General Anaesthetic

[Kenbowns]

I had day surgery in March, at this time I did not know about my b12 deficiency, just had the symptoms, how does anaesthetic affect b12 and would that only be temporarily ?

[Gambit62 Administrator]

nitrous oxide (gas and air) is the only anaesthetic I am aware of that interacts badly with B12

nitrous oxide is a super-oxidiser when it comes to B12 and converts it to a form that the body cannot use, so if you had an absorption problem and couldn't replace your the oxidised B12 with new B12 then it would be a permanent problem.

Nitrous oxide isn't a local anaesthetic so suspect it isn't used for most day surgery but if you have any doubt then I would suggest that you contact the hospital/surgery where the operation was done and ask them to clarify.

[Kenbowns in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you Gambit, it wasnt a local anaesthetic, it was a knock me out one, would that have been nitrous oxide ?

Sorry for being dim, I know nothing at all about this.

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Kenbowns]

the only way of knowing would be to ask. You are entitled to copies of your medical records though it can still be difficult to get the information you want as a request is likely to give you a photocopy of hard copy records and the details may not be on the hard copy records. Suggest that you contact the hospital and ask the specific question about what anaesthetics were used.

[Kenbowns in reply to Gambit62]

I see the surgeon that did the operation on Monday so I will take the opportunity to ask him.

[Hidden]

end June 2015 after my op and GA I experienced "unable to pass urine" followed by wandering to my right whilst walking and EITHER one or two days of total fatigue physical and brain. After checking the internet, B12 deficiency seemed apt so I ate some liver for two weeks prior to my second (beg Oct 2015) op and GA; I also spoke to my anaesthetist who said he would change the GA. I had no problem after the second op. I had similar problem in 1993 after RTA but had no GA but I had STRONG ANTIBIOTICS both occasions.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Link about nitrous oxide

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/n...

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

[Kenbowns in reply to Sleepybunny]

Confirmed this morning that Nitrous Oxide was not use in my op, I suppose that is one less complication.