I am preparing for a couple surgeries. I have heard that people with PD may see increased symptoms after the use of anaesthetics. Would like to know it there are things we can do to mitigate the impact?
I am not sure how to search the Cure Parkinson's subset of HealthUnlocked, so apologies if topic already addressed. Thank you for any insights.
The increase in symptoms may be due to the stress of the surgery. I had surgery for spinal stenosis year ago January with no increase. I've seen reports of anesthesia reducing symptoms, so you just don't know.
Good morning susan. I just wrote a book called having surgery? What really happens when you are asleep. I was a nurse anesthetist for 30 years and discuss this in my book. The belief is that the less gas they use the better off you are. However, There’s some data showing that with brains at risk, in other words, small children, and elderly that there may be an increase in dementia after multiple anesthetics. However, other data explains it’s due to the incision with the bacteria actually interfering with your gut biome causing the problem . This study shows it doesn’t matter what anesthetic or type is used. I have had many people over the years tell me that when they’re a grandma or elderly relative had multiple anesthetics that they weren’t the same. So my advice to you is ask the Anesthesia staff to use as much local as possible decreasing your need for big doses of gas or other drugs. Also, get your biome in your gut as healthy as you can before and after surgery. This is not just eating healthy, but actually eating a big diversity. There is a great study that shows people who ate more than 30 types of vegetables or fruit in a week Have amazing biomes. People under five types per week looks pretty bad. I go to the organic grocery store, get every type of crazy fruit and vegetable I can find and put it in a blender. I freeze some too. My children call it the snot drink. Good luck, and I know this is not in particular to Parkinsons, but is the closest I have found so far.
Thank you, great advice!
Susan,
I may ask a "duh" question, but your Dr has had experience with Parkinson's? Has the anesthesiologist? Each person is very different with the disease and rection to things, but the amount of time "under" , the amount of time in "recovery" and the amout of time to complete awareness can make a difference. The longer "under" the longer to have the body recoup from that part of the surgery---not to mention the surgery itself.
If you have an Aware Care kit from the APDA, then the medical staff can have your medication schedule on hand and IF they are on "cue" can help with the symptoms.
I wish you well and may your caretaker/supporter be a vocal medical advocate for you!!!
Keep in touch and let us know how it went
wife of husband with PD
Thank you
My husband had horrible reactions post-op. He became paranoid and just plain nasty. Make sure you talk to your anesthesiologist and the nursing staff so they know that you must have your meds ON TIME and not the typical one hour before-one hour after routine. Timing of PD meds is critical.
I have also had general anesthesia for spinal stenosis surgery within the past year and had no issues with PD symptoms being worsened (or improved) following anesthesia.
Thank you
Susan,
I had rotator cuff/bicep surgery 4 months ago and I was very adamant with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to avoid general anesthesia in favor of a local and a nerve block. I believe it might even last a bit longer if I remember correctly and help the pain right after surgery as well.
Thank you!
Good luck Susan
Hi Susan, when I had an operation reently, the anaesthetist took the time to visit with me and advised that, on noticing that I have PD, he had added Metoclopramide to my list of allergens, as it was known to exacerbate symptoms of PD.
Thank you!
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