Dear Dr. Archer,
I had a partial hysterectomy two years ago. At that time, I also went through a divorce, as my husband was verbally abusive. Since the hysterectomy I have been having what I call psychic moments.
My brain tells me I have been in situations before. I get a horrible taste in my mouth, break out in a sweat, experience nausea and my head hurts. Sometimes I must immediately go to the bathroom while other times I feel faint.
This happens monthly, like it's taking the place of menstruation. I can feel it coming on, and it lasts for a couple of days, and starts dropping off gradually.
Help! Am I the only person having these so-called nightmares? I used to get them at any given time, but recently they come only in my sleep. What is the reason for this?
Celeste
Dear Celeste,
After any major surgery for that matter, one can experience not only vivid dreams but terrible nightmares. The anesthesia you were given in the hospital, the post-op medication and the physical trauma of the surgery itself can all be contributing factors to promote nightmares.
Pain medication that is given post surgery can also promote vivid dreams and nightmares. Normally, after a few weeks pass, the nightmares usually go away. Since your surgery was two years ago that should not be the case here.
More likely, you either had your ovaries removed also, and are going through an induced menopause or, if you are in the typical age range, this could be traditional menopause. In either case a hormonal blood work analysis should help sort out the cause.
Interestingly your symptoms sound somewhat like partial-complex seizures. There is a type of seizure defined as ‘hormone sensitive’ and this would be worth looking into if everything else fails to confirm a diagnosis.
So, if you haven't done so already, you need to discuss this with your doctor. If hormone fluctuations are the culprit, a simple prescription from your gynecologist will rectify the problem. If hormones are ruled out, then other tests would be indicated. Good luck!
Dr. Archer
