Struggling mentally post op. Feeling isolated

Hi Kandidubrall,
I'm so sorry to hear about your isolation of 5 months! That is very hard to cope with. Are you physically unable to go anywhere; except probably to the doctors? I don't blame you for feeling mentally upset and lonely. Anyone would. Do you have anyone who you could call and have come over to visit?

Another thing you might try is reading a good book to take your mind off of your current situation. There are a lot of good books on Nook Book and some of them are even free. Many are quite inexpensive. The thing about reading a good book is that you don't have interruptions such as commercials. You can read for hours. It's very relaxing. What kind of books do you like? I love reading real journals that the pioneers wrote when they were coming west on the Oregon Trail. It's amazing how they actually made it just in covered wagons and going over the rocky mountains.

Another thing you might try until you are better is watching soap operas. Young and the Restless is a good one. I used to watch it all the time. The characters become like your family and friends since you see them everyday. I still miss Victor!

I hope things work out for you. Prayer still works very well. I will say a prayer for you.
PML

Thank you, can’t seam to cons ion to read a book, I do walk, and watch TV , and do some things with my granddaughter, so nervous about my issues with my bile duct,

Crying is good for the soul. But you need to do more than that. You need professional help or advice. Make an appointment to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. It would help get you out of your cocoon. It’s not easy but you can’t just cry and do nothing else. You have to help yourself. If I seem harsh that is not my intention but get some mental help or it will just get worse

@kandidubrall You wrote that you are 5 months post-op. I'd like to help you figure out a good way to address how you are feeling.

May I ask what the surgery was for? Are there physical or medical reasons why you cannot get out of your house and this is why you are feeling very depressed?

@kandidubrall

Best advice I can give is stay as engaged as possible with friend/family visits and some type of activity in your community.

I would work with a professional for the situational anxiety/depression that post op health worry can bring. It is good to be able to process this through with someone who is trained.
It also allows you to not be in your own head with worry.

Do small things everyday that make you feel good about yourself. Even something small is a big step.

The professional talk/processing will be key.

I would recommend counseling therapy before medication. Someone to talk to about anything and trust that it won’t go any further. I’m not saying that medication is not necessary at times but just being able to get out of the terrible coma like fog psychiatrists put me in for so many years I try non-medication solutions first. I believe everyone should try therapy because they will listen objectively whereas family and friends are more likely to sympathize. Sympathy is not constructive. Therapy will help you come up with ways to handle depression and anxiety. It might simply be someone to talk to

I experienced the same thing for many months post op. I think it is common. We cannot do what we are accustomed to and it’s a huge adjustment. Socialization is so important to our wellbeing.

@kandidubrall Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Was the surgery you had the liver transplant you had as you noted in another comment you made? If so, it could be due to the types of medications you are now on, just a thought! Contact the social worker/patient advocate from your transplant team with your concerns.

Another thing to try might be journaling out your thoughts and how you are affected. I find keeping a pen and paper handy to write notes to myself, to get thoughts out of my mind helps many days. There doesn't have to be a structured method, just write to yourself if that is comfortable for you. Here is a discussion thread I started a while ago, that you may find some pointers.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/

How are you doing today?
Ginger

I had liver transplant, I walk in the morning and evening, unable to go out no one is wearing masks I have very low immunity, can’t get sick, need to have another procedure 10/2 doctor will not do it if I get sick I do video appointment with my counselor

I have not tried to write things down good idea , I will get notes book