Are My Symptoms Due To Surgical Trauma?

Questionnaire about Surgery as an Infant, by Dr. Louis Tinnin

How can one determine if present symptoms are due to surgery during infancy? Of course there is no blood test for this. The usual clinical diagnosis of PTSD is not enough because the present symptoms might be described by other diagnoses such as panic disorder or major depression. However, in the presence of chronic symptoms and a history of surgery during infancy, a trial of treatment may be wise. Answers to the following questions and discussion with a knowledgeable therapist can help one decide.

1)  Did you have an infant operation before 1987? If so, what was it?


2) How old were you then and how old are you now?


3) Do you feel it has affected you over the course of your life constantly, only at times, or not at all?


4) How would you describe your symptoms or if no evident symptoms, then your quality of life in general?


5) Had you connected the operation with your symptoms and if so how did you make that determination?


6) How long have you been aware of this connection? If not aware, have you suspected there was something deeper at work in your life that you did not understand?


7) Have you sought treatment and if so what kind? How did you feel about its effectiveness?


8) Was the operation ever discussed with you, as a child, as an adult? What importance did your parents or caregivers place on its possible long-term effects if any?


9) Have you ever considered suicide?


10) Do you believe your life can improve with proper treatment?