Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 7/17/2006

Question
My Grandad is 80 yrs old and had a cornia eye transplant over a month ago, he is currently suffering major side effects from the anasthetic. The hospital are not doing much to help. He is very weak suffering from depression, intense headaches, nightmares and many more upsetting effects. Please is there any medicines or tonics available to help with his recovery as his suffering has gone on for too long. Thankyou Rhian.

Answer
Rhian or Mark
Hi there, I am really sorry to hear about your Grandad. It is an unfortunate fact that anaesthesia in the elderly can lead to major problems. It is also true that many anaesthetists/hospitals pay little attention to this issue.
I am sorry to say that there is not much that can be offered to help. The symptom of depression and some of the effects associated with this might be helped by the use of an antidepressant but I have not seen any research evidence to support this. Basically I think you (or rather your grandad) need help from a supportive General Practitioner who might try and treat some of his symptoms.
I am sorry I cannot think of any specific tonic or medicine that would help his recovery.
Dr Ian Jackson