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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
awareness during surgery
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
awareness during surgery
by Gina, Nov 27, 1999 12:00AM
I have had two very traumatic experiences of awakening during surgery. The first time (about 7 years ago) during an eight hour surgery i awakened to find myself in a paralized state where i could not move any part of my body. The doctors did not know i was awake and i could not speak to let them know. I could hear everything the doctors were saying and could feel every cut from the operation. The pain was unbearable and i was screaming inside my head for them to stop but they continued and i prayed to God to just let me die. I felt as though i were buried alive. I have developed many phobias as a result and did not go to a doctor for seven years until last year i was admitted for an emergency operation. I told them of my experience and had several panic attacks before surgery. It happened again, however this time the surgery wasn't as long but just as traumatic. I do not want to block this out of my memory, as i did the first time but i can not get to sleep at night and certain situations trigger anxiety or panic attacks and i am afraid to see another doctor or even take my children when they are sick. I have been taking St. Johns Wart which helped until recently i have been very depressed. I was wondering if anyone has ever had this experience or know of someone (awakening during surgery)it may help to talk with someone who has been through the same kind of thing. I was also wondering what type of medication i could take for depression. I am desperate!!
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Nov 28, 1999 12:00AM
Gina,
It must be difficult trying to cope with the experiences that you describe. You report disturbance of sleep, panic attacks, and depression, which are all treatable with medications and psychotherapy. I urge you to seek consultation with a mental health professional, for thorough evaluation and treatment.
It must be difficult trying to cope with the experiences that you describe. You report disturbance of sleep, panic attacks, and depression, which are all treatable with medications and psychotherapy. I urge you to seek consultation with a mental health professional, for thorough evaluation and treatment.
Many thanks