So I can't find the group for mental health that we use to have here or I would have posted this there. But here is the issue. I have PTSD and if I begin to have a panic attack I can generally get it under control pretty quickly - I know the signs and as long as I start walking I can prevent the worst of it. Last night I was trying to fall asleep when I started to get this pain in my chest. The pain intensified, and I had shortness of breath, began to sweat. I made a phone call for someone to take me to the hospital and almost called 911 because it was so intense. This lasted no longer than 10 mins. It stopped shortly after I got out of bed to put some clothes on. The whole thing scared the crap out of me. I am 3 weeks post op. Has anyone ever had their anxiety attacks change after surgery? I plan to talk to my surgeon and therapist about this. If this was an anxiety attack I have never had one manifest itself in this way. I normally get the tingling in my fingers and that's my cue to get moving.

Since you're three weeks out, it could still be the gas from the operation, depending exactly where in the chest you felt it.

I know that when I got gas machine pains (plus gas pains now) I can get short of breath, unable to breath, unable to talk, unable to walk.

My anxiety and panic hasn't changed after surgery, though. Atleast, not yet, if it does change.

If I were you, I'd call about it.

I'm 6 weeks post op and my anxiety/panic has gotten slightly better. I'm on a whole different emotional roller coaster though... Stupid fat hormones!

You should definitely call the doc if if happens again.

I had my first panic attack in 1986 after surgery. My anxiety levels are in constant flex - I take xanax as needed. I try to avoid caffeine and don't watch high anxiety tv. Hope your anxiety levels off.

I knew that my emotions would be all over the place and I was prepared for that. My depression has gotten worst. But I have a lot going on besides just the surgery. I can make sense of things on an intellectual level. But whatever happened last night just scared the crap out of me. Now I am anxious it will happen again. I am not on any meds because I had always been good at managing my mental health issues. But I do plan to talk to my therapist about this at length cause it has me pretty worried.