General Anesthetic

[Karynleitner]

My husband has had frequent UTIs . The extreme amount of antibiotics has also caused recurring C-Dif (infection of the intestine with awful diarrhea ). Doctors are recommending a procedure to remove kidney stones . They feel the stones are holding on to the infection.

The plan is to have him under General anesthetic for 2 and 1/2 hours. Doctors seem to feel that general anesthesia does not raise a significant risk. I believe they are incorrect.

Does anyone know where I can get the best information regarding late stage PSP and general anesthetic. I am meeting with the doctors on Monday .

Thanks p

[Kevin_1]

Hi

I'm so sorry to hear this.

The anaesthetist should be able to get that information.

However, a tel. call to the PSP Assoc. might help.

Good luck.

I'm sorry to hear things are so rough for you both.

Warmly

Kevin

[Karynleitner in reply to Kevin_1]

Yes I agree. Sadly, they seem to think they know .

PSP Assoc. is a good suggestion.

Thank You.

[Dadshelper]

Dad had surgery to correct a bowel blockage, he was under nearly 3 hours. While it took 13 days in PCU (a step down from ICU) to get strong enough for discharge after the surgery he came through it without any major degrade to his baseline. Every person will be different of course and I was given all the risks prior to surgery by the doctors involved.

Ron

[LostinHeadSpace]

At a local meeting, they emphasized meeting the the anesthesiologist beforehand and asking for the smallest dose that would work, and to have it administered throughout instead of starting with a huge dose. One guy with PSP had a spinal block for a broken bone rather than general.

[Hiking13]

I am very much of the opinion that general anaesthetic causes a rapid decline. All of Steve’s issues became much more aggressive after he had had a brain operation to remove a cyst, we had never heard of PSP when he had this procedure at the end of Nov 2017 but he never really recovered properly following that surgery. He was diagnosed with PSP on 13th Sept 2018 and died on 28th Dec 2018. I would only have a general anaesthetic if there really is no other option or no other treatment available and I would definitely discuss this very thoroughly with the anaesthetic. The problem they had with Steve was that they couldn’t wake him up and he ended up in Critical Care for 3 weeks after the operation. When I discussed this a year later with the neurologist who diagnosed the PSP he explained it along the lines of the fact that the brain couldn’t get the message to the body to breath for itself quick enough in the same way that they can’t get the message from the brain to coordinate the swallowing etc. PSP is a nasty complicated condition but everyone is different as we know so there might be no complications from anaesthetic but I think it’s wise to give it careful consideration.

Thinking of you

Love Sarahx

[Karynleitner in reply to Hiking13]

Thank you for your insight.

[Baileyboo]

Dear Karyn

Like Sarah I found that a general anaesthetic exacerbated my husband's PSP. At the point of his back surgery he had not been diagnosed with PSP but did have a Parkinson's diagnosis.

His back surgery was a complete success and he stood up straight for the first time. I thought it was amazing. No pain at all. Then he fell backwards. I managed to help him get up. I couldn't understand why, he stood up so straight and was no longer in pain.

He was then diagnosed with PSP. There was no turning back. I strongly believe that the anaesthetic did make his PSP fast track.

I honestly can't advise you on this but know that Les progressed rapidly.

I am sorry I can't help you with your decision. I do wish you well and hope you don't see a dramatic change.

Love and hugs

Pat xx

[Karynleitner in reply to Baileyboo]

Thank you.

[SusieTess]

So sorry you’re faced with this difficult decision....what is the opinion of your neurologist, first and foremost? I would then discuss an epidural rather than general anesthesia with the anesthesiologist and keep him in a twilight sleep during surgery ....my husband had both his hips replaced that way with no ill effects...he was up walking the same evening.....please don’t just go along with the surgeons without questioning everything about the procedure ....we need to be our own best advocate....

Wishing you the best, Kathy

.

[Karynleitner]

Thank you. That was my suggestion , but the doctors feel differently. I will continue to ask for a neurologist consult.

[Baileyboo]

Morning Karyn,

Don't let the doctors force you. I know it feels as though the world is against you but your opinion does matter.

Love and hugs

Pat xx