Post surgery/anesthetic panic attacks

[KellyMarieTunstall2]

I had abdominal surgery last Thursday. I was worried before hand especially going down to theatre. I woke in recovery in a state of panic, my heart rate was very high and I was terrified. I stayed in recovery for 3 hours. The feeling of panic has remained. My pain is under control and I'm home now, but these attacks come over me out of nowhere. I've woken suddenly from my sleep, gasping, my heart pumping and sweating. It's really upsetting.
In hospital the nurses said it was a reaction to the anesthetic and morphine. But now I'm home I don't feel settled, I'm on edge. Can anyone relate to this?

Post surgery panic attacks are no fun! I've had two major surgeries in the last 5 yrs and had panic attacks both times. The first time it was about 5 hrs after an 8 hr surgery and luckily the nurse sat with me until I calmed down and was able to finally sleep. The sense of anxiety lasted for about a week and the doctor said it was a normal reaction. The 2nd time was a couple months ago after spine surgery and happened the day after the surgery and had a full on attack and lost use of my arms my husband was about to call an ambulance. Again, surgeon said it can be a common reaction after a major surgery. Being under can really mess with your body's systems and upset your hormones, etc. If it continues longer than a week I'd book in to talk with your doctor.

@Fourapples thanks so much for your reply. It's reassuring that hopefully it will pass. I'll give it some time.

Yes ive had this after every surgery.
Im also really tearful. I remember a nurse telling me it was a side effect and it usually passes within 2 weeks.

Yes I remember I got very panicky after the morphine, try not to worry, it passes eventually

Thanks for your replies