Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 4/10/2007

Question
Hi, i had a general anesthesia for a ptosis correction.I was told by the anesthesist that i was about to early recover from anesthesia and had an extra dose.He accused me of alcohol consumption,however,I never tasted alcohol.What could be the problem?Recently i heard that my late father was warned by his doctor that he should never be sedated.Could this be linked to my condition?

Answer
Hi Ismail
This question saddens me and I am sorry that you have met a colleague who appears to be blaming you for his own inadequacy!
Natural variation means that everyone requires differing amounts of drugs to achieve the same effect. I suspect that you are just at one end of this variation and do require a larger dose. This may well have a genetic component and so may be related to what was said about your father.
Please do not be concerned as we tailor our anaesthetics to the amount you need and not to a set dose.
There is an element of truth in what the anaesthetist said as there is no doubt that those who drink large amounts on a regular basis also need a larger dose of anaesthetics. However this is no reason to make accusations against our patients.
I hope this puts your mind at rest.
Dr Ian Jackson