Dreams a month after surgery?

Question

My TT was almost a month ago. I've had a very good physical recovery; however, since surgery, I've been having vivid dreams almost every night. Last night I had a nightmare and my husband woke me up crying and freaking out. It still feels real to me now. I've never been one to remember dreams before this. Is it normal to have vivid dreams/nightmares this far past my surgery? I've been off the narcotics since day 4 or 5 and am only on occasional Tylenol or Motrin.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear the issues you are having with nightmares.  Though what you are experiencing is not typical, it may be related to the stress of surgery as well as a combination of the medication you have been given.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It's likely that if it is related to surgery it should cease over time.

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the distress these dreams are causing you. This is certainly not typical. Although there is no known link between surgery and the onset of vivid dreams, I am sure an argument can be made that overall stress (to which recovery from a major operation could certainly contribute) might lead to disruptions in normal sleep. I would not expect this to persist. It is not unreasonable to let your primary care provider know. Hope this helps and good luck with your continued recovery.

Som Kohanzadeh, MD · Answer

What you had experienced was just anxiety, stress and trauma you faced before surgery and its getting you after surgery. Alittle meditation before bed can help anyone with this issue. You still have vivid imagination of what just occured and should recover from it within a max 2 weeks from original incident.

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

Major surgery causes all kinds of stress on the body and the mind takes it all into account.  A small percentage of patients experience exactly what you are describing.  Another thing that could possibly be linked to your nightmares is Decadron.  Sometimes, the anesthesia provider or your surgeon gives Decadron (or similar corticosteroid) to minimize post-op nausea and help with post-op pain relief.  One of the side-effect of corticosteroids is vivid nightmares.  Ask your PS if that was given to you.  If so, don't worry.  The effects are short lived and will resolve over the next week or two.

Dreams a month after surgery?

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Answer: Dreams/nightmares after surgery

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Dreams a month after surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Dreams/nightmares after surgery

Answer: Dreams/nightmares after surgery

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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