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Avatar universal

How to shake off post-op depression?

Not sure whether its due to anesthesia effects or just being home alone all the time, but I am really fighting the blues this week.  I thought if I could just make it to the weekend I'd make it - then DH tells me he has to work this weekend, so I'll still be alone.  Friends are working/out of town.  And pinning all my hopes on the weekend means come Monday I'll be a wreck.  I'm normally somewhat introverted and ok being alone but I'm really having a rough time (took me forever to decide to post this).  I recognize this is a normal part of recovery and I'm trying to fight it, but coming up short.  So here are my questions -

For zipperheads - did you get the anesthesia blues and for how long after? I'm 3.5 weeks post-op.
For anyone - How do you fight it?

I try to think of things I'm grateful for or think of what fun things I can do, but, and this will sound pathetic, nothing in the world sounds fun (classic depression) - not time with friends, vacationing, reading, all the things I usually love to do.  And of course, what I can do is pretty limited due to need to rest and recover.  As always, thanks for your awesome support and help!
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Avatar universal
Ahh the mystery of phones. Don't know how that last "I'm sorry to hear" got there, but you all know what I mean :)
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Avatar universal
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and words, and for letting me know it's normal. That makes it easier somehow. And you'll be glad to know that although I'm miserable, I'm letting my DH drag me to a friends place for dinner - good friends who have seen me lots since surgery and know my thresholds.  I hate the idea but know it's worth it. And yes, if it continues on for another week or so I'll definitely get in to see my PCP. As a few of you mentioned, it's bad enough to deal with chiari and recovery. If there's a way to get some help I will.

And I'm sorry to hear so many of you have had to deal with it too. But thanks for the advice. Somehow, we all pull through together, right?

Thanks guys...

I'm sorry to hear
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1925822 tn?1333705617
I am so feeling like u...i do understand u...its horrible.
Helpful - 0
1306714 tn?1327257080
I have been where you are at right now.  I was scared because of the thought's in my head.  I talked to my mother-in-law she is 86 and her advised helped me also this forum, but she said. "No matter what make yourself get up, take a shower, and rest.  It is a hard place to be where you are at right now, but as Selma say's it is part of the process for some of us.  I never related the depression with the annasyisia.  I had that 4 times.  MMM!!! that's interesting.  Just wanted to let you know your in my prayer's.  Also get up and call a friend, watch a movie.  Whatever that will make you happeier today than yesterday.   :)
Helpful - 0
1979553 tn?1330314491
AND with all the other things those of us with Chiari have to deal, we shouldn't have to try to just "deal with" depression too.
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1979553 tn?1330314491
Tell you PCP. I struggled with depression at one point and finally gave in and took meds. I felt so much better that I wondered why I had not done it sooner. I only took them for a few months and was the able to wean off and have done well since. As hard as I tried, I just couldn't pull myself out on my own. Make sure your doctor considers your surgery and all meds you are already on, but it's okay to get help.
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi sweety...this is soooooo typical and normal for us to feel like this....and some feel it at diff stages....

and I have listed them b4 but chiari recovery has several stages we go thru and this is one....so no worries.....

I will advise u to force urself to sit and watch a movie or something that is funny....like Victor Borge .....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWqFaGwNCMU

  We have to try to relax.... and IM put this on whenever I get down.

       hope it helps : )

    "selma"
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
the week of christmas i was waaay down in the dumps. when i'm sad or depressed i can't put on a fake smile so i felt really bad for my family. i liked the presents i was getting but i was so depressed i couldn't show it.
it really just depends on what brings your spirits up. for me, opening the blinds up, cleaning my kitchen, eating fresh foods, or just sitting outside in the sun makes me feel a little better.
Helpful - 0
1979479 tn?1330375018
hello, I'm sorry to hear that you are deraling with this.  I know for me dealing with depression has been a long battle for many years. Although I dont know if its due to CM or not but i do know that seeing a DR or a theapist doesnt hurt.
Hang in here.
-dani
Helpful - 0
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