Expert: Mike MacKinnon MSN CRNA - 12/20/2011

Question
I recently underwent a total laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy under general anesthesia.  I had one of the most frightening experiences while going under anesthesia. I was taken into the OR and the anesthesiologist said he was starting the sedation.  Within seconds I felt like my chest was paralyzed and I couldn't breathe.  I yelled out "I can't breathe" and he said it was just the sedation.  I yelled out two more times and I remember the surgeon taking hold of my hand and telling me it was okay.  That was the last thing I remember.  I am sure the whole thing only lasted about 15 seconds but I truly felt like I was going to die.  In retrospect I am wondering if I received medications out of order or did I just not fall asleep before the paralytic was used. I have had general anesthesia once about 20 years ago and had no problem.  I would really like to know what happened to me in case I would ever need to have general anesthesia again.

Answer
Hi there Mary and thanks for the question.

I am so sorry for your experience, I cant imagine how scary that was.

First I want to say that it is very difficult to know what happened when I was not there but I will give you a few possibilities as to what may have happened.

It could have been as you suggested though that is highly unlikely. The reason I say that is because if you were to receive the paralytic early you would not have been able to talk to express what was happening to you.

One drug often given which can make your chest feel rigid is fentanyl. This is a known side effect which can happen though usually at very high doses. This could have been the feeling you were having as well.

Though it is difficult to pin point what happened I want to reassure you that it is unlikely to occur again. Make sure on your next anesthetic you inform your anesthesia provider of what happened as well.

I hope this helps!

Mike