Is this normal?

Question

I just underwent oral surgery yesterday, with general anesthesia. Before my surgery, I had been getting panic attacks for a month. Now, my panic attacks get worse, because at night, when I try to fall asleep, any sudden noise makes me dizzy, which makes me freak out and wake up feeling dizzy, and while freaking out, I feel shortness of breath, which I think is a panic attack. Is what I'm experiencing normal? Has anyone else had this experience before?

Answer 1

Hello:
This answer is in response to your question posted on yahoo about symptoms after general anesthesia.
When a patient undergoes general anesthesia, they all have different reactions once they wake up and for days afterwards. Some burst into tears for no reason, some people have panic attacks, some feel just plain fatigued for a week or so afterward. This is because the general anesthesia is stored in fat tissue in your body and takes a while for your body to metabolize it completely. I think the symptoms you are having are a result of the general anesthesia, however if they persist for more than a week or worsen, especially the shortness of breath (which is a symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, but it could be something else) you should seek counsel by your primary physician or the oral surgeon who performed your surgery. I have heard of all kinds of delayed reactions to general anesthesia.
I hope this helped answer your question and alleviate some of the concerns you have.
Regards,
Warren Shaffer, M.D.

Answer 2

The dizziness is coming from your holding your breath when you are getting tense. Trust me -- it took me a long time to figure out that this is what I was doing as well. You get scared, suck in your breath, and get lightheaded -- very normal.

Try getting a noise maching in your room -- this will help drown out sound and be very relaxing. Also, try sleeping in a different room or putting on a favorite movie or cd. Chances are the panic attacks are coming on from your routine (you've probably heard of Pavlov's dogs, right?). The minute you start going to bed, your body is getting ready for panic and fear. Change up your routine and you'll be fine.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 3

You may have wanted to tell your doctor about these attacks before you underwent surgery, because the medications may have interacted with your anxiety. It is always to tell your doctor everything that is been going on. Go to your doctor and tell them now what is going on. Maybe they can give you something to counter act what is going on with you. You really should see someone soon and tell them everything. good luck

Answer 4

Yes, sorry your going through it..but it is your body still coming out of the anesthesia..it will go through withdrawls..Just stay calm..and deep breaths..breath into a paper bag if ya want..dont suck in too deep if you had teeth pulled you dont want to break the clots and have a dry socket..that is VERY painful..Good luck and I hope I have helped..Take your meds and rest..

Answer 5

There is a treatment for panic attacks. You need to contact your doctor and tell him/her what you are experiencing, they will give you the help you need.

Answer 6

I'm so sorry to hear that. You need to talk to your doc asap. My husband had the same thing and they put him on some meds to help the pain and anxiety attacks. Good luck hun!

Answer 7

No. You should call your physician immediately and speak to him about your concerns. It is probably anxiety attacks,but you need a professional to diagnosis it properly.

Answer 8

consult the doc. , better see him then find an answer on the net.

Answer 9

see your doctor and get on an antidepressant. that will help alot