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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks After Hip Surgery

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Posted on Thu, 26 Feb 2015
Question: why am having post hip surgery panic attacks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
panic attacks

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns.

I am sorry to hear that you are having panic attacks post surgery. Have you had panic attacks prior to surgery? If you have not then the panic could just be anemia following surgery. During hip surgery there is a significant amount of blood loss and this can make you anemic. The anemia will make you feel light headed and heart racing.

In addition you have been on blood pressure medications and the combination may will exacerbate the panic feeling. I also notice here that you are on propranolol which is a medication that reduces heart rate and if you have abruptly stopped it there will be a rebound effect no your heart rate again making you feel panicky.

Another thing can be just the fact that you had surgery your mind is having a difficult time coping with the change. Surgery is a major life stress event and if you have had panic attacks or depressive symptoms in the past this could be exacerbated by the surgery and the change in health.

To help reduce your symptoms I recommend that you check your blood pressure and heart rate for the next few days. If your heart rate is above 90 or your BP is less than 110 then you may need to seek medical attention and adjust your medication.

If your blood pressure is normal and the heart rate high then it maybe related to the propranolol and you again may need adjustment in your medication.

If everything is normal BP and heart rate then you may just have exacerbation in anxiety and then I recommend relaxation exercises and meditation.

So in summary
1. panic due to anemia causing low blood pressure have Blood counts checked
2. Worsening blood pressure due to over medication with blood pressure medication. Have blood pressure medication adjusted
3. Rebound elevated heart rate from withdrawal of propranolol. Have propranolol adjusted
4. Anxiety due to overall change in health and situation. Start relaxation exercises and meditation

I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions or if you need additional information
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks After Hip Surgery

Brief Answer: panic attacks Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns. I am sorry to hear that you are having panic attacks post surgery. Have you had panic attacks prior to surgery? If you have not then the panic could just be anemia following surgery. During hip surgery there is a significant amount of blood loss and this can make you anemic. The anemia will make you feel light headed and heart racing. In addition you have been on blood pressure medications and the combination may will exacerbate the panic feeling. I also notice here that you are on propranolol which is a medication that reduces heart rate and if you have abruptly stopped it there will be a rebound effect no your heart rate again making you feel panicky. Another thing can be just the fact that you had surgery your mind is having a difficult time coping with the change. Surgery is a major life stress event and if you have had panic attacks or depressive symptoms in the past this could be exacerbated by the surgery and the change in health. To help reduce your symptoms I recommend that you check your blood pressure and heart rate for the next few days. If your heart rate is above 90 or your BP is less than 110 then you may need to seek medical attention and adjust your medication. If your blood pressure is normal and the heart rate high then it maybe related to the propranolol and you again may need adjustment in your medication. If everything is normal BP and heart rate then you may just have exacerbation in anxiety and then I recommend relaxation exercises and meditation. So in summary 1. panic due to anemia causing low blood pressure have Blood counts checked 2. Worsening blood pressure due to over medication with blood pressure medication. Have blood pressure medication adjusted 3. Rebound elevated heart rate from withdrawal of propranolol. Have propranolol adjusted 4. Anxiety due to overall change in health and situation. Start relaxation exercises and meditation I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions or if you need additional information