Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/26/2008

Question
three surgeries and in each I have been told by the nurse they could not wake me up. The last time was not surgery it was I guess a relaxant for a colonoscopy and I could hear the nurses saying "every time she closes her eyes her heart rate goes way down". She was instructed to sit me up and not let me close my eyes. My husband was called in and he help keep me awake. I am having surgery soon and I will tell my anesthesiologist. What do you think is happening. Am I over sensitive to drugs. I suspect I am. Is there such a thing as a person who is over sensitive to drugs? Does it have a name? I am very healthy 54 yrs old female, no history of any type of medication or no illnesses, no blood pressure problems, just highly susceptible to drugs, don't give me two cups of coffee or I get heart palpitations, this has been checked out perfect heart, just "allergic" to caffeine. Thanks for any answer.

Answer
Hi Rita
You have hit the nail on the head - you probably are just sensitive to the drugs we use. There is tremendous variation in the population with some people being more resisant to drugs whilst others (like you) are sensitive. This is natural variation. There is no name for it. You are doing the right thing by telling your anaesthetist - sometimes we can use special techniques that help us use less of the drugs you are susceptable to - though it does depend on the anaesthetist and the type of surgery.
You always wake up - it just takes you longer than average. This is no real problem for you but it does upset the staff who are looking after you as they have to hold onto you for longer. Please don't worry about it.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson