Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/6/2008

Question
I'm in the medical field myself as a Nurse Practitioner.  The GI performing my upcoming procedure (had bleeding about a month ago) was most concerned about my Prothombin Gene mutation and how to manage me post procedure.  My background is in hematology - so I explained the whole thing - but still he wanted clearance from my hematologist.  I can appreciate his concern because he didn't feel educated with the disorder.

I have two concerns that I thought more pressing, but am having trouble getting a phone call back from their office about how to proceed.
#1  I'm on Nardil
#2  I have sleep apnea

I already planned to bring my apnea machine... and I know the scare of surgery and Nardil is less than it was, even 10 years ago...... but I guess I expected to hear from the anesthesiologist prior to the morning of the procedure?  Do you think it can be managed the morning of, or do I need to keep struggling to inform whomever will be providing anesthesia ahead of time?

Thanks much for your thoughts!

Answer
The problem with Nardil is not like it was in the past but you should still try to let the anesthesiologist know in advance. Mny GI docs do their own anesthesia so make sure to find out who is doing yours.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston