Affects of anathesia on mental health

[Now]

Hi,

I had surgury on my cervical spine 4 weeks ago for chronic pain and this appears to have gone well. I do suffer with anxiety/depression and find that I am struggling with such a "heavy head", even worse compared to when I had a particular difficult day prior to surgery.

I saw my GP this morning and I said it may be the after effects of the surgery and she mentioned it may be post operative depression. At the time I didn't ask more about it. Now I am wondering if anyone has had experience with this. I am finding it particularly difficult, I am extremely fatigued, I am having extreme difficlty getting myself out of bed each morning. I have a rest and when I get up, I still feel fo tired, I seem to be getting round in a daze etc. I am going for a walk each day; but I am dragging myself arond.

Can people who have diagnosed depression be affected more by anathetic's? How long will this hang around, in the back of my head I don't want to feel like this but I can't seem to shift it, I am pushing myself to work with it, but it is really horrid. Thank you.

[blondguy]

Hi Now

Welcome to the forums and thank-you for being with us too!

Yes...people with diagnosed depression can sometimes be affected to a greater extent after a general anesthetic...As you know the longer/complex the operation the more anesthetic is required which then impacts on how we feel afterwards.

I have had ongoing depression for many years (in recovery) and it can vary from patient to patient

You are not alone where having 'this heavy head' after surgery. Sometimes anxiety/depression can make us feel this way.

Its only my humble opinion that frequent visits to GP are the best decision at this time. I still see my GP every 4 weeks for a 'tune up' to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression

Can I ask if you have any lack of mobility after your surgery?

There are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for you 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Now]

Thank you for your reply. It is 4 weeks since my surgery and my mobility is pretty good in regards to my neck. I am a bit stiff and uncomfortable around my arms and shoulders, they feel a bit weak, I think from not really using them. Do you find if your head is really 'heavy and foggy', it affects your sight as well, like not seeing clearly? I am finding this as well and it is annoying as well. I rely on my GP and Psychologist pretty heavily as I don't have any support or understanding of my condition at home. It got worse in 2017 when I had to resign from my job, which I really enjoyed, because of bullying, it affected my health very badly. My husband said I had to get another job, I did get a part time one, but because of my anxiety/depression at the time, I got put off because I couldn't perform the duties, as my head was 'too slow'. I now have another part time one, just 3 days at 5 hrs, but even this at the moment is causing me to struggle. I am also studying externally for my Masters in Social Work, but haven't even looked at the material really because I can't concentrate or ready clearly. I have a MIL who is very heavily involved in my life; my husband is constantly at her's doing things for her, they call and text each other, have lunch together & every weekend she is either down at my house or he us up at her place & she doesn't understand me & is only focused on my husband & my family is deceased. I am struggling with this as well & was working on this prior to surgery, but now to think of all that is like secondary to how I am feeling, it's like it is not important, my struggle with myself at the moment is so difficulty. I have dark circles under my eyes & I look at myself and know that it isn't right. I've always kept myself going, but this time I am slower & struggling. My psychologist works with mindfulness & acceptance & to let the feelings be and accept them for what they are is one of the hardest things, I know I need to not struggle with them, as it uses more emotional energy which I don't have. I hate this feeling but have to live with it, it is so hard.