Operations and flare ups

[lilandles]

Hi all, hope everyone feeling as comfortable as they can, I was just wondering if an operation can flare up a fibro attack. I had a hernia op a week passed Friday and since then my fibro has become sometimes unbearable. I also feel more depressed even thou I'm on depression tablets. Don't want to get out of bed most days. Is the op the reason for this?

[Fibrofoggiest]

Hi lilandles,

I'm afraid I have to say that I had exactly that reaction having had my shoulder replaced back in 2011. In so called 'normal' people the replacement leaves them pain free almost immediately, I however was having to have oramorph every two hours and meds kept being upped for the five days I was in hospital. After that things did improve and I was able to reduce the medications again.

I think also that some people do suffer from depression post operatively, my neighbour had her hand operated on last Saturday and she was feeling very down by Wednesday. I think though we also have depression linked to fibro anyway in some cases, which can be triggered by such things as anaesthetics.

Sending lots of positive healing vibes your way 😊😊

Foggy x

[lou1063]

I can quite understand an operation sparking a flare, and I also believe people are discharged too soon these days. As it was only just over a week ago you need more time to recover fully, at least three weeks. Do try to move around when possible, just do a little each day, I hope you recover well. xx

[lilandles in reply to lou1063]

I was a day patient, went in 7.30 had my op at 10.30 and home by half 2. Quick as that! I am trying to move around as normal and do little things but get so frustrated. I also suffer from non epileptic seizure, depression, anxiety, fibro etc, and I think all seem worse at the moment. Things can only improve I hope

[TheAuthor]

I am so genuinely sorry to read that and I sincerely hope that you are back to your usual self again soon. I can easily imagine that any kind of operation can spur a flare up and an increase in depression, as it takes a great deal out of you undergoing major surgery in this way.

I would be tempted to discuss how you are feeling with your GP or Medical Specialist just to make them of aware of it, and a good chance to offload a few things. I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck, and a speedy recovery.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Songbird63]

I had a complex hip replacement 3 months ago due to underlying hip condition. My pain levels post op were very high compare to other people. Not sure if this was due to fibromyalgia or complex nature of op with lots of scar tissue from previous surgeries.

Felt very washed out for weeks afterwards, and still low on energy. I felt it definitely caused a flare up as everywhere was very achey not just hip. But they do pull you about a lot so could be that too.

I don't think surgeons take into consideration the other conditions (I also have pernicious anaemia) we may have when we are recovering from surgery. Mine was an excellent surgeon but was very impatient with me getting going again. The pain nurse was quite helpful though.

Emotionally has taken quite a while to recover too, but am getting there now.

So take it easy, be gentle on yourself, listen to your body. Hope you feel better soon but as Ken says perhaps visit your GP particularly if depression persists.

[lilandles]

Thank you for all your replies, I have just been for a walk to our local shops, usually takes 5 mins there and 5 mins back. Took me nearly 3/4 of an hour! At least I made it home, in agony now!