panicky feeling

I remember having panic attacks right before my second surgery. I kept thinking, right before they came in to give me "a little something to relax" that I was a fool to be going through with a J-Pouch construction. I was healthy, enjoying life with the bag, but in the end, I am very, very happy I had the J-Pouch constructed.

You might want to contact a therapist as you might have PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder). I did and do.

I think the anxiety/panic attacks are normal, but you should seek a professional to diagnose and help you find your equilibrium again. I was on Klonopin to help with the anxiety attacks and it worked wonders.

Hang in there!

ive been avoiding drinking too many fluids as i kept reading you have to be thick and shouldnt drink without eating something first. if i follow that id never stop eating to get enough fluids. today i threw caution at that idea and drank when i wanted and i swear to you that crap feeling is dissipating. i am starting to think ive been dehydrated all this time. i hope im right.

You are probably right...dehydration can manifest itself in many different forms from headaches to nausea to cold sweats and cramps stait to anxiety and dizziness so if you are in hot Fla and not drinking enough fluids (and us pouchers need tons more fluids than normal people do) then I would agree that it may very well be part of the problem (or maybe all of it)...drink smart and use those sports drinks that help you to keep your electrolytes up and try eating salty nuts and potatoes to combat the problem.
The ptsd is very possible too so do not downplay the effect of trauma on your body and brain...this surgery is a biggie and you need to pay attention when your body is speaking to you.
Stay strong and healthy and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink your fluids.
Sharon

I second the counselor/psychiatrist recommendation. The psychiatrist is good for prescribing drugs, the counselor is good for talking through things. You may have PTSD or some kind of other anxiety disorder. It's not like you are having to deal with "normal" things in your day to day life (aka surgery and whatever lead up to surgery)!

I had generalized anxiety (or possibly PTSD) before I started suffering from UC. Celexa was a great help before UC and continues to be a great help while I'm waiting for surgery. There's still anxiety, but it's a functional/normal levels anxiety. Don't be afraid to seek out additional help!