Complications after surgery, is it the anesthetic

[Spring-02]

I had minor surgery this week to remove a complicated cyst from my breast.  They had to keep me 3 1/2 hours in the recovery room in order to stabilize my breathing with oxygen supplementation and to warm my body up.  My hands were like lumps of ice and they kept telling me to take deep breaths, but I just couldn't seem to stay awake.  I am due to have major surgery for a giant paraesphogical hernia very shortly and am very worried over how I will do in the recovery room. That surgery will be over three hours and I will be under a lot longer and have a higher dose of anaesthetic.  The nurse asked me if I had Reynards, but I didn't know what she was talking about.  I later read the symptoms of it, but don't think I fit that category, although I have been known to have cold hands before.  My younger brother had a major reaction after his surgery as his lungs filled up and they had to take him back into the OR and drain them.  Just wondering if anybody has had any experience with post-surgical complications and allergies. I am female, age 60 and have various food allergies and am allergic to sulfa and penicillin.  I also have very sensitive skin and just developed dermatitis on my groin, where the elastic of my panties meets the skin.  I can't seem to tolerate the elastic anymore.  I don't know what my options are now, as my surgeon recommends I have this hernia surgery as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications in case it ruptures. However,if I don't recover after the surgery, what choice do I have.  It's almost like playing Russian Roulette.............

[tmv]

You really need to talk to the anesthetist to let them know ahead of time. Their are so many variation of meds that they can use for putting you to sleep. If they know what you are allergic/sensitive to, they can use meds from another category. It sounds like you definitely need the surgery.  Best of luck to you, tmv

[Deeds]

You need to really STRESS your problems to the anesth. and your doctor. Do not have your surgery at a 'day center' make sure it's in a hospital so, if you have anymore bad reactions - they are right there for you!! I had my acl replaced in my left knee a few years back - my first major surgery and the first time I was in a hospital.  I think they took my height and weight into consideration for the anesthia but, didn't take into account that I am a 'lightweight' and simple things effect me greatly... I spent 5 hours in recovery after surgery ((should have been 1 1/2 hours!)) My poor husband was scared to death!!  I remember them trying to bring me 'out' of it...I still have flashbacks from it - it was HELLACIOUS!  If I ever need to go 'under' again - I am going to make sure they KNOW I am overly sensitive to any drugs!!   GOOD LUCK!