natalielouise

Hey there. I'm 22 years old, I had a microdiscectomy on my L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs 12 days ago. I was very excited for the surgery and completely overjoyed when I FINALLY received it (after it being postponed many times). Out of nowhere, the first time I changed my bandages I had an awful panic attack. I have gotten panic attacks every single time I have had someone change my bandages and a few random times throughout the first week of recovery. (Now, in my second week of recovery, my textbook size bandage is now down to the size of a regular "large" Band-aid bandage, and I'm walking and feeling better than ever, but still getting panic attack with bandage changes and cleanings).

I did quit smoking for recovery, so I was using the patch, and wondered if that had anything to do with the panic attacks as well, so I stopped using the patch day 2, but the panic attacks still occurred with the bandage changes.

I'm not freaked out by cuts or scarring or blood or anything, quite the opposite, so none of this bothers me consciously. I have had panic attacks before, but minor ones and they were very rare, I've never had multiple debilitating attacks in a few days time. I was just wondering if anyone else had these panic attacks after surgery? Or does anyone know why this may have occurred?