when they say on hospital release forms don't make any important decisions for 24 hours after surgery - i'd expand that to at least 48 hours and also include don't even think about anything important for 48 to 72 hours later. this long weekend i'm going to have to figure out whether my reactions were "real" and therefore inevitable, or whether in my post surgery-haze i damaged an important relationship - damage that could and should have been avoided. so just so you know, if this applies to you.caroline.
Caroline, I would hope that your pdoc would understand that you were really upset from surgery; hope you can talk out with your shrink what went on. Recently, I almost didn't go back to my pdoc because I got upset with some things he said; people here suggested I talk it over, and I'm glad and I went and talked it through with him. --Cindy W
Posted by chdurie2 on September 3, 2000, at 21:48:35
In reply to Re: I'M SENDING GOOD VIBES YOUR WAY TODAY TOO » chdurie2, posted by Cindy W on September 1, 2000, at 23:04:48
> > > > THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY
> > >
> > > Dona, I'm thinking about you today too!!--Cindy W
> >
> > Dona, hope i'm not too late to get on the sending good vibes your-way list, but i have been thinking about you. so more good vibes go your way.caroline
> >
> > also, don't know if what happened to me will haapen to you, but just wanted to warn you in case: i was fine day of surgery and afterwards as i wrote. but i took for me a lot of ultram for pain (200 mgs over eight hours) next day i was woozy and dizzy and out of it from the ultram. so tired that i crashed without sleep med at 6:30 p.m., woke up next day at 6 a.m., still in clothes, had major fight with shrink, cried all day and generally behaved very irrationally, still feeling out of it. talked to surgeon about it; she said she thought it was delayed subconscious reaction to stress of surgery. damage done with shrink may be unrepairable on both sides - so when they say on hospital release forms don't make any important decisions for 24 hours after surgery - i'd expand that to at least 48 hours and also include don't even think about anything important for 48 to 72 hours later. this long weekend i'm going to have to figure out whether my reactions were "real" and therefore inevitable, or whether in my post surgery-haze i damaged an important relationship - damage that could and should have been avoided. so just so you know, if this applies to you.caroline.
> Caroline, I would hope that your pdoc would understand that you were really upset from surgery; hope you can talk out with your shrink what went on. Recently, I almost didn't go back to my pdoc because I got upset with some things he said; people here suggested I talk it over, and I'm glad and I went and talked it through with him. --Cindy W
Cindy-thanks for your good words. actually, as i think this through, my anger with pdoc had less to do with post-surgery than with the issue itself-felt betrayed by something he withheld from me. we talked a little yesterday, and i have session tues, and we'll talk more. i've been with guy three years, and although he's first shrink i've felt any great attachment for, i'm not sure he's been best person for me. we're going to make some changes, both for him and me, and probably i'll give it a trial period, and if things aren't better then, i'll probably see someone else. hopefully it will work out, and i appreciate your encouraging me to talk things through. caroline.
Posted by Nibor on September 12, 2000, at 19:05:50
In reply to HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on August 28, 2000, at 15:50:48
Dona...How are you doing?
Nibor
Posted by Dona on September 14, 2000, at 12:05:40
In reply to Re: HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Nibor on September 12, 2000, at 19:05:50
Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts. I do believe that all the prayers and thoughts filled me with a new energy and I am doing great. It will be two weeks postop tomorrow and I am already walking with a cane!! I had a few down days but no full blown depression. The hospital stay was awful. I am a nurse and I know bad nursing care so I was very happy to get home and care for myself. I think I really will have a much better functioning knee and I am thrilled about that. Again, thanks to all
Posted by Chris A. on September 17, 2000, at 22:32:53
In reply to Re: HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on September 14, 2000, at 12:05:40
Dona,
Glad you are doing so well. My mother needs to see your post so she will go get hers done!Blessings,
Chris A.
Posted by Nibor on September 18, 2000, at 16:05:52
In reply to Re: HELP!! Need support before surgery, posted by Dona on September 14, 2000, at 12:05:40
Great! It's good to hear that all went well.
Nibor
This is the end of the thread.
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