I am allergic to some common anesthesia drugs that make it difficult for me to wake up after surgery. (My lungs are not strong enough to pump out the anesthesia after these drugs are used).
And I just had a pulmonary embolism on February 24, 2010.
The anesthesiologist walked into my pre-op room the morning of my surgery and said, “My you are a challenge.” Not exactly the reassuring words you want to hear, but I knew it was true. He had spent a lot of time studying my case and had also called in an airway specialist.
Because of my small mouth, I have to be fiber-optically intubated. The drug I am allergic to is the drug that is generally used to relax the muscles in the throat so they can do this kind of intubation. So what they came up with is an “awake intubation.”
That sounded pretty awful. He said they would give me some drugs to relax me, and those drugs tend to cause amnesia so he wasn’t sure I would remember any of this.
I didn’t. I remember them spraying the back of my throat to deaden it and then I was out. When I woke up in recovery, the anesthesiologist was there. He said I was awake during intubation and cooperated. I remembered nothing. So I don’t know if it was awful at the time or not!
Two days later I had a low-grade headache, and a very metallic taste in my mouth. Exactly what I usually have after surgery from the anesthesia. But I was (am) very clear-headed. I usually can not focus or read for 4-6 weeks after surgery, but I am having no problems with that now, just a few days after surgery.
Like I said in an earlier post, I can’t find any reasons to prolong my recovery. It’s pretty amazing to think that if I was employed, I would be paid for six weeks of disability.
But I’m not. I own a business and love it. So I’m back to work!
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Wow, Mary, what a story! I am glad to know everything went well.
And I know about being self-employed! It's sounds all fun-and-independence until something happens and you realize that you have no financial back up at all.
Take it as easy as you can, at work and here's to a fast and safe recovery!
April 22, 2010 - 1:50pmThis Comment