Depression/ sadness

[AZHR]

I had my surgery on 10/31, came home on 11/5.  I had a bout with back & leg pain & am on a decreasing dose of Dexamethasone.  Did exceptionally well until I dropped the initial high doses.  But my big concern is a feeling of sadness & wanting to cry a lot.  Has anyone else experienced this?  My surgery was 4 hours - thinking about the duration and amount of anesthesia & any relationship there.
Thanks, Marilyn in AZ

[desertstorm2009]

Marilyn....
Hi. I'm in AZ as well and would love to talk with you! To answer your question, yes anesthesia can cause that type of reaction. However, so can everything you've been through including changes with your cerebellum. The good news is you will re-adjust and you have done so well :-) Lisa

[AZHR]

Hi Lisa.  So nice someone is so open & close.  I have had quite a few surgeries in my life & I think I remember some of these feelings.

Have you had surgery?  If so, how long ago?  I am 65, but was working full + time as an HR & Office  Manager until this all happened.  My husband is a quadriplegic & I had no intention of retiring now.

Lets chat when we can.

Thanks so much for responding so promptly!

[selmaS]

  Hi as Lisa mentioned Yes, and from what I have noticed talking with members for  a little over 5 yrs, we all go thru like  a grieving process when we get the DX and post op....denial, anger, depression, then acceptance.....The range of emotions and the always crying is something we all have experienced  both pre and post op.....

I feel it is more the nerves and everything going back to how it should be, and just like the numbness we can get as a nerve is over stimulated and trying to adjust , our emotions react pretty much the same except we cry instead of  out arm or leg going numb....it is a process of healing and it takes time....

I use to say those Hallmark commercials were the hardest thing to deal with ....lol... I had to avoid funerals...as I looked like the widow ...when I was not....

We have something in common, I too was a HR manager until I had to have my surgery......I also had no intentions of retiring then either....

[desertstorm2009]

Marilyn...
Thanks for your kind words. I have not had my surgery yet. My daughter had it with Dr Oro. I am still debating in or out of state. Where did you have yours? Who was your NS? I would love to know more about your experience if you feel like sharing.... Lisa

[AZHR]

Lisa, I had Dr Marc Garrett, a Barrows NS.  I think he is wonderful, best of all he has no ego to deal with, is very candid & open, does 50-100 CM Ds a year.  He is available through St Joes & Chandler Regional.  I had mine at Chandler & got excellent care.
The surgery is tough, no kidding about it.  But I was never pushed to hurry up & get better & go home & was there from 31st to 5th.  I could have gone home or to a Rehab.  You will definitely need help  couple or more weeks at home.
As I was getting worse daily, there was no question for me about the surgery.  My primary symptoms were double vision, confusion, memory loss, forgetfulness of common everyday words, hearing loss, loss of balance & coordination.  I am now wondering if some other strange things were related.

I seldom take any narcotics, Valium helps me sleep well, fioricet  helps the headaches which are daily but bearable 95% of the time.

Ask anything you like as I wish I had spoken out in this forum sooner.
God Bless, Lisa

[girlinxile]

From everything I have read and personal experience.. depression is quite frequently developed after this surgery.