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Nadi's avatar
Nadi
Member
10 years ago

Help with panic attacks before surgery tomorrow

I think I am going crazy. A few weeks ago after my diagnosis I had what I thought was my first ever panic attack. Today it seems like I can't stop having them. They have been building over the last week. My surgery is tomorrow and I am really trying hard to keep busy and not to think about it. But every half hour or so I get these attacks where my heart just starts racing like mad, I get nauseous and an anxious feeling in my stomach, I breathe fast, ache all over and then the tears come. I must have gone through 2 boxes of tissues already. It really is such a horrible feeling and the emotions I have with it feel like the deepest of grief, loss and sadness. I am not afraid of surgery - in fact I am glad it's almost here as I just want to get on with it - so I don't know why I am getting these attacks.

I have never had anything like this before. I am usually Miss positive. I am sure it is not being helped by the fact that I can't sleep. So far I've tried walks around the block, watching comedies, cooking new recipes, breathing exercises and table tennis (my favourite sport). I'm ok for a bit and then it hits me again. I feel exhausted from all this.

Does anyone else get these attacks?? If so do you have recommendations for what else I can try?

Thnx Nadine

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  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks everyone. I hadn't tried rescue remedy before, got it and that seemed to help. I also loved the scripture Kazza! I have a strong faith and  that was just the thing to add to my prayers and reflections. Had nice warm bath with cucumbers on my eyes (did wonders with the swelling from all the crying), and the milk and am feeling a lot better. Thanks for letting me vent.

    Nadine

     

     

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello:) The emotions that you are experiencing are pretty normal.Just before surgery I was rushing around believing that I felt ok,but I kept breaking down in tears,and eventually I just gave in and accepted that I wasn't really that great!! Cry,sob,talk to those around you,and just go with whatever feelings you are experiencing. I bet  that after surgery you will feel a whole lot better,and even though you think you are doing ok at the moment,you are most likely running on empty!!Stay connected on here because we have all been there and understand what you are going through.Let us know how you go with your surgery.Cheers Robyn xox

  • kazza4450's avatar
    kazza4450
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nadine.

    When fear creeps in and panic I say this scripture. 

    God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of love, power and found mind. 

    I repeat this as much as I need to till the physical symptoms disappear. 

    There will be some anxiety over tomorrow's surgery which is completely natural, do don't be too hard on yourself. 

    Will keep you in my prayers that you will have peace for the rest of today and tomorrow. 

    Love & smiles to you xxx

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nadine it is hard when you can't control your emotions. Have you spoken to your doctor they might be able to give you something. I know this sound dumb but  a glass of warm milk before going to bed helps. 

    Good luck with your surgery tomorrowxx

     

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    That's a great suggestion from Mira, rescue remedy works really well. A call to the Cancer Council for advice on counselling services could help too, it's free and might be of some support. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????

  • Mira's avatar
    Mira
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Nadine,

    The thing I have found with panic attacks is the more attention I pay to them, the worse they get.  You are doing all the right things.  The only other suggestion I have is a product you can get at chemists called "Rescue Remedy".  You spray it on your tongue and it helps to calm you down.

    Good luck with it, breathe and remember that this too will pass.

    cheers

    Mira