Has anyone with panic attacks/disorder ever had to under go surgery & if so how did you control fear?

[kama24]

I am trying to stay calm (for now) but they found a growth on my adrenal gland. It is very possible it is causing the severe nausea I'm suffering as well as the daily panic and "fear". What I'd like to know, is if anyone with Panic disorder has ever had to go through a surgery and if so did they do anything "extra" to help you control it during the process and stay? I am terrified of being put "under", TERRIFIED. I also fear being in the hospital and the what ifs. I had a surgery 15 yrs ago but my panic was not daily like it is now. I did however wake one morning at 3am with a panic attack. It was NOT pleasant. Forty+ yrs ago I had a sinus surgery done and experienced a FULL BLOWN panic attack in the OR prior to being put under. The nurses thought I was "cold" because I was shaking so bad. I did say I was afraid, but back then knowledge of panic disorder was not as well known. If anyone can relate any experiences, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[Agora1]

kama24, I don't know if your nausea and daily panic and fear are caused from the growth on your adrenal gland. (Possibly...your doctor would have that answer)

I went through surgery a month ago and none of you even knew it because I was on the forum in the morning, had surgery under general anesthetic in the afternoon and was back on the forum in the evening. I was scared but not of the surgery, not of the anesthetic but of being trapped in a confined place. My control would be out of my hands.

Since you had surgery 15 years ago, things have changed. OR staff more aware of anxiety. The anesthesiologist is the person to talk to before surgery. He may give you something in your IV before time to settle your nerves. I didn't have anything and still did fine. I used my deep breathing and listened to my meditation tape that I had brought with.

The last thing I remember is the OR nurse touching my shoulder and telling me that they were going to take good care of me. Think positive before and after the surgery. You will be okay and you will heal faster. I wish you well. Let us know when you are due to go in and we will support you. You are stronger than you think. x

[kama24 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for replying. Both my naturopath and GP say a growth on the adrenal gland can cause nausea as a symptom, also heightened panic/anxiety. There are a lot of other symptoms though that are NOT me so I tend to wonder. However, cortisol weans towards the end of the day and reproduces over night so it is most powerful in the morning. I would have to be put under for this type of surgery. As my husband says, we need to wait until the CAT scan is done July 7th and another ultra sound, then we know better. With my hang up though, I'm what iffing and worrying already. It would be amazing if I could get through it and the daily nausea was GONE!!! I'd definitely be telling the surgeon about my panic before anything was done. So glad you got through your procedure fine!

[Agora1 in reply to kama24]

Thank you kama24, it did go well.

It does make a lot of sense that a growth on the adrenal gland could heighten your panic/anxiety. The morning anxiety can be so over whelming to begin with.

I wish you well with the CAT scan on July 7th and ultra sound. I can totally understand your worry and concerns. However, wouldn't it be something else if your symptoms disappeared completely and the daily nausea was gone.

When the what ifs come around, make it a positive thought. What if after this surgery, I am completely well again and feeling fine. Positive affirmations can go a long way in helping anxious thoughts. Keep us posted pleased with updates. x

[kama24]

Thank you again. I had never before had a full blown panic attack in "public" until last Nov. when in with the cardiologist. It was so humiliating, and try as I did I couldn't stop shaking and crying. I will wait and see what shows with the next 2 tests. Just the nausea being gone would help with the anxious feeling, especially after almost 2 yrs of different medications and attempted "help aids"

[jessiejakes]

Hi kama24 relax .....when you go for your pre-opp check tell them of your fears and about your anxiety they will probably give you a pre- med to relax you before your surgery but I a sure you 99% of people even without anxiety feel anxious about going in hospital and having any procedure done.so your not alone.doctors and nurses are very aware about anxious patients .you will be well looked after.

[kama24 in reply to jessiejakes]

It has been so long since I had surgery (they didn't have pre ops then) that I forgot about that. We had to go when my husband had surgery 6 yrs ago. YES I will surely mention it. I always feel I am such a coward compared to most and it is humiliating. thank you for your kind words.