anxiety and panic attacks after surgery

[neanto]

Hi I’m new to this forum.
First I would like to tell you about myself. I’m 32 years old. When I was 4 years old I had my first accident and had 2 operations that time. Then at my 17 I had me second accident and I had 5 operations, 2 majors (around 2-3 hours operation) and 3 minors (around 30 mins operations). All operations were under full anaesthesia.  3 months ago, I had an operation for fixing my tendons. The operation was planned for 1 hour and 30 minutes, but due to complications, was extended to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Around two weeks after the operation, I had my first panic attack. I went to the hospital and they told me that it was just a stress from the operation. Then after 1 month I had 3 major panic attacks at the same day, and again visit the hospital for consultation. They told me to see a neurologist. The neurologist told me that it’s probably chemical imbalances of the brain due to the last operation. He prescribed Akamon 1.5 for 3 weeks. At the first week I was fine, on the second week I was feeling again, anxiety and went to see him. That time he prescribed Anafranil 25mg and see a CBT. But I saw that anafranil is an anti-depressant pill so I didn’t take it. I continue to taking Akamon 1.5 until I finished the 3 weeks period he prescribed. During that time, I started taking Solgar 5-HTP 100mg, 3 times a day, and the anxiety subsided to a tolerable level.  Now, I’m also taking Antibiotics Neurozan Plus twice a day.  I never had panic attacks before the last operation.  I was an anxious person but to a point; not having panic attacks or anxiety to such level.
I never went to see the CBT and I’m trying on my own.
My main question is: Will anxiety and panic attacks go away if it is chemical imbalances of my brain? How long does it take if it’s actually chemical imbalances?

thanks

[neanto]

thank you for your reply!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. If you are an anxious personality, then repeated surgeries, traumas and pre and post surgery stress can eventually lead to anxiety and panic attacks. You will do well on CBT, especially if you want to avoid anti-depressants. Hence please consult a therapist. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.