Post Surgery Depression

[Guest guest]

I've had a few moments of depression. I try to shrug it off, but it's hard when your ear is hurting and you can't do anything but sit and watch TV. I'm on Weight Watchers, and I gained two and a half pounds this week. That's depressing (so what do I do? eat chocolate chip cookies and pizza! Gah!). And I can't even do the laundry by myself because I can't lift the heavy baskets! Arg. I just keep telling myself that it will get better. And it will. I just have to be patient.

My hubby helped me wash my hair last night (my surgery was Tues). It felt sooooo good, even though parts of the process were uncomfortable. I sat on the bathroom floor and sort of (very carefully) leaned my neck on the edge of the tub (we put a folded up towel there for padding). Looking up at the ceiling, I let my head (gently) flop back into the tub. Hubby used a cup to pour warm water over my hair. He had me turn my head to the side when he got near my ear and was very careful not to get my steri-strip wet (I have internal stitches, and they covered the incision with what looks like very thin paper). Then he lathered up my hair (I can't tell you how wonderful this felt) and rinsed it using the cup and warm water. At times I had to lift my head slightly so he could get the back. I did this with my hand instead of using my neck muscles. You've just kind of got to take it slow and easy.

I have actually showered twice since surgery, covering my head with a shower cap. The no-rinse shampoo has made it a lot more bearable too (but won't take the place of a real wash). I can't wait until Wednesday when I will see my Dr. He will remove the steri-strip and tell me (I hope) that I can get the incision wet! I am going to take the longest shower in history! Or, at least, as long as our water heater will let me!

Hang in there, and we'll get through this .

K.

----- Original Message ----- Hi Renonda,Thank you for the reply. I am trying to take it easy . Although I have 3 kids to take care of .. I am doing my best, although you realize that life doesn't stop just because you feel like it!! I am wondering did any one get depressed a few days after the surgery? I feel so tired , and then I have all the energy in the world.. so it comes and goes. But the depression hit me today . The pain in my ear has also seemed to have gotten slightly worse .. last night was painful. Also I am afraid that I am going to damage the stitches if I attempt to wash my hair..which I really need to do!! Any suggestions? I am really curious to hear if anyone else has had some depression . Please let me know. Thanks ~

[Guest guest]

,

hang in there - i'm a couple of weeks post - op now and i must say, i went through the down times too. first week was the worst - felt like i was never going to get past the pain and the freeky looking scar. but once i got my stitches and clips out - i felt human again. went for a half mile walk today on the beach - even though it was cold (i live in ireland), it was nice to walk again. still feel tired but pain is easing.

just keep thinking that next week is nearly there - don't worry about weight yet - you have a right to chocolate. wish i could taste it. i'm the opposite with food - can't taste a thing so only eat what i know i must.

take care of yourself and enjoy the shower when you get the go ahead.

ann. Kinsman <emilyk@...> wrote:

I've had a few moments of depression. I try to shrug it off, but it's hard when your ear is hurting and you can't do anything but sit and watch TV. I'm on Weight Watchers, and I gained two and a half pounds this week. That's depressing (so what do I do? eat chocolate chip cookies and pizza! Gah!). And I can't even do the laundry by myself because I can't lift the heavy baskets! Arg. I just keep telling myself that it will get better. And it will. I just have to be patient.

My hubby helped me wash my hair last night (my surgery was Tues). It felt sooooo good, even though parts of the process were uncomfortable. I sat on the bathroom floor and sort of (very carefully) leaned my neck on the edge of the tub (we put a folded up towel there for padding). Looking up at the ceiling, I let my head (gently) flop back into the tub. Hubby used a cup to pour warm water over my hair. He had me turn my head to the side when he got near my ear and was very careful not to get my steri-strip wet (I have internal stitches, and they covered the incision with what looks like very thin paper). Then he lathered up my hair (I can't tell you how wonderful this felt) and rinsed it using the cup and warm water. At times I had to lift my head slightly so he could get the back. I did this with my hand instead of using my neck muscles. You've just kind of got to take it slow and easy.

I have actually showered twice since surgery, covering my head with a shower cap. The no-rinse shampoo has made it a lot more bearable too (but won't take the place of a real wash). I can't wait until Wednesday when I will see my Dr. He will remove the steri-strip and tell me (I hope) that I can get the incision wet! I am going to take the longest shower in history! Or, at least, as long as our water heater will let me!

Hang in there, and we'll get through this .

K.

----- Original Message ----- Hi Renonda,Thank you for the reply. I am trying to take it easy . Although I have 3 kids to take care of .. I am doing my best, although you realize that life doesn't stop just because you feel like it!! I am wondering did any one get depressed a few days after the surgery? I feel so tired , and then I have all the energy in the world.. so it comes and goes. But the depression hit me today . The pain in my ear has also seemed to have gotten slightly worse .. last night was painful. Also I am afraid that I am going to damage the stitches if I attempt to wash my hair..which I really need to do!! Any suggestions? I am really curious to hear if anyone else has had some depression . Please let me know. Thanks ~

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone out there, I had my right hip joint replaced in May, 2004,

and was a member then, and found the exchange of info and feelings to

be very helpful. In Sept, 2004, I reverted to my nmormal busy schedule

and dropped out for lack of time. On Feb 2, I underwent replacement

surgery on my left hip. I'm now 2 months post-surgery, and have been

discharged by my physical therapist and my surgeon. I should be

feeling on " top of the world. " But I find myself deeply depressed.

I'm bored out of my mind, but I don't have enough energy to do any of

the things available to me to break out of my boredom. It's now 5:45

am, and I've been wide awake since 3:30. Every few nights, I have a

bout of sleeplessness like this which worsens my depression. Has

anyone any suggestions to help me get out of this rut? Charlotte in CT

[Guest guest]

OK - Can I stick my neck out here.

Pick anyone who has posted over a long period and go through their emails.

I'm sure you will find a pattern of ups and downs. This operation stresses

the body bigtime.

So, 2 years after your first bout you go back for a second time.

Don't whip yourself if your body is in overload. Be kind to yourself - but

that doesn't mean not doing your exercises.

Another thing to take into consideration. Some research shows that exercise

works better and faster than medication at getting rid of depression. So

when depression hits - double the exercises! Now that is a joke, but you

get my meaning.

Aussie Margaret

RTHR 1990 revised 2004

Post Surgery Depression

> Hi everyone out there, I had my right hip joint replaced in May, 2004,

> and was a member then, and found the exchange of info and feelings to

> be very helpful. In Sept, 2004, I reverted to my nmormal busy schedule

> and dropped out for lack of time. On Feb 2, I underwent replacement

> surgery on my left hip. I'm now 2 months post-surgery, and have been

> discharged by my physical therapist and my surgeon. I should be

> feeling on " top of the world. " But I find myself deeply depressed.

> I'm bored out of my mind, but I don't have enough energy to do any of

> the things available to me to break out of my boredom. It's now 5:45

> am, and I've been wide awake since 3:30. Every few nights, I have a

> bout of sleeplessness like this which worsens my depression. Has

> anyone any suggestions to help me get out of this rut? Charlotte in CT

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