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Anxiety and Depression After Tummy Tuck - Washington

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Spent: $5,500 in usa

Comments (34)

Updated 16 Feb 2011

Posted 10 Feb 2011

Real self.com Washington

I had my tummy tuck last Tuesday. Even though I was somewhat anxious I figured if so many people have done it and come out of it being happy about their decision- then there was nothing for me to worry about. To tell you the truth I was more afraid of the possibility of death part that concerned me the most. I was thinking to myself what will happen to my 3 kids if I died from this surgery. But the probability was so low and all my research indicated that most of the death related to tt were as a result of incompetent doctors and anesthesiologists.

I did my homework, chose the right the right doctor with the right credentials, affiliated with one of the best hospitals in our area. I prepared for everything. I got my surgery and came home. First 3 days of recovery were fantastic. Was joking with my husband about how he will not recognize me after my recovery. Actually, on the second day, I went downstairs and helped clean up the kitchen and prepared food for my kids, even managed to get some stuff done for my work -Same thing the following day. After that, I started feeling down and something closing down on me. I had stopped the Percocet that was prescribed on day 3 and was just taking Tylenol for pain as needed.

The depression, the anxiety, and the shortness of breath associated with it was overwhelming. My back was aching from either sleeping on it or sitting. To top it all of I was feeling chills and weakness, and loss of appetite coupled with gagging effects when I tried to eat. I was crying and regretting my decision and longing for my old self of just less than a week ago.

My doctor and the girls at the office have reassured me that it will be ok and that it is expected to have some emotional ups and downs. They said it is different from person to person and that with time I will be ok.
Last night, I slept a little better that the last few days. Even thought it was a little painful, I kind of turned to my side (with the help of numerous pillows lol) and that seem to somewhat help. I was still anxious this morning and cried a little, I push myself to get out of the house and drop of my kids to school.

Afterwards, my husband took me to my doctors office to have one of my drain pulled out. It was kind of painful but not as bad as I thought. Compared to yesterday and the last few days, My anxiety and depression level so far is a 5 on a scale of 1-10 whereas the last few days it was anywhere between 7 and 10.

I am forcing myself to drink a lot and nourish my body as much as I can. I am hoping that it will go away soon. One thing if for sure, I have deeper understanding for people who suffer from anxiety and depression on a regular basis. I pray to God that mine is temporary.

Talk to you soon… please let me if you had or are experiencing similar symptoms… looking forward to your advice



Updated on 16 Feb 2011:
Do the drains have to be totally dry or is there an acceptable amount of fluid collection before it is safe to remove drains?

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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Comments (34)

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pchart 10 Feb 2011
Bless your heart. It sounds to me that you did not have enough down time immediately post op. I had my full TT with lipo on a Friday, got home at 8PM. I slept in a recliner for a couple of weeks. On Sat and Sun I only got up to go to the bathroom. I was not allowed to lift anything, not even a purse, just sit in the chair, only walking to the bathroom until my 1st post op visit on Tuesday.

On Tuesday the doctor helped me stand up straight and I was allowed to shower and to walk a little bit around the house until day 10. Then I was allowed to start doing more, but not lifting anything over 5 lbs for about 4 wks.
Maybe you should rest a little more and eat small frequent meals.
Have you had constipation ? I made sure I tool Miralax for a few weeks and a stool softner.

Good luck to you, and it will get better ! Pamper yourself some !
Washington5629 11 Feb 2011
Thx! I feel much better today! getting out of the house and getting into some of my old routines helped. I think the combination of anesthesia and pain killers finally got to me! I normally don't drink alcohol or coffee and all the meds were just too much for my system... guess…

No, I am not constipated.. actually 2 days after my surgery I had a caught a stomach flu! that took care of the constipation.. lol

I hope you have a quick recovery!
Sbanks 11 Feb 2011
I hear that the emotional roller coaster is normal and it should subside, I would say keep telling yourself you will not let the mood swings take over.
Washington5629 11 Feb 2011
Thx! you are right. I feel much better today.. I only wish I had found this site earlier when I thought I was losing my mind forever!
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 11 Feb 2011

It is all part of the healing process but it will come to an end.  If you feel like crying just go ahead and have a good cry.  It is a really hard process to recover from and just takes time.

Your body has been through a war and is just kicking you back a little bit.  Try to get out of the house and be with friends if possible.  Being all cooped up at home doesn't help one bit. 

You are so early in this process and in just a couple of weeks you will notice a difference. 

Hang in there :)

Hugs!
Washington5629 11 Feb 2011
Thanks! I think getting out of the house helps. I feel much better today. It sure was a scary feeling!
lucious, chicago 17 May 2011
Sorry to hear Wat u r going through just wanted to share my experience also. I am going to b 7 months post op tummy n breast aug and lipo. I felt the same u did for the first 3 days I was also happy n telling my fam how I was going to look different. The only difference was that I was not in pain at all I did not have to take no pain medication I'm not sure y but I did not feel no pain. Then I went down real bad had panic attacks, anxiety and real bad depression. I ask my surgeon but he sure did not pay no attention to me. He would tell me depression don't come from surgery. Well long story short I'm still suffering from chronic depression but I can say I'm doing much better little by little its taking time but I'm getting better. I already stop taking anxiety medicine cause its not good for ur system n u sure don't want to depend on medicine. Keep ur hopes up talk to god he is listening let's have a little more faith n u will get better. Take care n u will b in my prayers cause I knw how it feels. Stay strong. Love ya.
nomorebigbelly 15 Feb 2011
Im so sorry. I hope you are feeling better. You do need time to heal or everything can be overwhelming dealing with this. Make sure your family realizes how important your recovery is and that it will take a while. Did you ask about anti-anxiety medication? I was prescribed valium along with pain meds and it really, really helped calm me down. I am a stomach sleeper and wasn't able to for weeks and that tight feeling of your muscles being back in place can be a little scary. Ask if your dr. can give you something temporary for anxiety. It will pass. I know I am 3 months post op and still have some periods of depression or sadness. I am thrilled with the results just sometimes have my moments. Take care of yourself!! (Hugs)Jody
Washington5629 16 Feb 2011
Thanks! I feel much better now with "some moments" here and there.

On another note, when did your doctor take out your drain (s) and how much fluid were you recording at the time of removal?
mystical_1977 16 Feb 2011
My drains came out on day 10 and i was still draining 19 ml on right side and 9 ml on left side. I was told not to panic if there is leaking from the drain holes until they heal and close.

Glad your doing better :)
WendyL 16 Feb 2011
Ditto everyone, you just went through a trauma (even though we choose to go through it). The emotional ups and downs are totally normal. Give yourself a few weeks to get back to normal :)
((hugs))
Washington5629 17 Feb 2011
Thank God! My last drain was pulled out today! Now I am eagerly waiting the day I don't feel sore and walk up straight all the time. Thanks guys for all the support and info. It helped a lot.
Sharon - Tummy Tuck 2/25/11 Lithonia, Georgia 17 Feb 2011
Oh my God.... I am having my tummy tuck procedure next Friday... Now I want to change my mind.....Is it worst the pain? Please, someone give me some positive feedback... But the true is the true, so I guess I want the true...
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 17 Feb 2011

Hey Sharon,

Yes it hurts, you swell, ache and feel wiped out for a while but it is all worth it. 

The first week is the worst but stay medicated, rest and drink your fluids and you will be fine.

Don't cancel out of fear or you will regret it.  Just know that everything is temporary and it all ends.  You will then have a nice flat tummy.  Go for it!!  If you birthed children you can do this.
Sharon - Tummy Tuck 2/25/11 Lithonia, Georgia 18 Feb 2011
Thank you for telling me the true about the pain and for the kind words.

I am going to get up now and go to my Post-Op appointment. Wish me luck...
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 18 Feb 2011

Hi Sharon,

So how did the appointment go??  I am anxious to hear all about it.
Acworthmom 23 Feb 2011
Sharon...Hey neighbor....I live in Acworth, GA. I am here to give you the positive side to this surgery. I had a tummy tuck and muscle repair Feb. 10. I had read so many stories that I almost backed out at the last minute, but I have to tell you it wasn't any where near as bad as i thought. I would prepare for the 2nd through the 4th day, as they are the most uncomfortable, but after that you will be shocked at how fast you are up and around. By day 7 I wias going out to dinner and to target for short shopping trips drains and all. My dr. had me start standing straight day 6 and told me to get up and around as much as possible to promote the circulation and healing. It really worked. The fear of this is much worse than the actual procedure. My best advise is just to prepare a good recovery area, give the family instructions and sit back a relax until your surgery date. I have pics up of 1 week after my surgery if you want to see that it's not that bad.
Sharon - Tummy Tuck 2/25/11 Lithonia, Georgia 24 Feb 2011
Thank you.

I would love to see the pictures of you. My big day is tomorrow,so I really needed to hear from you with the positive feed back tonight.
Acworthmom 24 Feb 2011
Hey....You will do great. Best of luck tomorrow and I will be thinking about you. It will be over before you know it.
faithful1 12 Jun 2011
had mine three weeks ago... did not really have pain, just adjusting to a little uncomfortable feelings...emotionally and physically... but its passes, just look at the big picture. u will get thru it... when i get emotional i just pray and talk to God....believe me it helps. This is something for u, that u want to do....its like training, u do it, accomplish it, then say dam i did it... it is nothing else that i can not survive and go thru.... You will do well, leave fear behind God have u...
Sharon - Tummy Tuck 2/25/11 Lithonia, Georgia 19 Feb 2011
My post-op went well. The doctor sat down with me and explained everything that would take place on next Friday.

I will let you know how the procedure goes next week. Thank you so much....

All I kept thinking about was what you told me....."everything thing is temporary and it all ends"..... Thank you
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 19 Feb 2011

Glad to hear it went well :)  Yep you just keep thinking about what I said and know you will get through it.  We will all be here to help you. 
Sharon - Tummy Tuck 2/25/11 Lithonia, Georgia 20 Feb 2011
Thank you.

I will keep you updated on my progress after the surgery.

Sharon
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 20 Feb 2011

Sounds good :)
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 24 Feb 2011

I am thinking about you and just know you will do great!

Hugs

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