Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/23/2008

Question
After every surgery I wake up screaming in pain and the max out what they can give me, when I become a little more awake i am crying uncontrollably, in severe pain, panicing, and have a heart rate in the 160's this whole syndrome lasts for about 4-8 hours after surgery. The last one the surgeons said he gave me 3 times the amount of phenobarbital and I was still awake and in horrible pain. Does this sound like any type of illness or syndrome considering it happens every time I have surgery. I'm going in a week for them to crack open my chest and taking a tumor out and I thought maybe I could let them know what this might be so they can deal with it, so the staff, other patients around me, and myself can possibly get through this better. I don't need a diagnosis just kind of an idea of what might be going on.

Answer
Hi there
The important thing is to tell your anaesthetist that you have had this problem and that you are concerned that you will be difficult to manage again this time when you wake up in the Recovery Area.
I am not surprised giving you extra phenobarbital didn't help! That is an induction agent and sedative. You are not alone, quite a few people have problems with the emergence phase from anaesthesia.
There is no syndrome - it is just how you were born, your genetics.
So ensure that they know and ask them to help you through this. They can try some different anaesthetic techniques but the important thing is for them and the Recovery Staff to be ready for you.
Sorry no magical cure, kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson
ps I hope all goes well