Seeking Guidance on Trauma from Surgery Experience
I'll keep this short. I’m a 40-year-old woman, classified as overweight at 225 pounds and standing 5’7”. I'm of Caucasian descent and have a habit of vaping regularly. I’m not currently on any medication. Recently, I underwent a minor procedure to excise a cyst located behind my ear. The surgery required complete anesthesia, which included a breathing tube inserted down my throat. During the procedure, I unexpectedly regained consciousness while fully immobilized. My eyes were shut, I was unable to move, and I couldn't make a sound or signal for assistance. It felt as if I couldn’t breathe because of the tube, and it proved to be the most terrifying experience of my life—an eternity in that state. Suddenly, I found myself awake in the recovery room, and the ordeal was over. This incident occurred just two days ago, and I’m struggling to cope with the aftermath. Nightmares of reliving that moment plague me, and I feel a constant tension in my body accompanied by anxiety. Panic attacks have been frequent. I’m reaching out for any suggestions on how to overcome this ordeal. What caused this to happen? Is there a way to prevent a recurrence in the future? The prospect of needing further surgeries frightens me, especially considering my weight and vaping habits—it's likely I'll undergo anesthesia again. I genuinely feel traumatized by this experience. Is there anything I can do to alleviate both the physiological and psychological tension I’m experiencing? My body feels incredibly tight, especially in my chest and back, yet I’m also trembling. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 9:30:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your distressing experience during the surgery. It’s understandable to feel traumatized after such an ordeal, especially when it felt like you lost control. This type of response can trigger anxiety and panic attacks, and it’s important to address both the psychological and physical aspects of your recovery.
Main Points:
- Understanding Your Experience: What you went through may be a form of intraoperative awareness, which can be quite rare and distressing.
- Immediate Strategies for Relief: Focus on calming techniques and self-care to manage your anxiety and physical tension.
- Long-Term Approaches for Healing: Consider developing a support system and engaging in therapeutic activities.
Explanation:
Intraoperative awareness occurs when a patient becomes conscious during surgery but cannot move or respond. While complete anesthesia is intended to prevent any awareness, unexpected reactions can still happen especially with general anesthesia. These experiences can lead to feelings of panic and anxiety, much like PTSD.
Next Steps:
Immediate Actions:
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Calming Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale through your mouth for a count of four. Repeat this several times to help reduce anxiety.
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Physical Relaxation: Engage in gentle stretching or yoga to relieve bodily tension. Focus specifically on areas that feel tight, like your chest and back. You might also try a warm bath or a warm compress to soothe tight areas.
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Establish a Routine: Create a daily structure that includes time for relaxation. This might involve scheduled moments where you can focus on something calming, like reading or listening to soothing music.
Long-Term Strategies:
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Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings about the event. This can help you process the experience and clarify what emotions are coming up for you.
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Support System: Reach out to friends or family who can provide emotional support. Discussing your feelings can lessen the burden.
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Therapeutic Options: If feelings of anxiety persist or if your nightmares and panic attacks continue, consider seeking counseling. A therapist trained in trauma can provide techniques specifically for working through these feelings.
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Maintain Physical Health: As you consider future surgeries, think about ways to support your overall health. Aim for a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consider reducing vaping as it can negatively impact both physical and mental health wellness.
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Educate Yourself about Anesthesia: Understanding the techniques used during anesthesia may lessen your fears. Discuss any worries with your healthcare provider before any future procedures.
It’s important to take this one step at a time. Healing from trauma is a process, and it’s okay to seek help along the way. You’ve taken a courageous step by reaching out for advice—be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey.
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