Is surgery still safe?

[Katijanae]

I have autonomic dysfunction.  I don't know why, and I have yet to have a neurologist who is willing to see me.  I have significant problems with temperature intolerance.  I am scheduled to have knee surgery soon, but I'm concerned about what might happen to me in a cold opperating room.  Is it safe for me to have this surgery?  Any feedback would be helpful.  Right now I'm just trying to stay alive.
Thanks,
Katijanae

[rhonda1017]

Hi,

     I don't know what kind of autonomic dysfunction you have, so it depends.  I have HyperAdrenergic POTS and surgery is big NO NO.  For me to go under they would have to put an arterial line into my heart for anesthesia.  I was supposed to have a complete hysterectomy but it is now cancelled until it becomes life threatening.  Do you have tachycardia with your dysfunction?  If so, you need to see a cardiologist and make sure it is safe for you to go under anesthesia.  I hope this helps.  You might want to check out the website www.potsplace.com  They have lots of information about POTS and other autonomic dysfunctions.  

[Katijanae]

I don't know what kind of autonomic dysfunction I have.  I haven't seen a Neurologist yet.  I'm still waiting to be approved to make an appointment with a Neurologist in my state (my insurance doesn't feel they should have to pay for one out of state), so I have to exhaust my options here first, while I exhaust myself as well.  I do have a physiatrist (doctor of physical and rehab medicine) who is working with me.  She told me that I have dysautonomia and is trying to help me find a neurologists who works in that area of expertise.  In the meantime, my orthopedist wants to do surgery on the torn miniscus in my knee.  He doesn't think I will have any problems, because he doesn't think I have a problem.  I tried to read through the information on potsplace.com.  I'm confused as to what kind it would be.  These are my symptoms: Neurogenic bowel and bladder, diminished oxygenation (80%) while sleeping, resting heart rate 120 (tachycardia?), temperature intolerance (I don't sweat).  I have had some orthostatic intolerance, but it comes and goes, and have no stomach problems.  Other diagnoses are Spinal Stenosis and Peripheral Neuropathy.
Thanks for you help.
Katijanae

[rbird]

Surgery will most likely cause a flare in your symptoms.  I would seek a second opinion.  most insurances have allowances for that.  you need someone who is sensitive to your problems.
As far as the actual surgery itself, you will need to speak to the anesthesiologist who will be providing your care.  They do a thorough interview and discuss the different types of anesthesia that can be used - the risks and benefits.  they will be the one who is monitoring your pulse, temperature, and oxygen saturation during the surgery - they will need this information.  Good luck
rbird

[Katijanae]

Thank you for you additional comments, rbird.  I just found out today that there is a neurologist in Denver who works with patients with dysautonomia, and they suggested that I postpone my surgery until after I have had a chance to speak with the doctor there.  It's just a torn miniscus in my knee that we're talking about, so of course I can postpone it until after I meet this neurologist.  I so hope he is a humanitarian, and not just in medicine to impress people with his knowledge.  
Wishing all of you the best!
Katijanae