Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 5/13/2010

Question
does the anethesia make your mood mean and depressed after having a surgery (gallbladder removed) 2 weeks ago. I don't feel like myself. I feel MEAN. What is wrong with me?

Answer
Anaesthesia and the bodies reaction to the surgical 'insult' can both lead to issues following surgery. We know amazingly little about the complexities of how anaesthetics work but we do know that they can lead to memory issues and cognitive change and that some people are probably more susceptible to this than others via a genetic trait. We also know that these issues become more marked as one gets older esp beyond 65.
I suggest that you drink plently of fluids and try to take regular exercise and I'm sure it will all settle down over the next few weeks.
Dr Ian Jackson