Post Operation Panic Attack

[Living_in_a_world_of_anxi]

Hi there, I have been managing my Anxiety and Depression fine lately with the support of my family, boyfriend, doctors and psychologist, however, I went into surgery three days ago under anesthetic (which I have been under before and have come out fine), but this time when becoming conscious again, I am not sure whether it was because I was in 10/10 pain or what, but I had the biggest Asthma attack I have ever had, which then turned into a severe Anxiety attack.

The nurses gave me some kind of liquid in my breathing mask to try and calm my Asthma down, but because my Anxiety was getting really bad, it didn't really help. The nurses were trying to get my attention and telling me to look at them and try to calm my breathing down, which was hard for me because generally when I'm at home and have an Anxiety attack, breathing exercise do not generally work for me and I just have to let it play out.

I have never felt so scared in my life and all I could do was cry because I had no control over my breathing. After the nurses had given me pain relief and two injections , I heard them talking to a Dr and telling him that it took them 45 minutes to calm me down. Generally when something like what happened to me in hospital happens outside (in the real world), I try and keep it to myself and try and deal with it by myself.

When I say i keep it to myself, I mean that if I am having an Anxiety attack or Asthma attack, I try and breath really deeply on the inside and not on the outside so that no one knows it is happening. I don't even bother to tell my mum that it is happening...

I think i am embarrassed and don't want to bring attention to myself and make a big deal about it... it is silly I know. And I guess the only reason why I let it happen in hospital was because I was still half out of it and didn't have control over keeping it all on the inside. But it really did scare me and makes me realise that I need to try and figure out a way to calm myself down when this does happen in my daily life, rather than keeping it to myself.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

B. 

[Paul]

Hey there B,

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It sounds terrifying.

One of the common things that come with Anxiety is feeling shame and guilt, like it's your fault you can't control an attack and that it burdens others. Those automatic feelings really suck because it's not the case. It's not your fault and it's not like you can just put a stop to an attack when it's happening.

I can understand different reactions coming out of general anaesthesia. I woke up once crying. Anaesthetic can have horrible effects on us.

It's not silly that you feel embarrassed about anxiety and panic attacks, it's a natural reaction to something that is frightening, can make us feel ugly and all we want to do is hide until the panic and fear subsides, people looking and getting upset themselves and asking if you are OK every 2 seconds I think adds to the embarrassment.

I wonder if you have a good friend who you hang out with a lot or a trusted family member - you mentioned your mum and your boyfriend. Maybe you have a sibling, someone who you can explain what happens and what you would like them to do if you have an attack. Do you just need a hug, do you need focus taken off you, do you need someone just to sit with you and tell you things will be OK - what do YOU need to help you through? Someone who loves you will surely be there and help you in any way you need!

Another yuck thing about anxiety is that the anxiety of an anxiety attack can heighten the anxiety and provoke an attack. (That's a mouthful!) If you are worried about another attack it can bring it on. Perhaps letting your loved ones or trusted person know if you feel like that they can talk you through things and be there if you need them.

I understand that some attacks can feel like struggling for breath. Like an asthma attack. The asthma and the anxiety may have both joined together and been triggered by the pain.

If you are still concerned you could speak with the surgeon or the anaesthetist and explain what happened and see if they can provide some answers for you.

In the meantime, rest up! I hope you feel better soon and recover quickly.

Let us know if you have any thoughts - we love to listen here!

Paul