Expert: Michalene Peticca - 11/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Michalene
what is your view on anesthetic and Alzheimers ? My father had a pacemaker fitted five years ago,he woke up a different man and continually gets worse. he returned to the same hospital this week to have it replaced,we as you can imagine were totally against another anesthetic so it was done underlocal and sedation. We have been called to a meeting because we asked too many questions and were told we needed to apologize to the surgeon for questioning the anesthetic.
I am finding this hard to believe can you shed some light on this
situation.
YOURS VERY TIRED
ALI

ANSWER: Hi Alison,
I am very sorry about your father.  I assume he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Before his pacemaker fitting five years ago?

First, i believe your family has Every right to question and request medical measurements that you feel will be in the best interest of your father.   You do not have to succumb to any meetings or made to feel bad because of your choices.   No, you do not need to apologize to any surgeon for your requests.

Every Alzheimer's person is different as they correspond to anesthetic...i have seen some that do very well, and yes, i have seen some that do not do well.   Only you can decide what is best for your father.

You may want to ask some physicians on this site what their opinion is of this and perhaps that can help you as well.

I am always under the influence that we, as family members educate ourselves and make the best choices based on what our family member would want us to do.

I know you will make the best choice for your father.  Don't feel guilty or pressured.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Michalene
No my father was in perfect condition mentally five years ago before the operation,it was only after he began shiwing signs of Alzheimer's.
Ali

Answer
Hi again Ali,

In that case, i would DEFINATELY ask the physicians on here what they think.  Alzheimer's is a brain deterioration disease.  It sounds like he had some reaction to his operation and you need further clarification on what happened.

Keep asking!

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA