Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 9/19/2010

Question
I had surgery on my elbow yesterday.  The pain is minimal but I am itching everywhere, legs, arms, abdomen, back, feet, etc..  I am about out of my mind with this itching.  I was told to expect lots of pain but nothing about itching.  I would rather have pain.  Can anesthesia cause itching?  And, how long should it last?  

Answer
If they gave you morphine (for post-op pain), that can often cause itching. It is usually self-limiting and goes away within 24-36 hours. If not, you should contact your anesthesiologist to find out what they gave you and ask them for an appropriate treatment.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston