Depression after surgery

[NQAS]

I'm 2 weeks post-op from total hip replacement. (Back up a bit - I've been dealing with general anxiety disorder and on-and-off depression for almost 30 years.) I think everything is going okay. Stuff hurts, but I've graduated from walker to crutch to cane and can move around reasonably well, if slowly and stiffly. But in the last few days I've been dealing with a bout of what I consider to be serious depression. I'm working from home, which is ridiculously stressful. Even throughout covid I went to my one-person office. Home is not a good work environment for me. I know I'm moving in the right direction. I know that. In contrast, before the surgery I knew that every day was getting more painful and that without the surgery it would continue. Now, I've had the surgery, and things will only improve (barring any unexpected setbacks, which I know is unlikely). And yet, I find it extremely difficult to be positive. And while I know there are people who have it worse, e.g., homeless people, Ukrainians, babies with no formula, etc., that only makes me feel worse about feeling bad.

Anybody have these sorts of experiences post surgery (of any kind, I guess)?

[PJMcK]

1. I had a full knee replacement in November

Physically, I'm at about 90-95% of where I was five years ago. I've regained most of my range of motion and I can walk and even run a little. I have very little pain in a joint that hurt every time I took a step.

I'm generally very active and the limits on my abilities during my recovery tended to get me down. Even though I was a highly motivated patient, not being able to get around and do things was depressing.

To fight it, I'd do my PT exercises, sometimes for longer periods. This would often give me a shot of endorphins that helped get me back up.

You'll get through this! As a friend told me (under different circumstances), you've survived 100% of your worst days. You're doing fine.

Try to give yourself little treats when you accomplish something no matter how trivial. You deserve it!

Good luck.

[delisen]

2. Can you afford talkiNg therapy-group or individual?

Talking therapy has been documented to be effectIve. It is always iMportant to get good recommendations though.

If you feel too isolated, an in person group might be useful. If COVID remains a concern an online group might work.

Even though there are others worse off, it is still important that you are able to live a happy fulfilling life. It makes us all better able to help those worse off.

It sounds as though you are working hard at regaling physiCal ability. Someone close to me did suffer post surgery depression. Her doctor took it seriously and after about 6 months of interventions the depression faded away.

My suggestion may seem naive or unworkable. If so, let us know.

[iscooterliberally]

3. I probably have hip and knee replacement surgery in my future too.

I had a bad motorcycle wreck when I was in my 40s. I still have chronic pain. Exercise helps me with it. The thing that I found that helps the most is to plan for good things in my future. You might want to plan a trip to go somewhere next year, or buy tickets to a concert or some sort of sporting event. I have a couple of concerts to go to this summer. I'm also going up to visit my brother who has a house on a lake. The lake is pretty big and we go kayaking. I don't know what you're into, but I'll bet you can come up with something. Just planning to take some time off really lifts my spirits when I'm down. Good luck to you and feel better!

[Warpy]

4. The first six weeks are the toughest

because that's how long it takes bone to start to knit well. I'm shocked you didn't get a stint in rehab, which people with any joint replacement desperately need.

You're still suffering the aftereffects of anesthesia, which means you aren't going to be able to tolerate noise, light, activity, and so forth. It takes about 6 months for anesthesia to clear completely, but you won't notice it much 2 months out except for some occasional fatigue.

Hip replacement is a big deal, even when it's elective. The surgery is reasonably long and that is a big bone that is being cut down and replaced. Plus, you aren't all better now and won't be for a while. Some depression is normal.

The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor. Your problem might be a need for pain control, or it might be for some in home rehab to increase your activity level, something that has a profound effect on depression. Just make the call.