Spontaneous pneumothorax, dilaudid, and anxiety

[Mathj1122]

Hey everyone, about 4 weeks ago I had 2 spontaneous pneumos. The second time they decided to have surgery, so I had a pleurectomy with a left vats wedge resection. All in all I was in the hospital about a week, and they were giving me quite a bit of dilaudid, both oral and Iv a few times. I was released with dilaudid for the pain and was taking 4 Mg every 4 hours quite comfortably. About a week and change post op the sutures were bothering me one night, and I took an extra dose at 3 am. Immediately after, I started feeling my heart pounding, shortness of breath and very scared. I managed to fall asleep that night but woke up with the same symptoms. Feeling very nervous, I went to the er where they did a chest X-ray catscan and EKG, all of which ruled out anything according To the doctors. Since then I stopped taking the dilaudid cold turkey and have been experiencing pounding heart, nervousness, shallow breathing and at night it is very hard to sleep because I wake up in cold sweats with a pounding heart and isaues breathing. I'm in the er right now because it's the 4th day and I'm sick of this. Could anyone help with this? I've had anxiety in the past and a long medical history but never experienced anything like this. Could it be withdrawals? Help please:(

[MichelleP_3811]

I would go back to your surgeon and report your issues specifically asking if this is normal in regards to the meds.  Meds do have a big affect on our body and if you have anxiety it could be adding to it but hopefully with a bit of time for your body to clear out the toxins you will feel better.  But do contact your doctor with your symptoms.

[itdood]

You might want to try to post your question to other forums, as it doesn't sound like a heart rhythm issue.  What you describe seems to be generalized anxiety disorder.  Sorry I couldn't be much help.