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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

general anaesthetic last tue and am so depressed and anxious

32 replies

socksandsandles · 06/07/2014 13:16

I know this isn't really aibu but I guess I just need some advice and support. I think I started feeling v down on day 3. Nightmares, waking during the night anxiety, very depressed, tearful etc.
Anyone else felt like this?
Thanks for reading

OP posts:
Tangerinefairy · 06/07/2014 13:20

You poor thing, how horrible! I certainly felt shattered for several days after mine. Seek advice, definitely and hope you feel better soon.

forago · 06/07/2014 13:22

Hi there I had a GA last year for an operation and I was astounded how much it knocked me out for a good couple of weeks. previously I had only had one for a wisdom tooth removal and I think it must have bee much lower dose.

I don't think it made me depressed but I was exhausted and lethargic for at least 2 weeks after wards. So maybe its normal for it to effect you like this? I'd try and take it easy for a week or so, rest and relax. maybe see your GP if it doesn't improve.

Tangerinefairy · 06/07/2014 13:39

Same here I had wisdom teeth removed. It was a bit grim to be honest!

Original poster
socksandsandles · 06/07/2014 13:54

Thank you both. Have had PND with each birth and this feels the same. Kicked in on day 3 each time too. Must be an imbalance in the brain..

Need to feel better now!

OP posts:
WooItsAGhostCat · 06/07/2014 14:10

Hi socks,
What you are describing sounds very normal. Especially the 3 day thing. It's the drugs not you!
You will feel better soon. Make sure you get loads of sleep and drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine.
If you still feel anxious after about two weeks it might be useful talking to your GP as the cause is more likely to be psychological than physical. Don't feel embarrassed talking to your GP about this. The psychological effects of surgery are very real and often go ignored.
Hope you feel better soon xx

CaptainSparklePants · 06/07/2014 14:38

I had the same. GA on the monday, felt awful on the Thursday. My dp was out at work so i just sat and cried on and off for most of the day. It did pass, even to the point where Friday morning was so much better than Thursday.

I'm sure you'll feel better soon :)

dawndonnaagain · 06/07/2014 14:56

Agree with Woo, it's really quite normal to feel like this ten days to a fortnight after a general anaesthetic. Hope it eases for you soon.

Lonecatwithkitten · 06/07/2014 15:39

Some of it will come down to the drugs used. When ever I have had opioids I am as sick as a dog and miserable for about 2 weeks afterwards. I now insist on propofol CRI and no opioids and I am fine after 24 hours.

LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 06/07/2014 16:00

Sorry to crash the thread OP

I'm having a GA in a fortnight and can I just as Lonecatwithkitten how do you know what to ask for? Morphine makes me feel I will stop breathing if I don't concentrate. Would asking for no opoids help and are the alternatives just as effective?

OP I really hope you feel better soon. Is there someone with you who can offer reassurance/TLC?

ChestyNut · 06/07/2014 16:11

I had GA two weeks ago and been really anxious and tearful this weekend, not sure if its PMT or after effects or both Hmm

Day 3 is notoriously a crappy day. Just take it easy, watch crappy TV and don't think about anything Grin

Itsfab · 06/07/2014 16:16

I had to have a GA last year and it was a good week before I felt back to normal. I couldn't leave my bedroom and when I eventually did I wouldn't go back in. Driving the car was as if I never had before and I managed about 3 minutes in the shop before I had to leave. I never expected to be affected like this and it was really unsettling and scary.

My advice would be to take it easy for a few days and only do what you feel able too.

Lonecatwithkitten · 06/07/2014 16:54

You talk to your anaesthetist about how you feel post surgery and how you want to feel. They then create plan. If you have to accept not quite so good pain control if you opt for no opioids, but for me it's worth it every time.

MrsPatrickDempsey · 06/07/2014 16:55

Yep - normal. I had a GA in April - it was on a Thursday. Felt really good. My sister visited and said to DH to be prepared for me to feel low and down at some point. On the Sunday I cried all day. No reason - just couldn't stop. I think you get a surge of adrenaline - I was so relieved when the op was over - and you crash a bit. Hope you feel better soon.

Shonajay · 06/07/2014 16:58

I've had over nine in the past two years, and EVERY time this happens. Don't over think it, honestly the amount of drugs they give you and the strength is a LOT. It cane take a week to ten days to clear the system, in fact I had a radical hysterectomy and was in ITU for two days, that took about two weeks just to,get rid of the drug effect never mind healing x

ICanSeeTheSun · 06/07/2014 17:06

I am so glad you posted this, I have an op next week so at least I will know.

Get well soon Thanks

Branleuse · 06/07/2014 17:08

ive had GA a few times, and generally day 3 or 4 afterwards, you have a big emotional crash, like a comedown. Take it easy, it will pass.

FabULouse · 06/07/2014 17:27

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MyUsernameIsPants · 06/07/2014 17:29

I had surgery last Tuesday OP. I was under GA longer than expected due to extra procedures needed. I'm still feeling exhausted and emotional.

I'm getting that anxious feeling too. I think its the painkillers I'm on (tramodol)

I had major surgery a few years ago and I remember feeling like this for a while afterwards.

StormCloudsGathering · 06/07/2014 17:32

I really struggle with GA, feel tired and down for weeks after them - think it's just that my body is a bad match for the drugs (also seem to struggle with travel pills and antihistamines more than other people!). Try not to worry too much, if you're still feeling awful in a couple of days maybe see if you can speak to your GP. Best advice is to be kind to yourself, curl up in bed with a good book/dvd/cup of tea and catch up on your sleep. Hope you feel better soon Thanks

VSeth · 06/07/2014 17:44

I had a massive come down from GA. Have had it twice, last time was worse, I was very tearful and as I was quite immobile I spent hours sobbing on sofa and only pulled myself together when it neared the time DH was going to be home.

Be gentle on yourself, comfort eat, cuddle cats/cuddly toys/children.

gobbin · 06/07/2014 18:15

I had surgery last Thursday and can honestly say that this has been the only time I haven't felt crap on day 3.I don't know what they did differently this time but the expected crash never came. It seems to be perfectly normal though so look positive, it WILL pass v soon.

My biggest low was on day 7 but that was because I still hadn't pooed and I was sore and fed up feeling like I had a tennis ball up my arse!

gobbin · 06/07/2014 18:16

(Surgery a week last Thurs)

DevonCiderPunk · 06/07/2014 18:19

Yes I've had a few GAs and by now I take into account that I'll have waves of feeling wobbly and other-worldly for at least a fortnight afterwards. You'll get back to normal!

cardamomginger · 06/07/2014 18:20

Sounds about right in terms of timing for felling tearful and depressed. It can take a good couple of weeks for you to get over the effects, so take it easy and don't be surprised if you are still randomly knackered and/or pissed off for no apparent reason.

Drink loads of water, rest as much as you can, be kind to yourself and try not to do too much.

Feel better XX

SleepyBum · 06/07/2014 18:24

I also get like this. In fact, just a few weeks ago I started a thread about my dh being a twat after I had been sedated for a procedure, and I was SO emotional and agitated. It affects me with both GA and sedation, although the last time was the worst by far.

Go easy on yourself, try to rest and do as little as possible. Distract yourself with reading or watching dvds. It will pass!

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