Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/20/2009

Question
Hi
I had my appendix out about eight months and since then, I have been told that I am suffering from depression, Could the anaesthetic of caused it I’m scared as I have to have yet another General anaesthetic for a stitch that was meant to off dissolved and has not ? Would it be safe for me to have another one?
My asthma has also made a huge come back could all off this be related to one reason?
My GP told me that my depression is related to the aneathetic although my question is I have had so many for years because of a completicated medical background.
Also is it normal for a person not to sleep after a general but to sleep for nearly a day two days later?
Thanks for your time

Answer
I never understand how physicians make such bold statements as "your depression is caused by anesthesia". It's not and anesthesia has nothing to do with depression. Yes it is safe to have another anestheticbut if this is just to remove a stitch, it probably can be done under local. The asthma is also not related to the fact that you had anesthesia. As for the sleeping, I have never heard of that side effect so it is more likely related to other factors.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston