Jenny Said:

Side effects after using Anesthesia?

We Answered:

yeppers, totally normal, dont worry

Teresa Said:

Have any of you experienced side effects from anaesthesia from surgery?

We Answered:

Actually, what you describe sounds like a form of depression that occurs in some people after surgery, accompanied by anxiety. It is quite common, especially when you are going through adjustments that you don't like or even feels threatening. It's better that you have that bit of "spunk" in you, because it indicates your desire to recover and get back to normal.

Steven Said:

86 year old grandpa after surgery acting delusional. Is it the anesthesia?

We Answered:

This is extremely common in elderly folk in the hospital for any reason and its even more common after surgery. It is called "sun-downing" and it is disorientation due to the unfamiliar environment, lack of clear day-night change (lights on), and any organic disruption.

By organic disruption I mean the pain from surgery and any of the physiologic elements the above answerers mentioned. These include electrolyte imbalances (though you would hope the medical team would be on top of those), pain (a big contributor), pain medications (an even bigger contributor), other medications, oxygen status, infection, drug/alcohol withdrawal, and underlying mental function (esp. early dementia). Only one or two of these factors need to be present.

Try to keep familiar faces there during the day, keep his room dark at night, something to help him sleep and to calm him will often be needed at bedtime. The choice of sleep medicine is very important and if its just the surgeon managing him you should ask that he/she get a consultant to help (Neurology, Gerontology, or maybe even internal medicine though one of the first 2 would be best). Don't let them give Benadryl or benzodiazepines. Getting him to home will also help.

Kenneth Said:

Side effects of Anesthesia?

We Answered:

Your fears are largely unfounded. As a fellow control freak (which is why I'm an anesthesiologist, I think), I understand your fears completely.

If you are having surgery that lends itself to other anesthetic techniques, like a spinal or nerve block, go with that. You can remain lucid and be pain free. You can even chat with your surgeon if you want while he/she is operating. :) If your surgery is something that requires general, don't worry. Most people go to sleep quietly and wake up quietly. A few wake up wild, but we know how to deal with that.

Very few say much of anything while sedated. Usually people say things that are very benign. After surgery, you'll be tired and not much in the mood to talk.

Todd Said:

Is on of the side effects of anesthesia an increase in heart rate?

We Answered:

It's not a normal reaction, but it happens. That is why you were watched in teh recovery room.

For sinus surgery, the surgeon frequently uses cocaine and/or epinephrine to numb the nose and reduce bleeding. Both of those drugs can cause your heart rate to soar, and we expect that. For some people, that effect can persist.

Pain, anxiety, agitation and dehydration are also common causes of an increased heart rate.

If there had been a reason for concern, they would not have sent you home.

Don't worry about it.

Ronald Said:

What are the side effects of anesthesia?

We Answered:

Having gone under anesthesia on three separate occassions, both IV and gas, it won't be as bad as you may think.

When you wake up, it will be rather immediate. You will feel disoriented for a few seconds merely because of the fact you'll think to yourself, that was quick. You will be fatigued so don't make any sudden movements. I've never had a problem with nausea myself. You will still feel tired for a few hours after your surgery though. The best thing to do is just sleep it off.

Just had a tonsillectomy on Monday(7/12/10) where I went under anesthesia for my third time.

1st time : Obstruction in my throat - IV Anesthesia
2nd time : Wisdom Teeth removed - NO2
3rd time : Tonsillectomy - IV Anesthesia

With IV, you won't even know you went to sleep. There is no counting. It just happens and then you wake up.

With NO2, you do the counting down from 10 to 1. You'll know when you're going out.