How to deal with pre-surgery anxiety/panic attacks?

[booniedog 7]

Hi all,

I'm one week away from flying to Mexico for surgery. I'm normally a pretty laid back person but today I started noticing myself getting short of breath, feeling my neck and shoulders clenching, and having a constant headache. 800 mgs of advil every four hours has done nothing for my headache! I'm sure it's due to my surgery date coming up.

I'm not so nervous about the surgery as I am returning home after my surgery - I live 7000 miles away from mainland USA on an island with horrible healthcare. I'm worried about having complications and being alone once I get back here. My mom is meeting me in San Diego and will accompany me to Mexicali and I'm staying close to the hospital for 7 days after surgery before flying home. But I'm so scared of getting back here and having issues and not having decent doctors nearby to help me if I need it.

I'm not telling anyone where I live that I'm having the surgery.

Does anyone have any advice on how to talk oneself out of anxiety/panic attacks? I've tried deep breathing but it's not helping.

Any help/words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[jerrylauren50 0]

May be this can help a bit..

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/239509-anxiety-attacks-before-surgery/

i really heard this happens a lot after surgery..

[Aunt GG 43]

I was scared too - Not quite to the extent of panic attacks, but the night before my surgery I was a mess! Just try to relax about it all, and think about the good you are doing for yourself. My surgery was 2/24, and I am doing really well. No side effects at all, back to my normal life, just a little bit of soreness in my tummy. Oh, and STOP taking Advil right away! You shouldn't be taking that before surgery. Switch to Tylenol. No Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Aspirin or any other pain relievers. They thin your blood. So try Tylenol. At least that's what they told me. Just think, in a short time you are going to be on your way to a whole new you! Hang in there - it is worth it! And you can always postpone it if you truly feel you are not ready. It's not too late until you are asleep in the O.R.! You can do this!

[mandible 1]

I had severe panics the 36 hours before my surgery. Mine was march 7. Just 3 days ago... I feel great. Moving fine. My legs and back muscles were sore till today but that's all. You can do this. It will all be great! This is the first surgery of any kind I have ever had. Ever. So I understand your fear. Just be honest with your family and medical staff. They will take care if you. Do not try to be strong for anyone. Be honest and let those around you help comfort you! Peace and strength to you and prayers for a quick easy recovery.