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How do I get thru spine surgery recovery? I need people to talk to
Just Want to Talk | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (31)Comment receiving replies
Am I experiencing PTSD as a result of my 2 surgeries?I just had 2 back surgeries. I guess I wasn't really anticipating the impact of how these surgeries and my recovery would impact my mental and emotional health when I got home from the hospital. But I'm finding this to be very difficult and stressful. My body is in pain and it's going to take me months to recover from the surgeries and I'm trying to hold on and prevent a melt-down, but it's hard, and I have many tearful days and nights. I am a 69 year old male who just had a Laminectomy on 4/19 and a Spinal fusion on 5/22. I could just use some friendly support to help get me thru this. Many thanks.
Replies to "Am I experiencing PTSD as a result of my 2 surgeries?I just had 2 back surgeries...."
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@denman55
I was responding to another Connect member few days ago and first time saw term Medical PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). But when though about it, surgery or other medical procures or encounters are very stressful. Medical PTSD can be from things going wrong medical or just the anxiety / stress related to medical situation.
Surgeons usually concentrate on the physical part and not prepare the patient for the psychological impact. I know when I have had surgery, I think I am on road to recovery and get frustrated when either thing do not go as planned or slower then I want.
Reminds me of a AA saying: One day at a time, or sometimes, one hour at a time.
Concentrate on improvement and success your having and realize there will be setbacks. Do you journal? Maybe write down one thing you did today that you were not able to do yesterday. Do not need a notebook - write in on post-it note and stick on mirror.
Do you have a support system or help at home?