Post-op emotional turbulence

katiekabooom

I'm two weeks post-op and the emotional rollercoaster has started.  my emotions are pinballing all over the place, related to absolutely nothing at all.  i was warned this would be an effect, esp since i needed a second surgery to close a bleed after the double mastectomy.

how long do you think this stage will last? anything i can do to mitigate the results?  i'm completely out of control.  Do i just have to wait this out?

SelenaWolf

Go and see your doctor, and ask if you can have medication to handle the depression/anxiety.  Don't try to wait it out if it's interfering with your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

mrenee68

I agree if you are having a hard time functioning, and your emotions are taking over, you might need to talk with your Dr. about getting some medication to get you through. This is a bumpy ride that doesn't end very fast so hold on tight and ask for help. Take care!

katiekabooom

thanks guys, i am already on citalopram.  i can tell this is a temporary thing but it's definitely more extreme than i've ever experienced before

ruthbru

Along with talking to your doctor about anxiety medications some other things that might help are: ask for a sleeping pill if you can't sleep (because it is way harder to deal with things if you have no rest, meditation/hypnosis CDs might be helpful, if you can get any exercise at all (such as walk), that can really help, do you have any local friends/aquantiances who have been through something similar? Is there a local BC support group? It can really help to talk to others who have 'been there, done that' (of course, BCO is great too!). Cancer Centers usually have social workers whom you can talk to and who can help steer you toward the help that you need.

I found that once the surgery part was over, we had decided on my treatments, and I was actually INTO them (chemo & rads), then my emotions settled down. I knew I just had to DO them and get it over with. Best of luck!

crystalphm

I am sorry you are experiencing this, I too was on citalapram and had to add xanax to it for a few months, to get past that extremely rough place or all I did was cry. On both meds, I would wake up and sob my heart out, but then I could move forward with my day. I guess I felt better in about 4 months, but even saying that, this experience is still new, I am not my old self and really don't expect to be.

Keep talking about it, it helps.

wyllikers

Of course you are pinballing!  This is a crazy situation.  I agree with the other ladies that perhaps some extra meds may be in order for a while.  I have an amazing support system of friends and family who have been with me almost constantly, helping me with my recovery and taking care of my three children, but I need a few minutes of alone time to figure out how I'm really feeling without constant input.  I started walking around my neighborhood for just 20 minutes to get a bit of solo time.  That has helped me immensely!  It gives me time to think, take in the sights, get a bit of a boost from the exercise, and remind me that even though this is a crazy situation, the world keeps turning and this too shall pass.  I wish you the very best and a boatload of peace.

ruthbru

I remember lying on the bathroom floor and crying so hard that I knew I either had to quit or I would throw up....I don't know how anyone COULDN'T be in distress. Everyone handles things differently, and needs different types of supports. There is no right or wrong, but whatever works for you. Some people journal & really tap into their spirituality (not me, my emotions were too raw). I researched like crazy, found out what I needed to know, and then went on a 'get through the day' mode, didn't really talk about it, and tried to keep things as normal as possible. It wasn't even until a year after I was done with treatment, that I could step back and begin to process the experience. So know that your feelings are totally normal, and then decide what sorts of things you need to get you through this rotten time. Sendig a hug your way! Ruth

honeybunny96

I hear ya with that rollercoaster ride of emotions.  One minute I'm fine, the next WHAM hit's be like a brick wall, and it can be either sad and crying or just angry.  I'm 3 weeks out on wednesday.  Every day is different right now.  Talking with your doctor is a good first step.  *hugs*

katiekabooom

Hi everyone.  When I first posted I was in bad shape.  But after my post-surgery followup with the surgeon, it got WORSE.  I was shocked to be told he recommended chemo (this was shocking to me because the mastectomy i had was for a reoccurance, and at the original surgery two years ago, chemo was considered more damaging than helpful).  Anyway, from that point on i fell apart and started getting panic attacks -- 2-4 an hour.  So my GP put me on clonazapam yesterday and that eliminated the panic attacks AND i was able to sleep without benedryl for once.  My GP has known me for 20years and I am so grateful she knows when things are serious enough for drugs.  I feel a lot more balanced and calm now.... it is great to have that "i can do this" feeling back.

honeybunny96

clonazepam is my friend too  

honeybunny96

Later today… OMG melt down... I was ok with the steri strips on.. but the moment they were ALL off.. meltdown in the shower.  I'm still crying.. I don't even have the energy to look at myself now   Please drugs.. kick me into oblivion.... Thanks to the support of my loving hubby for helping me not hit the floor while they were coming off.

crystalphm

Honneybunney, I am glad your husband is supportive, and it will all get easier. You start to get used to it all and soon enough, feel ok with the new you. Took me 3 years, healing takes time, and I am sure I will still have melt-down moments.

Keep posting and airing your thoughts, it does help.

LAstar

It took about 8 months for my hormones to settle down after my MX. It helped when I realized that there is a very good explanation for my mood swings! My family was understanding too. It does get better, but it is so weird to feel so out of control. Hormones run the whole show! Best wishes for a smooth recovery!

honeybunny96

wanna know a kicker.. last night I had a HUGE .. I mean HUGE fight with my mom. Telling me what a **** I am to all my kids and that I can help with the household chores... freaken only 4 weeks post op.. I may be able to move my hands over my head but that's with nothing in them! I should get off my *** and help.  Umm what justs because I came home from work and I am exausted, just because I came upstairs and took my meds and a sleeping one.  Just because I was quiet and really didn't want to be desturbed that she comes barging into my room.  Telling me that I'm milking it for all it's worth.. not having to do household chorse and help, and how high and mighty she was because she was home alone and had to do things.  Frigg dad took time off work to help her, My hubby took a week, I have the kids to help.  Ughhh I have to vent to release this negative energy, because I want it gone.. gone... gone.. gone out of my life. I don't need this crap.  I have 3 little kids at home to help take care of.  My husband has been a god send.  He's been a rock and doing everything.  I help when I can, then next thing I know he's kicking me out because I have done too much.  What she only see's was the few hours she was here. Yesterday was a bad day.  I feel like freaken frankenstein.. is that so hard to understand??  What she didn't see was the kids and I helped to clean what we could on Friday (I paid for it that night, let me tell you) she didn't see me have my son help me put a load of laundry in.. no.. what did I do to deserve any of this??? What happened to my support.. you know SUPPORT team.   I do not want her if she's giving me that attitute and shit.  I hate her right now. I understand she went through this.. but her's was done in one sitting, no kids around.  I an not healing as fast as her highness is. I'm sorry.  Ok... well had to get that off my chest. ... wanna put me into depression.. well you just pushed me down the canyon lady... @#$%%