Advice for Anesthesiologists for ME/CFS/FM Patients 2015-04-10

I had a VERY bad experience with general anesthesia when I had arthroscopic knee surgery. I awoke feeling incredibly weak and nauseated to the point of having a very difficult time moving. I felt these effects for at least the next six months, and doubt that I ever fully recovered from the experience.

In the process of discussing this with my surgeon, he casually mentioned that perhaps we should have done a local anesthesia instead. He didn't tell me beforehand that this was an option! I wonder if a local anesthesia would be an option in your case.

I've come to believe most doctors and surgeons are far too casual about the use of general anesthesia, and the multiple dangers they can present--I think especially for pwME/CFS. I think they're also often way to eager to do procedures that aren't necessarily a high priority. I think it behooves us all to do whatever we can to inform ourselves of anything recommended by any health care practitioner.

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