stefanie

Hi everyone. i have never posted here but was hoping for some advice.
Last month I broke my arm in several places, and had to have surgery.
This included a two day stay in the hospital, with severe pain and a lack
of mobility.
I have been home for three weeks now, the pain has subsided a bit, but
I feel so down- somedays I cant even get out of bed.I do have friends
coming in to help with shopping and such, but I just dont feel like doing
ANYTHING. Am due to go back to work next month, and I was wondering if anyone else had experienced this post operative depression.
Thanks

historyteach

Hi, Stefanie;
I've never experienced it, but, it's not a long stretch to imagine.
You've been seriously hurt and imobile. You're depending upon others to meet your needs. And you're in cronic pain. Those are perfect conditions for short term situational depression to begin.

Have you called your doctor? Please do so. You may need a short term support system in the form of counselors, meds or a combination of that. Only your doctor can diagnose you, so please give him/her a call.

Then let us know how you're doing.
Prayers for your well being...

Shalom!

Bozo

I tend to think it is entirely possible. After all women go through a painful pregnancy and some have post partum depression in part from the physical pain. Talk to your doctor, I feel you are right, you know you best!!

stefanie

Teach- thanks so much for your advice. I was wondering if the meds they
gave me in the hospital had something to do with the way I am feeling?
There were complications with the surgery- I have a plate and screws in
my arm. They will have to be removed next year, because the plate is too
big- so I was told. Also I have a huge scar-nice, huh?
At least I have no nerve damage or infection- trying to look at the bright
side! And no more skiing for me ever!!!

stefanie

Bozo, thank you for responding! You made me smile- I had
natural childbirth with both of my kids- and no postpartum
depression- you brought back great memories for me!
It is so hard to even walk around here with all the ice-
even mild exersize makes me feel better.

StandingStrong

stefanie, a dear friend of mine had back surgery last year and it was a big surgery. This required her to be off of work for several months. She, too, went through a bout of depression. She spoke to her doctor about it and he told her that it's very normal. Not only because of the physical part of your body having gone through so much and the healing, etc - but also that it had thrown her entire way of life out of sync. Because she was no longer working, was limited on the activities that she could do, was finding herself bored and feeling ansy, etc - it was just going to take a lot of time to adjust.
I do recall they were going to check her medications as well as possibly give her some anti-depressants. It turned out they didn't give her anything and didn't change her meds - but he did check on this.
My point is that I find it to be very normal to go through alot of physical as well as emotional adjustments after a surgery that has altered your life any.

I hope you contact your doctor and that you get to feeling better really soon!

ccgirl

I believe it is quite common. Pain itself can cause depression. Most people I know who've had surgery have complained about depression for weeks afterward. I really don't think you're alone.

stefanie

Just an update- I saw my surgeon- he was very happy with the way
everything looked- the scar, xrays, ect. I also am going to physical
therapy, and the therapist was the first one to ask about my depression,
and to offer support. I feel better knowing that its so common with
people recovering from injuries. thanks everybody for responding.

Bozo

Thanks for the followup, hope all is well with you today, Mike.