Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 7/3/2008

Question
I had arthroscopic surgery on my left shoulder for a torn roatator cuff on June 23. I had general anesthesia.Here it is July 3 and I am still feeling woozy. what I mean is I can do some light things around the house--dishes, tidying (no vacuuming) read or watch a little TV--and then I need to go lie down becaue I can't kep my eyes open. Only sometimes do I sleep (I have sleep apnea). Wouldn't the effects of anesthesia have worn off by now? I know I  metabolize soporifics very slowly. Last July I had a colonoscopy--and I know Versed was in the mix--and it was given to me about 7:30. I had the procedure--wide awake--I watched the video and asked the doctor questions. About 10:30 am long after I had gotten home--then I slept for four hours!
Will this go away? Is it normal? I am not taking any pain meds just aleve, liprinosil (blood pressure), actos (diabetes)
Thanks for you advice.
Sue

Answer
My feeling is that you are not reacting to the anesthetic but rather  this is just normal recovery from surgery. People tend to be weaker after surgery and have much less stamina. This is what this sounds like. I can assure you there is no anesthesia left in you.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston