Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/30/2010

Question
Hi Doc, is it possible to have an anesthesia related allergic reaction (breathing difficulties) in the recovery room (post-op)?  I am a healthy 35yo 135 lbs 5ft 6inches woman. I had breast reduction surgery and had a horrible experience where I had difficulties breathing.  I literally cried out and gestured the best way I could (drugged up and all) to the nurse - the only person in the room with me that I was unable to breathe she completely ignored me for over 2 hours. This woman was heartless. I fought to do everything not to fall asleep for fear that I would stop breathing and I would be found dead. I suffered through this terryfying paralyzing feeling for over 1 hour and prayed to God for help.  I finally made it through. I reported this to every body (Nurses etc) coming in contact with me including my doctor post-op who all ignored my concern. I was made to feel as if I made this up or it never happenned. There was remarks like "you are alright now"  and "this really does not matter now does it?" I also obtained a copy of my medical records and there is no documentation by anyone and the anesthesiologist informed me that he was never made aware of my concern.  I am scheduled for an upper GI in a few days and I am terrified besides the Gastroenterologist says he won't touch me unless I have detailed documentation from the procudure.  Thanks, For listening.

Answer
Without seeing the records I can only make conjectures but my feeling is that during the case you were paralyzed and intubated (this is normal) and after you woke up and the paralysis was reversed, it was incompletely reversed and thus you had trouble breathing. It is not an allergic reaction and there is nothing to worry about for your GI procedure (which is usually done under sedation). There is no excuse for the nurses action and I would recommend sending a letter to the Patient relations department to complain. The anesthesiologist should have been made aware of this and you should certainly mention it to the next anesthesiologist you have.

Sorry for your bad experience,

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston