I had a colon resection one week ago after being diagnosed with colon cancer. During my hospital stay, I suffered a panic attack. In my 41 years of life, I have NEVER had problems with anxiety. Now recovering at home from the surgery, I've had another panic attack and also suffer from that anxious, butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling often. I'm usually very positive about things, but this is debilitating. I don't think my surgeon knows what to do with me. Has anyone else had this problem? Please help...
It's possibly fear of the unknown? The big worry I have is recurrence, which I'm told is quite normal. The first 3 monthly blood test wait was not good, but all ok after a year. Including the follow up colonoscopy. It does get better over time and forums like this are great for sharing and hopefully reassurance. Your surgeon must have had patients who suffer the same way. Maybe have another chat. I had some counselling which helped a little too. Best wishes.
Thank you for your reply. I also believe that there must have been other patients that went through the same thing, and I do plan to have a conversation with my surgeon.
Hi Alyce,
I hope you are feeling better.
It's been 5 yrs now since my colon resection surgery and I still have anxiety. I wake up every day shaking, tense, nauseous etc. Originally, my surgeon told me I was having withdrawal from the pain meds and wrote me off. I've been to so many doctors, have been prescribed so many psch drugs, and I just do not know what to do. I too never had these problems before. I can't even work! I have a feeling that a hormone gland or something was damaged during the surgery. It feels like my adreniline pump will just not shut down. Hope you are better or they found out what was causing your anxiety and panic.