Anesthesia and PD

[Ob6842]

I’m planning on having Morton’s neuroma surgery in a few weeks, unless I chicken out! I’m concerned about any negative effects because of anesthesia . I’m going to check to see if doing some type of block instead of General, is a possibility. Has anyone had that operation, or have experience with different types of anesthesia?

[Sane1]

I just had an inguinal hernia repair done 2 weeks ago. Like you I was concerned about the general anesthesia (GA.) I have a friend who has PD and had to have GA a year ago. It took a long time for her to wake from it and she ended up hallucinating and with memory problems for a few months after her surgery. I was concerned. My surgeon wouldn’t do it with a spinal block. I printed out all the medicines that were contraindicated with PD and its meds to be put on my chart for the anesthesiologist ( and medical staff) to see. When I spoke with the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery he told me that he only had seen a few problems with PD patients when the surgery was very lengthy . I had the surgery and had no problems with the anesthesia. Keep in mind that GA slows your intestinal movements and can cause worsening constipation if that is an issue you need to stay on top of. Best of luck with your surgery.

[rhyspeace12 in reply to Sane1]

My husband woke up in the recovery room and started hallucination and trying to get out of the bed. It didn't have any real affect on him after that incident, though.

[Boscoejean]

radiusanesthesia.com/anesth...

you may want to print this up and give it to the anesthesiologist in advance

[Sane1 in reply to Boscoejean]

Good reference. Thanks. Also apdaparkinson.org/what-is-p...

[jaybar]

I had the surgery years ago. It definitely helped but in the 40!years since I now have neuromas on both feet. It grew back over time.

But I am about to have serious back surgery and I am also concerned about anesthesia. I’ve read that some drugs should be avoided. I am hoping to discuss with my PD doctor, the surgeon, and continue researching.

If anyone has information I would appreciate hearing about it.

[beehive23 in reply to jaybar]

avoid antihypertensives both alpha and beta blockers, avoid ketamine .....ehealthme.com/drug-interact...

[amykp]

Heh--my husband had surgery for his neuroma which didn't work very well. Though I wouldn't say you shouldn't have it, the thing that made a bigger difference was wearing zero drop shoes with a REALLY wide forefoot. Look at brands like altra and xero.

Also, btw, my husband IS an anesthesiologist. He kind of rolls his eyes (at me--he wouldn't at you) and says that it is his JOB to know how to take care of folks with PD, and he takes that seriously.

Ketamine, btw, reduces PD symptoms. In fact it has been studied for PD treatment (medicalnewstoday.com/articl... so I don't understand why it should be avoided.

I've had several surgeries since my diagnosis, all with good outcomes. But I do think as people get older anesthesia is harder on them...irrespective of parkinson's.

[Ob6842 in reply to amykp]

Thanks. Yes, Altra is my new favorite shoes! The orthopedic foot doc mentioned using a tourniquet of some type to contain the blood flow instead of General anesthesia. He said it would be very tight.… Not so sure about that either! Yikes….,I’m pretty nervous!

[amykp]

Oh, I think I know that kind of anesthesia--it's a form of local and the tourniquet is just to keep the lidocaine (or whatever) in place. You don't feel it. Another option might be a nerve block. I had one for ankle surgery. That, plus a sedative, Versed...uh...what happened???

But if you generally have good cognition and, er... (how old ARE you?) I don't think you need to worry all that much about a short bout of anesthesia. No decent anesthesiologist is going to mindlessly give you droperidol.

Though, my DH would suggest a nerve block in addition anyway. He says, the healing goes much better, as you are pain free for at least a day. (He had one for his neuroma surgery himself.)

Oh yes--another thing to help with neuromas are those toe separators--the fancy name brand ($$$) are called Correct Toes.

[Ob6842 in reply to amykp]

Thanks so much for the reply… I’m 67, and very active, but a little concerned about anesthesia This will be my first surgery. Yes, I have tried toe separators and they only have helped a slight bit. I have to say that ALTRA shoes are the best for a wide toe box!

[amykp]

Heh, I am 67 (and very active) as well. Here's something else DH likes to say: Statistically, you are in more danger DRIVING to the hospital than you are going under anesthesia. And that includes PWP.

Insurance rates for anesthesiologists have gone way, way down, and there's a reason for that.

[Ob6842 in reply to amykp]

I most definitely needed that encouragement! Thank you

[Www1381la]

my dad had hernia repair surgery a couple of months ago and it was done with general anesthesia. As long as you talk to the anesthesiologist beforehand they should be able to use the right anesthesia and sedatives for someone with Parkinson’s. Everything went well for him and was all fine! They also assured that lots of pwp get surgeries and come out fine, always good to be cautious though and inform them of your situation, it’s a must to speak with an anesthesiologist and to give your neurologist or MD a call to let them know and ask any questions.