Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 8/8/2009

Question
My daughter had an allergic reaction to anesthesia during a tonsillectomy.  She went in anaphylaxis and v-tach.  She was resuscitated, but spent three days in ICU on a ventilator and has some lasting issues.  
My question is, we need to find a specialist to figure out what drug she is allergic to.  We live in a small town that does not have extensive medical resources in S. Calif.  Where should we go to find a medical facility to help us?

Answer
First, get a copy of the "anesthesia record" the anesthesiologist completed at the time of the surgery.  Arrange a meeting with the anesthesiologist to go over the record and note the medications and timing of those related to the onset of her anaphylaxis.  ONLY THEN, you will have some pertinent information to convey to an allergist who can make some reasonable conclusions about the cause of the anaphylaxis.

Your primary care, surgeon or anesthesiologist should be in a position to locate a referral to a tertiary center M.D. near you who is qualified to adequately evaluate your daughter's allergy issues.