Facing surgery with anxiety/panic disorder

It’s understandable I’d be the same way,I think. I’d likely discuss it with a therapist to get tools on how to cope pre surgery.

@nhbfan,

Please read Jennifer (@jenniferhunter) post from few years ago, I think you will find helpful.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-can-i-defeat-my-anxiety-about-medical-tests-and-surgery/

@nhbfan I understand as I have felt the same as you before surgery. For a surgery I had many years ago I told the surgeon how I felt. The communicated with the anesthesiologist to administer an anti-anxiety med through my IV once I was in the pre-surgical area. Of course I still have to get through the period of time before that med was administered.

I know how hard it can be to tell a surgeon or anesthesiologist how you are feeling. They often say that everyone feels anxious before surgery. The following has worked for me when I'm so very anxious that I feel I won't get through with what is scheduled. Have you talked with the surgeon about this? If yes then I would tell them that I've been diagnosed with panic disorder. I know I need this surgery (assuming that is the case) and that I really want to show up the day of the surgery but I get so anxious that I avoid what scares me the most. Sometimes just saying this out loud helps me to get the "secret" out there and I'm no longer hiding. I know how frightening it is to think that you will be judged for anxiety as if it's some kind of weakness that we have control over. But you and I both know that while we can manage anxiety through coping skills we cannot decide, defeat, or control how and when anxiety appears. But what if your surgeon or anesthesiologist are both empathic and helpful when you tell them about the anxiety? You won't know know unless you tell them and ask about anti-anxiety medicine that you can take prior to surgery. I tell myself that if I don't ask then the answer is already "no". You can ask the surgeon how to contact the anesthesiologist once the surgery is scheduled so you can have the same conversation either by patient portal or in person.

What coping skills do you use when you feel anxious?

@nhbfan I had imagined awful pain after cervical spine surgery, and it wasn’t really bad at all. Fearing pain actually makes it more painful. I found that I could manage just fine and chose not to take pain meds because it nauseated me. The spine generated pain was completely gone when I woke up. About 3 days after surgery, pain increases because inflammation kicks in for healing which is a good thing. A psychologist can help counsel you.

Also clinical hypnosis really works. The first time I had surgery, I did that and I was calm even though I had few butterflies in my stomach. That only takes a few sessions and it’s all about defining a safe space for yourself to get through it. You imagine yourself there and looking at pictures (if it’s an actual place helps).

Spine surgery was easy compared to what I went through after breaking an ankle, and because I did the work to conquer my fear, I was not afraid of the ankle surgeries when I got hurt.

When you have a long time to wait, your mind can just run away with anxiety. Work out your own plan of a coping strategy. Mine was deep breathing and visualizing things I loved paired with beautiful music. I was checking my blood pressure and learned to lower it doing this.

Dear(s) @nhbfan

> SURGERY? <
Who's had or has a physical surgery like "...could take anti-anxiety meds before such a surgery..."?

> FOR ME... <
For me, last 2024 April/March, I had a spine #surgery# from the bottom of my back to the top of my rear-end. There was a nerve that caused a "disorder disease" injuries of spine & nervous system of my #surgery# over my "Lumber Laminetomy & Microdiscetom" & fusion.

> SURGERY DID... <
Doctor Javier Amedeo at Riverside Neurosurgery & Spine - 1 mile from my house. I spent 5-days, after my surgery, at that hospital. (I've been there for different problems of a TBI person). The pain, from my rear-ends to the bottom of my feet, got rid of any pain... I could walk again; standing up is back; no pain-meds ended.

> AFTER MY SURGERY <
Now, I've lost the strength of my right-leg, so I exercise diff ways from my head down to my feet.

> WORRIED BEFORE? <
I was not to worried of getting a #surgery# 'cause I had/have other problems on my mind. I had to fix my outside body so I needed the time inside my body (TBI member).

Thx,
Greg D. @greg1956

PS: I had to look up NHB - North Huntington Beach Futbol Club; still I have no idea but your club & member friends is a game, football or soccer?

PSS: Thanks Ms. @jenniferhunter & loved the Youtube "Art Therapy: My Spine, My Story, My Paintbrush. Jennifer Hunter"

I have had over 10 surgeries and have anxiety and panic disorder. I have learned to start preparing mentally as soon as I know I need surgery. I have had surgeries at several different hospitals different staff etc. I get contact information and will call the hospital or surgeons team let them know ahead of time that I have “unscheduled” panic attacks. I voice my concerns ask questions such as anxiety meds prior to surgery, use of essential oils etc. I start practicing self talk and deep breathing. I know I’m able that I will be okay these tools will help me

I have depression/anxiety disorder and have had spinal and other surgeries over the years. It’s so important to be clear and communicate with your surgeon and the anesthesiologist that you’re very anxious- maybe more so than others. They’ll take that into consideration as they’re doing the procedure. Keep the end result in mind and think about how much your life will be enhanced once you’re healed and finally pain free. My lower back fusion was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wish the same for you too!

@gregd1956 Thanks, Greg. The video was a podcast where I was interviewed and we talked about overcoming fear and creativity. I'm glad you liked it.

Jennifer

So is it possible to take benzos the morning of surgery?