Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 11/17/2011

Question
I have been diagnosed with Stenosis and Arthritis in my 4th and 5th disc. I have put off surgery for almost a year now, but its to the point of not being able to walk most of the time, or do the surgery. The pain down my legs are almost unbearable. (had the shots, but they didn't help). Now here is the "bigger problem". Depression and Anxiety post op. I have fought and lived with both most of my life. I have been on Xanax for 26yrs., 1mg. 3 to 4 mgs a day,Effexor 150mg a day for 8yrs, and Zoloft 100mgs. once a day for aprox.9yrs. The last surgery I had was in 2005. Gallbladder removal...stones blocked pancreas, put under again to have stints put in, and then put under again to remove stets. When I got home I was hit with the deepest depression and anxiety I had ever experienced. I was unfunctionable! Didn't want to be here, but no thoughts of suicide. My Pych. Dr. of 17yrs. put me on another anti depressant, my son went and picked up for me. Didn't help. It took me a good 3mos. to totally pull out of this HELL! Have you experienced anyone with such a reaction? Have talked to each of my Dr.s (surgeon and Pych.)with no real conclution. My mind and body react to stress very easily....please, can you point me in a hopeful direction?? Thank you for your time. (I would choose to have this done with lazer, but on Medicare). Once again thanks. Leslie

Answer
Hi Lessie
I am really sorry to hear about your problem. There is no doubt that some people react badly to the stress put on their bodies by both surgery and anaesthesia. Anaesthesia has lots of effects we don't fully understand.
It sounds to me like you have put this off as long as possible and you need to bite the bullet and try the surgery. It should be pointed out that there is no guarantee that this will relieve your symptoms esp as you have been suffering this problem for so long.
I have never encountered anyone with the problem to this extent. I can only suggest going into this with both eyes open and with full support from your Psych.
One final possibility which may sound barbaric..... I have personally seen many people helped with the use of ECT to the extent that they are transformed in days to weeks instead of months. Perhaps having this as a fall back if you do get a bad attack might be worth discussing with your Psych.
Apologies that I can't help further.
Dr Ian Jackson