A form of PTSD after operation?

[NT53NJT]

So I had a minor groin operation back in March, I woke up in the recovery room and I was shaking uncontrollably trying to catch my breath and was ushered with oxygen by the nurses and then I looked down I was covered in blood and genuinely thought I was going to die.

After that I have been having panic attacks almost every morning and not wanting to go to sleep at night in case I didn't wake up.

Went to my GP who said I had severe anxiety and signed me off work for a while then I went back today and spoke to her a bit more and she seems to think I have some form of PTSD from the operation. I am now on slow release beta blockers and waiting for an appointment for counselling.

Has anyone else experienced this and got any advice?

It sounds like you have been through a very traumatic experience.

I had a similar experience when I had an emergency c section during which I was awake & suffered a massive post partum haemorrhage. I had to have several blood transfusions and honestly thought I was going to die lying on the table.

I was so jittery and nervous for a long time afterwards. I was literally jumping at my own shadow.
I went to my gp & broke down uncontrollably.
She said I could possibly have PTSD. I went for a debriefing in the hospital & had counselling. I found both very helpful. Altogether Id say it took me over a year before I was fully at peace with what happened.

Its a very normal reaction to a traumatic experience. Would you consider going private for some counselling? Please be kind to yourself and I hope things get easier for you.

Sounds terrible what happened to you. It's a horrible feeling thinking you're going to die isn't it. I went in for the operation at 8am and was told I would be home for dinner it's straight forward, I didn't end up being discharged until 9pm 😢

How did you find the counselling ? It shouldn't be too long now before I get my appointment plus cant really afford to go private at the minute.

Yes private is expensive.
I found the counselling really good, it gave me a chance to talk it all out and discuss the fear that came from being in that situation.
I know its a cliche but time really is a healer, you will come through this & out the other side stronger for it.

When did you have the op?

Could you contact the hospital and have someone discuss it with you?

I hope you get your counselling appointment soon.

The operation was in march of this year.

I dont think I would benefit from talking about the operation as it was the recovery afterwards where I had the problem

Thanks, the beta blockers are working so far. I felt nice and calm and relaxed when I woke up this morning instead of on edge and panicking