How Unresolved Surgical Trauma Can Manifest in the Body

Unresolved surgical trauma is more than just a mental burden; it leaves imprints on the body that can manifest as real, tangible illnesses. Research increasingly shows that unresolved emotions, whether stemming from childhood or surgical experiences, can leak out in ways that puzzle both patients and their doctors. This is a journey of how I came to understand the connection between my own traumatic experiences, my body’s reactions, and the healing power of acknowledging and addressing unresolved emotions.

Releasing Unresolved Surgical Trauma

 

The body finds a way…

 

From the age of 18, I began experiencing intense gut attacks, which doctors later diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—or, as I often joked, the diagnosis for “we have no real idea what’s causing this.” The attacks were so severe that my entire digestive system would cramp. Leaving me faint or feeling as though a heavy, overwhelming force was pushing me down into the earth. During these episodes, I couldn’t breathe properly or see. Each attack was followed by days of diarrhoea. Running back and forth between my bed and the bathroom. I couldn’t eat until the symptoms fully cleared, as even a small amount of food would restart the cycle, bringing unbearable pain. The longest I went without solid food was 10 days.

Doctors were stumped. The symptoms didn’t appear to be connected to any specific food group, disease, or infection. Strangely enough, around the same time my IBS symptoms began, my best friend also started experiencing her own IBS journey. Back then, we chalked it up to all the street food we were eating while backpacking. To cope with our embarrassing symptoms, we invented a game called “The Great Poo Off,” where we’d try to outdo each other by sharing our most mortifying IBS stories. This camaraderie made an awful situation far more bearable. By sharing our worst experiences with empathy, understanding, and often a lot of laughter, we found a way to defuse the shame and stress that often align with IBS.

Reconnecting To Heal The Body

 

As the years passed, the attacks continued sporadically, with no discernible pattern or trigger. It wasn’t until years later that we both learned we had PTSD from childhood traumas. Since that revelation, I’ve embarked on a journey of self-discovery, working to uncover and process the unresolved emotions from my past. The more I’ve accepted and articulated my emotions and experiences, the fewer IBS attacks I’ve had. Now, I’m proud to say I’ve been free from IBS for six years—and six years into truly acknowledging and accepting myself.

 

The Mind-Body Connection

 

I am not the only surgical trauma survivor who has or will, experience physical illnesses in response to unresolved traumatic emotions. In one of my favourite books, Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score, he highlights how traumatic experiences can disrupt the communication between the brain and body, creating a state of chronic hypervigilance or emotional suppression. Through his research, he discovered that unresolved emotions often manifest as chronic physical conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autoimmune disorders, and persistent pain.

Van der Kolk’s research aligns with findings in psychoneuroimmunology, a field that explores how psychological stress can impact the immune system and physical health (Zachariae, 2009). Studies have demonstrated that individuals who suppress emotions—often a coping mechanism for trauma—are at greater risk of developing inflammatory and stress-related conditions that cause heart disease, strokes, and cancers (Reza et al., 2023). Unresolved surgical trauma doesn’t stay locked away; it surfaces in the body as a real, tangible illness. By understanding and addressing the mind-body connection, you can break free from these effects and take charge of your well-being.

How Trauma Manifests in the Body

 

When unresolved emotions are stored in the body, they can leak out in surprising ways. For example:

Stress and Digestive Issues

 

The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” due to its complex network of nerves and its responsiveness to emotional states (Kendall-Tackett, 2009). Chronic stress triggers the release of high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that activates the body’s fight-or-flight response. While this response is crucial in short-term survival situations, prolonged activation can disrupt normal digestive function. This disruption may lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Chronic Pain

 

Emotional suppression can create tension in the body, particularly in areas that are already vulnerable due to surgical intervention. Over time, this tension can manifest as persistent, unexplained pain (van der Kolk, 2014).

Fatigue and Autoimmune Disorders

 

Emotional trauma can overwork the adrenal system, contributing to chronic fatigue or even triggering autoimmune conditions as the body begins to attack itself (Zachariae, 2009).

 

Tips to Healing Unresolved Surgical Trauma Emotions

 

If you’re finding it difficult to manage the emotional and physical effects of trauma, here are some of the most effective strategies I’ve discovered for healing and self-care:

1. Creative Outlets

 

Painting, drawing, writing, playing heavy metal guitar—anything that releases trapped emotions, offering alternative expressions to anger, fear, or self-destructive behaviours.

2. Physical Activity

 

Personally, I need a combination of explosive exercise, such as boxing, and nature walks. Sometimes, my emotions are so deeply rooted that I know they’re there, but only by sweating them out while hitting a bag can I shift them from causing tension in my body. This is due to years of practice suppressing and ignoring my emotions. Learning to feel and deal with them is a slow process. I walk in nature every morning, speaking out loud about my desires, plans for the day, fears, and stress. This helps release them from my nervous system and hands them over to the universe to defuse, reducing anxiety and improving my focus throughout the day.

 

3. Mind-Body Practices

These can be incredibly difficult for trauma survivors, as sitting still with our eyes closed often makes us feel vulnerable to attack. Not to mention, we’ve spent much time keeping emotions locked inside. Choosing to sit and let them wash over us for release is no easy task. However, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness techniques reconnect us with our bodies and calm our nervous systems, making them essential for long-term healing. Starting small is key. I begin with mindful walking, paying attention to what I see, hear, smell, and can touch. Then, I introduced light yoga stretches and Qi Gong.

There’s also an amazing technique called ‘tapping,’ or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). The basic tapping technique involves focusing on a negative emotion—whether it’s a fear, a worry, a bad memory, or any unresolved problem—while keeping your mental focus on that issue. Then, you use your fingertips to tap 5-7 times on 9 specific meridian points on the body. There’s a link to a great app in the resources.

4. Unresolved Surgical Trauma Therapy

 

When I was in the depths of my trauma, the last thing anyone could get me to do was talk about it—especially since my surgical trauma had left me suspicious and afraid of medical professionals. However, after reading Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score and learning how non-pharmaceutical therapies have revolutionized trauma survivors’ lives, I decided it was time to give it a try myself. I’ve found that methods like somatic experiencing, trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and EMDR do help release stored emotions. These therapies can often be expensive, but they are definitely worth the investment. If you’re curious about EMDR, there’s a virtual EMDR site that offers a 3-day free trial. I’ve linked the site in the resources.

5. Journaling

 

I take my journal everywhere, especially on walks. The exercise often brings up emotions, memories, and epiphanies that I stop and write down wherever I am. This stops them from going back inside my body, and once they’re written down, I can revisit and deal with them. Writing about your experiences is like writing a love letter to yourself. There’s no need to hide your emotions—it’s just between you and the paper. Journaling helps remove the chaos and noise from your mind and process it onto the page, leaving you feeling lighter and calmer.

6. Find Support and Share

 

Joining support groups for trauma survivors provides validation and encouragement. As demonstrated by my friend and my struggles with IBS, sharing our stories and pain made the experience more bearable. I created Scarred and Fabulous to establish a space where women can share their journeys and know they’re not alone. Encouraging others to share their stories and surgical experiences can help process unresolved feelings and foster closure.

Conclusion

 

Unresolved emotions from surgical trauma aren’t just “in your head”—they’re stored in your body and can manifest as real, tangible illnesses. By acknowledging the mind-body connection and seeking holistic approaches to healing, it’s possible to reclaim your health and find freedom from these lingering effects. The first step to healing is understanding and acknowledgement of the trauma and its impacts on your life. Below are some books and podcasts that can help you unravel your own traumatic experiences.

Let me know in the comments which ones resonated most with you.

Resources for learning more about unresolved trauma’s effects on the body:

 

Unresolved Trauma Therapy Tools That Won’t Break The Bank

 

1. Virtual EMDR Virtual EMDR is an online platform offering self-guided Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This program is designed to help individuals address issues such as trauma, anxiety, and addiction by providing accessible and affordable EMDR sessions that can be conducted privately at one’s own pace. I found it incredible helpful and a lot cheaper than seeing a therapist.
2. The Tapping Solution focuses on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as tapping. This method combines elements of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology to alleviate stress and emotional distress. By tapping on specific meridian points while concentrating on particular issues, users can regulate their nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and promote overall well-being.

Books

 

1. “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter A. Levine
   This book introduces readers to somatic experiencing, a body-focused therapy that helps release trauma stored in the body.
2. “The Highly Sensitive Person” by Elaine N. Aron
   This book explores the connections between sensitivity, emotional stress, and physical health, offering strategies for managing these traits
3. “Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof That You Can Heal Yourself” by Lissa Rankin
   This book discusses the power of the mind in healing the body, integrating personal stories and scientific evidence.
4. “The Gut-Immune Connection” by Emeran Mayer
   This book provides an accessible look at the interplay between gut health, the immune system, and emotional well-being.

Podcasts

 

1. “The Trauma Therapist Podcast” by Guy Macpherson
   This podcast features interviews with trauma experts and explores innovative ways to heal from trauma.
2. “Unlocking Us” by Brené Brown
   Brené Brown dives into topics related to vulnerability, emotional health, and their impact on physical well-being.

References

Danese, A., & J Lewis, S. (2016). Psychoneuroimmunology of early-life stress: The hidden wounds of childhood trauma? Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(1), 99-114. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2016.198

Kendall-Tackett, K. (2009). Psychological trauma and physical health: A psychoneuroimmunology approach to ethology of negative health effects and possible interventions. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 1(1), 35-48. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015128

Kolk, B. V. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin UK.

Reza, T., Grezenko, H., Barker, C., Bakht, D., Faran, N., Abdullah Yahya, N., Affaf, M., Mohamed, H., Gasim, R., I.K.H. Almadhoun, M. K., Rehman, A., Kumar, U., Shehryar, A., & Hasan, A. H. (2023). Emotional stress and immune response in surgery: A Psychoneuroimmunological perspective. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.48727

ZACHARIAE, R. (2009). Psychoneuroimmunology: A bio‐psycho‐social approach to health and disease. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 50(6), 645-651. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9450.2009.00779.x