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Anesthesiology/Questions Answered by Expert Ronald Levy, M.D.

SubjectDate Asked
anathesia for colonostomy1/31/2012
  Q: I am taking an MAO Inhibitor (Nardil) and am going to have a colonostomy (the test) Will the ...
  A: There should not be a problem having a colonoscopy while on Nardil since this is routinely done ...
dental anesthesiology1/25/2012
  Q: Yesterday I had a tooth pulled by an oral surgeon. This is the third tooth he has pulled for my ...
  A: Narcan is not the answer but by the same token, I don't know why this happened to you. It is not ...
pseudocholinesterase dificiency1/24/2012
  Q: I have both genetic and environmental(pesticides suspected)form of deficiency, resulting in a delay ...
  A: You can have general anesthesia without problem. You just need to tell the anesthesiologist that you ...
fluid overload1/20/2012
  Q: I had lumbar fusion in June 2011. The surgery took about six hours. An hour after being in my room, ...
  A: Without knowing the rest of your history, it is hard to determine why you went into fluid overload. ...
Is it ok for me to get an assosiate's degree in Psychology to become an anesthesiologist?1/18/2012
  Q: i am currently attending a University of Phoenix and i am getting my associate's in Psychology and ...
  A: If your plan is to become an anesthesiologist, an Associate's degree is not enough. You need to get ...
Side Effects of General Anesthesia1/18/2012
  Q: I am an otherwise healthy 23 year old female. In the past 6 months, I've had 3 surgeries. The first ...
  A: The hair loss is not related to the anesthesia. The hoarseness is probably secondary to the ...
Dental Anesthesiologist1/14/2012
  Q: In one of your previous posts to Misty, a dentist interested in going in to an anesthesiology ...
  A: Anesthesiologist has a meaning to people that indicates a doctor (MD or DO) who has completed a 4 ...
UTMB Admission1/13/2012
  Q: Levy, I had a question on my chances of acceptance at UTMB. I had a interview at UTMB recently with ...
  A: I am not on the admissions committee so I do not know what criteria they use and how much weight ...
Mortality risk under anesthesia1/8/2012
  Q: I have an acoustic neuroma and have to choose a course of treatment. I feel like I'm comparing ...
  A: There is no calculator for anesthesia risk. The fact is that anesthesia is actually one of the ...
post epidural pain1/6/2012
  Q: I had an epidural on 10/25/2011. I had some pain down my left leg during insertion but they were ...
  A: It is normail to have pain at the insertion site for several days or a week but it is unusual over a ...
Critical Care Fellowship1/5/2012
  Q: Dr. Levy, I'm currently a CA-2 resident in a midwest anesthesia program who is potentially ...
  A: It really depends on how the hospital is set up. Some hospitals have their ICUs run by surgeons, ...
Dental Anesthesiologist1/3/2012
  Q: In one of your previous posts to Misty, a dentist interested in going in to an anesthesiology ...
  A: I still stand by my comment. An anesthesiology training program is 4 yrs in length. A dentist who ...
Lumbar fusion surgery being postponed due to enlarged left side of heart and mitral valve prolapse12/17/2011
  Q: I am a 49 year old female considered borderline obese. I had a disc removed last September 2010, L1 ...
  A: It is probably wise to find out the cause of the enlargement but it may not be treatable, per se. ...
anxiety under anethesia12/16/2011
  Q: I just recently went to have my tonsils taken out and when they put me under the anethesia my heart ...
  A: It is not likely that you had an anxiety attack after he gave you the anesthetic because the ...
Egd/colonoscopy10/15/2011
  Q: Yesterday I had a egd / colonoscopy done . All went well but today I have been kind of short of ...
  A: Not knowing what your normal values are, it would be hard to tell. The heart rate soesn't bother me ...
nursing after anesthesia10/11/2011
  Q: Levy, I am currently nursing an infant and will possibly be having surgery on my ear requiring ...
  A: Anesthesia agents generally do not go into breast milk so it is safe to breast feed, although most ...
Overdosing Anesthesia10/9/2011
  Q: Dr. Levy, The last time I had general anesthesia for an operation I was extremely nervous... for ...
  A: He is correct with a slight exception. When he said you can't reverse it, that is partially true. ...
anesthesia side effect from low blood pressure and anemia10/6/2011
  Q: Levy, I had a hip replacement surgery in March, 2011. I lost 450 ml of blood combined with a low ...
  A: That your blood pressure and sat were so low during surgery is the fault of the anesthesiologist. ...
epidural vs spinal block9/25/2011
  Q: Levy, I had an epidural when i delivered my son via c-section fourl years ago. Almost ...
  A: What probably happened the first time is you had a high anesthetic level. Are you sure they did an ...
Thallium needed before my surgery?9/20/2011
  Q: Levy, Thank you for your time. Next week I'm having a 2.5 hour surgery for a benign tumor & ...
  A: If you have no cardiac history, then there is no reason for you to get a stress test. If your ...
Breathing After Surgery9/20/2011
  Q: I've had two surgeries, both of them arthroscopic, and each time, when I woke up in recovery, I ...
  A: With so little information it is hard to say. Patients often fell like they can''t breathe and it is ...
Oral Surgeon issue9/13/2011
  Q: Last week I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed. I was given thorough pre-op instructions on my ...
  A: Generally speaking, we do not do inhalational inductions in adults because they are slightly more ...
Develop a bump behind the head after waking up from general anaesthia9/10/2011
  Q: Went hospital for endoscopy surgery to remove abscess in the throat and was put under general ...
  A: It is not permanent, life threatening or cause brain damage! Your head was probably laying against ...
sore throat and anesthesia9/5/2011
  Q: I am to have a surgery with general anesthesia on Wednesday. It is a hysterectomy. I have a slight ...
  A: If you don't have a fever or elevated white count, then you can have the surgery. Really, it is up ...
Laughing gas question9/5/2011
  Q: I read that laughing gas as well as being used in dentistry is also administered along with general ...
  A: Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide and it is used often in general anesthetics. It doesn't ...
side-effects?8/5/2011
  Q: My husband had Fentanyl and Versed for cataract surgery. He was unable to urinate afterward and we ...
  A: While narcotics (especially long-acting ones like Morphine) can cuase such problems when given ...
Is a LMA possible with MAC?8/4/2011
  Q: I am a 64-year-old woman who had scheduled an external DCR and ectropion eyelid repair. I had also ...
  A: The effects of anesthesia on cognitive function are overstate in the lay literature and if you are ...
wanting to be an anesthesiologist8/3/2011
  Q: i am starting college in a few weeks and they dont have a specific pre medical clasees so what ...
  A: Ther are no "pre-med" classes, only required courses for medical school including organic and ...
In need of advice8/2/2011
  Q: I am currently in the 10th grade and I am interested in becoming a Anesthesiologist. I am thinking ...
  A: There is no reason to rush out of high school. Use the time to take electives and enjoy your ...
I have interest in becoming an Anesthesiologist7/30/2011
  Q: I was wondering is to late for me to choose the career path of becoming an anesthesiologist, I am on ...
  A: It is certainly not too late as your high school grades don't count anything towards getting into ...
anestheia and depression7/30/2011
  Q: Sir, over the last 6 months I have had 3 major surgery {anesthesia} and 4 minor procedures for pain ...
  A: This is not due to the anesthetic (which is long out fo your system) and the relationship of the ...
Intermediate Metabolizer for CYP4502D67/29/2011
  Q: I am scheduled for my first colonoscopy next month. I understand I will be getting IV sedation and ...
  A: Generally, this disorder is related to a large class of medications that activate the Cytochrome ...
Trying to put the pieces together7/27/2011
  Q: I had my first child on 4/1 by cesarean section. After 18 hours of labor, I asked for an epidural, ...
  A: I cannot reasonable explain what happened to you because the sequence of events makes no sense. LEt ...
Scared of Anesthesia upcoming surgery7/23/2011
  Q: I am 43 yrs old, having elective plastic surgery on Aug 12th. I havent had any surgeries since I was ...
  A: Good News. In the last 20 years a new drug came out called Propofol which has all the qulaities youw ...
modified consent for anesthesia7/20/2011
  Q: Levy and thanks for reading my question. I had a serious adverse drug reaction to Versed and want to ...
  A: As for the Versed you got before surgery, it is entirely possible that it was a drug error rather ...
Side Effects of General Anesthesia7/16/2011
  Q: I am a 30 year old female. I have gallstones and I am planning to have my gallbladder removed. I ...
  A: The responses you had were actually normal. An epidural, besides its anesthetic effects also affects ...
desflurane induced liver toxicity7/15/2011
  Q: Levy, I have a close acquaintance who recently had shoulder surgery. 55yr. old male,20#overwt./ ...
  A: If he did have the blood drawn tomorrow, and the LFT's come back normal, would that eliminate the ...
What route should I take?7/13/2011
  Q: I've been set on becoming an Anesthesiologist since highschool. Now that I've finished my basics, ...
  A: You can major in anything you want in college as long as you take all the pre-requisite courses ...
elevation of blood pressure during general aneasthesia7/12/2011
  Q: ,,am 63years old female,with no relevant medical history,except subclinical hypothyroidism,and ...
  A: Without seeing the Anesthesia record, it is impossible for me to explain your hypertension but if ...
amnesia drug7/9/2011
  Q: I am 61 years old and I recently had a colonoscopy. I was told by the Doctor he did not use an ...
  A: The drug he probably used is Versed (or Midalzolam). This drug does cause amnesia but only for about ...
Spinal Block7/6/2011
  Q: I had a baby a little while ago. After 6 hours of no pain medication an epidural was administered ...
  A: Dosage it dependent on height so that might be an issue in combination with the epidural, etc. As ...
Spinal Block7/6/2011
  Q: I had a baby a little while ago. After 6 hours of no pain medication an epidural was administered ...
  A: This sounds like a high spinal but it is also confusing. If you say you could only blink your eyes ...
anesthesia when someone has had previous reactions7/6/2011
  Q: A friend of mine has to have surgery because she needs a complete hip replacement. She has had two ...
  A: First you need to determine what you mean by "allergic". There is no such thing as allergic to ...
What courses should i take?7/5/2011
  Q: I am 15 and i want to be an anesthesiologist, I;m going into 10th grade in September and i will be ...
  A: You are still very early in your preparation but you are off to a good start. As for colleges, any ...
general anesthesias compatible with Nardil7/4/2011
  Q: I will be having a right hip replacement and want to know what anesthesias are compatible with ...
  A: It's not so much that it is not compatible as it is dosing it correctly and being prepared for the ...
Clozaril and anesthesia6/28/2011
  Q: I have a patient scheduled for removal of 3rd molars under IV general anesthesia. Typical ...
  A: The main problem drugs here are Clozaril and Geodon (both anti schizophrenic drugs) and CNS ...
Epidural complications6/27/2011
  Q: My daughter had her last child in 2007 and received an epidural during her labor and delivery. She ...
  A: It's not a "brain float" but what is called a wet tap (or spinal headache) which is treated with a ...
Novasure Procedure6/24/2011
  Q: Levy, I am scheduled to have a D&C, Hysteroscopy, and Novasure on this coming Tuesday (the 28th). ...
  A: MAC anesthesia means they will give you sedation (potentially heavy if needed) plus the local. While ...
Chronic cough6/21/2011
  Q: I had a hysterectomy 1 year ago and have had a chronic cough ever since. I seem to have a ...
  A: I can't answer about an improper intubation but I would recommend being seen by an ENT surgeon. They ...
Dental Surgery6/21/2011
  Q: I have had HPB all my adult life which started when I had toxemia with the birth of my son. I have ...
  A: If you've already had nitrous oxide + local and it did not work, I wonder about "twilight sleep" ...
vtiamin supplements prior to surgery6/15/2011
  Q: I'm having cosmetic surgery which will last 6 hrs. My surgeon wants me off all vitamins and mineral ...
  A: I am not aware of any reactions between calcium/magnesium and any anesthetic agents. I can ...
versed reaction6/15/2011
  Q: About a year ago I had a very bad reaction to versed during a cardiac ablation at a med school in ...
  A: Actually the opposite. If you've had this drug before then it is likely that they just didn't dose ...
versed reaction6/14/2011
  Q: About a year ago I had a very bad reaction to versed during a cardiac ablation at a med school in ...
  A: First we need to differentiate between an allergic reaction and a bad reaction. An allergic reaction ...
day surgery with nardil6/7/2011
  Q: I am currently on 75 mgs of Nardil daily and need to have a systoscopy with anesthesia due to gross ...
  A: You are at an increased risk for complications related to the Nardil but it could be just as ...
general anesthesia after Ischemic stroke6/4/2011
  Q: My father had an Ischemic right Middle cerebral artery stroke in last August due to 2 month Aspirin ...
  A: While your father is always at a higher risk than the average person, the benefits of the surgery ...
anesthesia and bipolar disorder6/2/2011
  Q: After a diagnosis of breast cancer, I consulted with a plastic surgeon about reconstruction options. ...
  A: I have not heard of this nor is there any reason to assume that bipolar people would react ...
Memory and the use of anethesia5/30/2011
  Q: My husband recently had surgery to remove his prostate due to cancer. He was under for 6.5 hours. ...
  A: There has bee no definitive link between anesthesia and memory (although a lot of research is being ...
Medical School in late 30's5/30/2011
  Q: I am 35, have an associates in Psychology and a Bachelor's in MIS, I have a decently established 15 ...
  A: It depends on your specialty choice. If you choose something like surgery, you hours will suck while ...
Oral Thrush and General Anesthesia5/29/2011
  Q: My infant is scheduled to have ear tubes placed in 9 days. Today I noticed he has Oral Thrush. I ...
  A: Generally it is not a problem for us since we do these cases under mask anesthesia but it is up to ...
IV versus inhalational anaesthesia5/28/2011
  Q: Levy, I am 35 and soon will be undergoing general anaesthesia for the first time. I need an ...
  A: Generally speaking, we don't do inhalational inductions on adults for several reasons. First, adults ...
cnra5/25/2011
  Q: I'm Marlen and well I'm dyslexic and i want to become a Cnra,am really bad at mat,and well i don't ...
  A: It is difficult for me to tell you what to do. That is dependent on your motivation and desire. ...
colonoscopy:fentanyl alone??5/23/2011
  Q: wondering if having fentanyl alone(no versed) can, in general,provide enough sedation in addition to ...
  A: Versed is better than Valium. Valium has active metabolites and hangs around a lot longer. If you ...
How not to repeat a bad experience5/22/2011
  Q: I had a colonoscopy ten years ago and carpal tunnel surgery five years ago. Both times, coming out ...
  A: I can only guess at what happened since I don't have the anesthetic record in front of me. My guess ...
colonoscopy:fentanyl alone??5/22/2011
  Q: wondering if having fentanyl alone(no versed) can, in general,provide enough sedation in addition to ...
  A: Fentanyl does not provide any sedation, it is a pain medicine. Enough Fentanyl can make you stop ...
itching after surgery5/21/2011
  Q: i had surgery 5/5/11, after surgery i started itching...and incredible itch that just goes on and on ...
  A: Without more information, I obviously can't help you. Usually itching post op is related to some ...
Long term sedation and memory5/21/2011
  Q: I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1995. In December of 2007, at the age of 38, my intestines ...
  A: This is not an effect of long term sedation but more likely a result of long term hospitalization ...
anaesthetic poisoning5/19/2011
  Q: I'm writing a crime story where a woman got killed. At first the investigators determined the cause ...
  A: I doubt you would see any obvious physical findings and only on blood analysis might you find traces ...
Problems with Versed5/16/2011
  Q: I just had my first screening colonoscopy at age 40 since my mother had colon cancer. My discharge ...
  A: I can only speak in generalities as I don't know the specifics. In general, an initial dose of ...
anesthesia effects5/8/2011
  Q: I recently had open heart surgery. I am now having difficulty identifying colors and wondered if ...
  A: I can't explain why you are having trouble but it is not related to anesthesia. It is possible (and ...
pros and cons of spinal, general and epidural5/6/2011
  Q: I am scheduled to have my 3rd c section next week. The 1st was 7 years ago, i was given epidural ...
  A: What you had was called a spinal headache and it is very uncommon when a primary spinal anesthetic ...
Sedation for minor procedures with no anesthesiologist4/29/2011
  Q: Dr. Levy, I find it disturbing that in the US, sedation with Versed or diprivan is offered for all ...
  A: Both providers are supposed to have taken courses in sedation anesthesia. I know that most oral ...
MH trigger drug4/28/2011
  Q: I am having elective surgery next week and just had my pre-op appt. I asked if the dr. stocks ...
  A: Any institution that is prepared for general anesthesia MUST have supplies available for treating ...
Type of anesthesia4/23/2011
  Q: I want to have a face lift, eyelid lift, and some facial fat transfers but after consulting several ...
  A: Part of the answer depends on where the procedure is being done. If it is in the office, then the ...
Qualifying an anesthesiologist4/19/2011
  Q: How do I qualify an anesthesiologist that I am hiring through a private company separate from ...
  A: The best you can do is check out his board certification status from the American Board of ...
pre-med courses4/19/2011
  Q: I'm interested in becoming an anesthesiologist. I'll be going to college soon, and I need to know my ...
  A: None of your JC courses will likely count towards your pre-med requirements. If you are going to a ...
paralytic drug in SICU4/18/2011
  Q: My uncle had a brain injury and has a bruise on his brain stem and somewhere else in the brain. He ...
  A: It is difficult to say without knowing more about the injury. Did they put him in a barbiturate ...
Personallity Change after undergoing Surgery4/13/2011
  Q: My husband underwent surgery on 5-16-2010 to repair a crushed bone in his wrist due to a fall from a ...
  A: This is way outside my area of expertise. You don't mention if he has had any permanent disability ...
PCA for colonoscopy4/12/2011
  Q: I'm high risk and quite late (10 years) getting a colonoscopy; mainly because of the seadation ...
  A: First of all, I have never heard of a PCA pump for giving sedation as you describe. That being said, ...
Sedation While Pregnant4/12/2011
  Q: I am currently in the position to decide whether or not to go ahead with a procedure. I am almost ...
  A: First of all, no one will guarantee that no harm will come to the baby. That being said, I would not ...
neck pain following GA4/11/2011
  Q: I had a Davinci hysterectomy on 4/8/2011. The day after surgery I noticed petechial hemorrhages on ...
  A: It would be hard to say without seeing it, but it is not out of the question. Depending on how long ...
Epidural Anesthesia and SBO4/11/2011
  Q: I have spina bifida occulta at the level of T12 and L1 (no complications in my life ever- wasn't ...
  A: There is not much literature on the subject. I have attached a link to an abstract specifically ...
FEAR OF G,A,4/8/2011
  Q: YES YES I WAS UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHESIA FOR MY C-SECTION BECAUSE MY HOSPITAL SAID THEY WOULD NOT PAY ...
  A: Absolutely you can ask for some sedation prior to surgery (and they should give it to you whether ...
Epidural anesthesia for labor4/7/2011
  Q: Levy, Do you have any experience in epidural anesthesia for labor? I am due to give birth in a few ...
  A: We generally use bupivicaine which is a long acting local anesthetic. It is often combined with a ...
Long lasting numbnes from local anesthetic concern4/6/2011
  Q: I went to the ER earlier today, I had lacerated my thumb artery and all, they gave me a long lasting ...
  A: The two major issues are that there is good bllod supply and the nerve is intact. It is unlikely ...
anaesthesia4/6/2011
  Q: i was told i have to have a fibroid removed (about 6cm) laparoscopically. i am so scared to do this ...
  A: Did you have your c-section under general anesthesia or under a spinal or epidural? If it was either ...
Spinal for C-section - want the best results4/4/2011
  Q: I have had an epidural/spinal block combination for both my previous C-sections - only the second ...
  A: The c-sections were done with the spinal, the epidural was for the postop pain. As for most places, ...
lump in vein4/4/2011
  Q: I had an M.R.I. with contrast 3 weeks ago, when they first put in the contrast solution through the ...
  A: You probably have a phlebitis in the vein (an inflammation). Since it has not resolved in 3 weeks, ...
Knowledge4/3/2011
  Q: I am a college student and I trying my best to figure out which major to take at the moment I am ...
  A: The major doesn't matter. Major in what you are interested in but be sure to take all the pre-med ...
Propofol only during surgery3/27/2011
  Q: My question is regarding the pain that might be felt if only Propofol is used during surgery. I am ...
  A: First of all, if he is using Propofol as an anesthetic and not a sedative, you will not feel pain ...
Lactate Ringers3/25/2011
  Q: I have an anesthesia record and recovery room record for a total hip replacement. The anesthesia ...
  A: Without seeing the record, it is impossible to determine if an appropriate amount of fluid was ...
Panic about my operation3/23/2011
  Q: If I could ask you a question or 2, I would appreciate your advice. I am having a Minimal Invasive, ...
  A: When you speak to the anesthesiologist for your preop, ask about the Xanax. Generally it is not a ...
epilepsy grand mal3/21/2011
  Q: Good afternoon Doctor, My question is that my friend suffers from epilepsy grand mal and has had ...
  A: First of all, there is no adverse reaction to anesthesia as a result of surgery (and certainly not ...
Effects from anesiology3/21/2011
  Q: Two months ago I had anesthesia for shoulder reconstruction. I seem to be quite shaky but my main ...
  A: It is NOT a side effect of anesthesia but it certainly is something you should have checked out. Not ...
Anesthesiology3/20/2011
  Q: I was wondering if there were any specific classes that i would have to take or major in at a ...
  A: You must take all the pre-med required course including Biology, Inorganic Chemistry (and lab), ...
anesthesiology3/20/2011
  Q: Dr. Levy, i am looking for a good school to go to for this particular field. the majority of the ...
  A: You can get a bachelor's degree in anything (even History, if you want) as long as you take all the ...
Anesthesiology3/17/2011
  Q: I am currently in Grade 11 and I am planning on applying for my post-secondary education in the fall ...
  A: The Canadian system is different than the US system and I don't know which one you will be applying ...
having lung biopsy3/16/2011
  Q: On 3/24 I am having a lung biopsy with a needle to find out what my cat scan showed last week.I am ...
  A: I really can't quote you a number. Perhaps the radiologists can give you a better idea of that. It ...
having lung biopsy3/12/2011
  Q: On 3/24 I am having a lung biopsy with a needle to find out what my cat scan showed last week.I am ...
  A: Generally these are done under sedation and the Versed should be enough to calm your fears. The ...
dry couph before surgery3/9/2011
  Q: I am a 29 years old female, and I am schedule for surgery(niessen fundoplication, laparoscopy) in 10 ...
  A: If you have no other symptoms of infection (fever, chills, etc), then the surgery will probably ...
malignant hypothermia with mitochondrial myopathy and anesthesia3/8/2011
  Q: I have mitochondrial myopathy and require surgery frequently for a subglotic stenosis. Last time my ...
  A: Malignant HypERthermia (MH) is a disease whereby you ahve an abnormal response to certain ...
colonoscopy gone wrong3/5/2011
  Q: my name is sarah and yesterday I went in for a colonoscopy. Everything was fine until I went into ...
  A: I cannot explain what happened without seeing the record. My guess is they gave you Versed and ...
sedation2/25/2011
  Q: I am having an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. Is is possible for the procedure to be done ...
  A: No it is not possible to do this under local for several reasons. First, it would be impossible to ...
common cold and general anethesia2/23/2011
  Q: I am having an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is 5 days. I am starting to have symptoms of ...
  A: If you have a fever, then the surgeon's might cancel if they are planning to place any ...
post surgery2/20/2011
  Q: Why would you give an 82 year old man Haldol after surgery? He had one third of a lung removed ...
  A: I am assuming that what happened was the patient woke up from surgery fine but over the next couple ...
... propofol2/20/2011
  Q: I AM HAVING CATARACT SURGERY ON WEDNESDAY. I HAVE BAD ANXIETY AND I TAKE KLONOPIN .5 ...
  A: There is not a problem with it. For your surgery they will give you Propofol to put you to sleep fo ...
Pseudocholinesterase deficiency2/10/2011
  Q: My mother has pseudocholinesterase deficiency and her dr suggested I be tested. My counts came back ...
  A: Values over 70 (or 75 in some literature) is normal so you do not have the deficiency. This will not ...
Post Anesthesia Allergies2/8/2011
  Q: Whenever I have a MRI I have to be Put under with a breathing tube. I have old metal in my shoulder. ...
  A: I don't know who these doctors are but it is not related to the sedation medicine. If your skin ...
02&Death2/5/2011
  Q: I know I asked this yesterday but Im having trouble receiving answers and so Id ask you to send the ...
  A: I would assume that the oxygen would equilibrate with the outside air initially but over time the ...
Preparation2/4/2011
  Q: I am thinking about becoming an anesthesiologist, are there any specific classes I will need to take ...
  A: There are no specific courses in college other than the pre-requisite courses for medical school. ...
refusing trainees2/3/2011
  Q: I had surgery done by a resident in which she got me mixed up with another patient and did the wrong ...
  A: First of all, if you had a wrong surgery, it was not the fault of the resident. It was the fault of ...
admission1/11/2011
  Q: What are the possibilities of getting into medical school, if my gpa is 3.5 and a MCAT of 24? Also, ...
  A: You GPA is on the low side for the highly competitive schools and your MCAT average is an 8 per ...
College major?1/6/2011
  Q: I am currently in high school and am planning out the college I need to attend to. What college ...
  A: There is no college that is better than any other as far as preparing you for medical school and ...
Stimulant vs. Depressant, curiosity question1/4/2011
  Q: Levy, Thank you for your time! This is purely a curiosity question from a neurobiology major, but ...
  A: Without any evidence to back this up other than experience, I would say that the depressant will win ...
Breathing difficulties post po breast reduction12/30/2010
  Q: is it possible to have an anesthesia related allergic reaction (breathing difficulties) in the ...
  A: Without seeing the records I can only make conjectures but my feeling is that during the case you ...
anesthia, age and heart conditions12/29/2010
  Q: My aunt who just turned 101 has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer will need a mastectomy. ...
  A: The fact that she lived to 101 says something about her physiology. Age is not a contraindication to ...
spinal12/29/2010
  Q: I am having arthroscopic surgery on my knee. They will be using a spinal anesthesia with sedation. I ...
  A: Generally neither occurs. Occasionally you can get some hypotension but is temporary and limited. ...
blood pressure medication okay before general anesthesia?12/28/2010
  Q: I currently take Micardis daily for high blood pressure. Should I continue taking it prior to being ...
  A: Generally we have patients continue their blood pressure medication on their regular schedule but ...
anesthesia/cardiology12/27/2010
  Q: Can uncontrolled hypertension during general anesthesia cause cardiac arrest?
  A: That's a vague question but yes, in someone with a poor heart, hypertension can lead to a heart ...
anesthesia delivery12/26/2010
  Q: what happens when a patient comes to consciousness during surgery?
  A: They don't come to consciousness during surgery. That's the point of anesthesia. If they start to ...
anesthesia delivery12/26/2010
  Q: i was very curious to know what would happen if more or less amount of anesthesia is infused into ...
  A: That's a very non-specific question. Obviously if less is given, the patient might wake up or be ...
low blood pressure12/23/2010
  Q: I recently went to the doctor for an earache and my blood pressure was 87/53. I typically have ...
  A: First of all, have you had your thyroid checked? Often hypothyroid explains many of the symptoms you ...
3 weeks post op hip replacement12/22/2010
  Q: my mother 72 had hip replacement 3 weeks ago, incision healed no redness, drainage. doing well with ...
  A: No but is more likely related to the surgery. She might have an infection at the prothesis and ...
pseudocholinesterase deficiency12/20/2010
  Q: My son had his tonsiles out a few years back, he finally woke three hours after the procedure. We ...
  A: Aside from the fact that he shouldn't be experimenting, a pseudocholinesterase deficiency would only ...
phlebitis and IV catheter12/18/2010
  Q: Could a phlebitis caused by an IV catheter may appear after more than 4 weeks? I had an IV placed ...
  A: It is not likely that a phlebitis started a month after the surgery but you might have had it ...
Still Have Back Pain 3 Years After C-Section Using Spinal Block?12/15/2010
  Q: I had a c-section in October of 2007, in which a spinal block was used after about a 20-30 minute ...
  A: One thing has nothing to do with the other so I don't really know how to answer your question. It's ...
Brain monitor for MAC12/13/2010
  Q: I read portions of a book written by an anesthesiologist who strongly recommends that anyone over 55 ...
  A: I have never heard of this and it would be incorrect to generalize anesthesia that way. There has ...
general anesthesia complications12/8/2010
  Q: my dad is a 56 years old with diabetes and high blood pressure. About ten days ago he was hit by a ...
  A: Generally if someone has had a heart attack, it is recommended to wait 6 months for elective ...
general anesthesia complications12/8/2010
  Q: my dad is a 56 years old with diabetes and high blood pressure. About ten days ago he was hit by a ...
  A: There are a lot of issues here so let me try to sort some out. Patients with high blood pressure and ...
Anesthesiology: Associate Degree vs Bachelor Degree12/8/2010
  Q: Can you enroll in this program if you have an associate degree or do have to have a bachelors' ...
  A: It depends on what you want. If you want to be an anesthesiologist, you must have a bachelor's ...
Hypertension and tourniquets12/7/2010
  Q: my husband recently had an arthroscopy on his knee to treat synovitis, the surgeon used a ...
  A: All of the things you mention are normal practice. The surgeon uses a tourniquet to minimize ...
becoming an anesthesiologist12/6/2010
  Q: Dr.Levy I am a 10th grade student and hope to one day become an anesthesiologist. I was ...
  A: You have a long way to go before worrying about that. You need 2 more yrs of high school, then 4 yrs ...
best college for anesthesiology12/6/2010
  Q: I am a senior in high school and would like to know if you can tell me your opinion on good medicals ...
  A: You have a long way before worrying about medical schools. You first need to finish four years of ...
paralytic drugs11/30/2010
  Q: My brother was given a paralytic drug due to a bleeding lung. When his lung healed, they took him ...
  A: It depends on what drug they were given, for how long, their weight and their general nutrition ...
Ruptured L5,S1 Epidural during labor and delivery11/29/2010
  Q: I am 30 weeks pregnant with my 5th child. History of very fast labors (2-4 hours. Allergy to ...
  A: Here are the answers to your questions: I was wondering if my ruptured disc's could interfere with ...
sedation11/14/2010
  Q: Levy: I have a colonoscopy scheduled and the doctor wants to do it with sedation despite my desire ...
  A: First of all, the memory issues your friend has is unrelated to Versed. Versed causes antegrade ...
Laryngospasm during anesthesia11/13/2010
  Q: I am scheduled for elective surgery this coming Wednesday. I will have a CRNA doing anesthesia with ...
  A: First of all, if you are an adult, the risk of laryngospasm (after the cold is over) is small ...
where to start?11/13/2010
  Q: Im very interested in being an anesthesiologist. Im 30 years old and have never been to college. I ...
  A: It is not so easy. Having an AA might be good to get you back into academics but it does nothing ...
Anesthesiologist11/11/2010
  Q: Spring of 2011 I Start College, What Classes should I sign up for to lead to my Degree. I dont want ...
  A: You can't waste time. You must complete 4 yrs of college, then 4 yrs of medical school and then 4 ...
In Doubt..need help!11/10/2010
  Q: I am currently studying a Nursing Science degree in Zimbabwe and i have always wanted to become an ...
  A: To answer your first question, 30 is not too. But if you become an MD at 28, you start your ...
Answers11/10/2010
  Q: my name is Edwin and i already graduated from high school. I start college in January and i have a ...
  A: First of all, if you want to make a lot of money, there are other professions where you'll do that ...
anesthesiology11/9/2010
  Q: i am currently enrolled at Texas Chiropractic College and i am 2 courses away from earning my ...
  A: You need to make sure you have all the pre-requisites for medical school. You also need to take the ...
Spinal Blocks11/2/2010
  Q: I had a c-section 10 months ago. They gave me a spinal block, and the woman doing it seemed to have ...
  A: If you are having pain going down your buttock and leg (regardless of the cause), you need to go and ...
Anesthesia10/29/2010
  Q: I recently had a hernia repair in a surgical center. I noticed when I was put under I felt my heart ...
  A: First of all, this is not related to anesthesia. Your hypotension, etc. is also probably not related ...
Hours of anesthesiologist v CRNA10/28/2010
  Q: I currently have a degree in nursing and am wondering whether to go to med school or become a crna. ...
  A: That depends on you. In general, MDs work longer hours but you could get into a practice that is ...
anesthesia allergy10/26/2010
  Q: I recently went in for gall bladder surgery and was allergic to anesthesia. I went into anaphylactic ...
  A: You were probably NOT allergic to anesthesia but was allergic to some drug you received. It may or ...
my 5 y/o daughter needs general anestheia10/25/2010
  Q: Levy my daughters going to have to b put under to have her teeth pulled,age 5 they r talking 2-4 hrs ...
  A: As long as the anesthesiologist takes appropriate precautions for sickle trait (keeping the room ...
Alcohol and Anesthesia10/22/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy, My question is similar to one asked before, but it has some really wicked turns. My 44 ...
  A: It does sound like DTs. I am pretty sure the anesthesiologist would have given either Versed or ...
Nardil and anesthsia10/19/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy, I read with interest your answer to a question about anesthesia and Nardil. However, I ...
  A: As I've said in the past, ideally Nardil should be stopped 10-14 days prior to ELECTIVE surgery but ...
Awake during colonoscopy10/17/2010
  Q: To start off with I work in a hospital ER and have seen many conscious sedation procedures. I have ...
  A: Versed is the med that causes you to have amnesia and while it usually does that, it is not ...
ANESTHESIA AND DUROMINE10/16/2010
  Q: Good day. I would like to know how long before surgery (open breast biopsy) should I stop using ...
  A: Duromine is Phenteromine, a popular over the counter diet pill. Ideally, the longer off the drug the ...
Anesthesiology Requirements10/15/2010
  Q: I'm thinking about becoming an anesthesiologist when I grow up so I have a couple of questions. I'm ...
  A: You have two years left in HS so split up the courses. It is a heavy load to take all three in one ...
general anethesia/elective surgery10/14/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy, I am a 39 year old Houston resident scheduled to have elective liposuction in just over a ...
  A: If you are otherwise healthy, you do not need an EKG (although the anesthesiologist may still ...
I usally stop breathing under anesthesia10/13/2010
  Q: Im told I need a trach put in my throat so I will breath better for my gastric bypass operation. Im ...
  A: Maybe I'm not understanding the question exactly. If you are saying they need to do an awake ...
how old is too old?10/13/2010
  Q: my name is Kapresha. Ive read several blogs concerning how old is too old to become a MD. Im ...
  A: You have a tough road ahead of you but I applaud you for your determination. I know of several ...
Anesthesia complications10/12/2010
  Q: I had diagnostic lap & hysteroscopy/D&C 8 days ago under general anesthesia. My doctor informed me ...
  A: The shoulder pain is probably the CO2 but that would be easy to check with an upright chest x-ray. ...
Age and Anesthiology10/11/2010
  Q: If someone is 67 years old but their medical records say that they are 57 years old, will that make ...
  A: It doesn't make a difference, but why lie. Anesthesia is not given by age but rather by the ...
iv question10/9/2010
  Q: I had surgery on 6 oct 2010 to correct a left vaicocele, in which they tied off 3 veins. 2 days ...
  A: You should not start antibiotics. Heat is better because it increases blood flow to the area. Cold ...
single drug not combo10/4/2010
  Q: Levy: I have to get frequent colonoscopies due to a genetic problem. During the first one I have an ...
  A: There is no reason. That CRNA was not being very ethical and while it is not a prosecutable offense ...
Anesthesiology10/4/2010
  Q: I'm very aware it's a hard career to pursue and I'm willing to try my hardest to succeed. What's ...
  A: You have a long way to go. First you must finish college, then 4 yrs of medical school and then you ...
My schooling for anesthesiology10/4/2010
  Q: I am currently going to a community college and I plan on transferring to UC after I finish my two ...
  A: First of all, the community college courses will not help you towards medical school requirements. ...
hrnia repair operation10/4/2010
  Q: I had a mesh removal down 6 years ago do to an infection when they put it in, now Im 550 lbs and ...
  A: I don't know the rest of your medical history but if you already had a repair there and it got ...
Advancements in anesthesiology10/4/2010
  Q: I was wondering that once you become an a anesthesiologist what possible advancements could occur?
  A: The only advancements are 1) if you are in private practice, you can only advance either by getting ...
How to peruse becoming an Anesthetists10/3/2010
  Q: I am coming to the end of my first career after ten years and have decided that my next career is ...
  A: If money and supervision are not issues for you, then the CRNA route is probably the fastest and ...
Confused9/29/2010
  Q: I wanted to shadow someone so that i can know if anesthesiology is the right major for me; but I ...
  A: First of all, anesthesiology is not a major in college. To become an anesthesiologist you must first ...
Anesthesiology Education9/28/2010
  Q: I was just wondering what are some classes I should be interested in since i'm going into this ...
  A: You become a physician by completing medical school. Then you start a residency. You don't become a ...
Anesthesiology Process9/28/2010
  Q: I have a BBA, MBA and soon to be Doctorate of Healthcare Administration (DHA). If I wanted to to ...
  A: I don't know what a BBA or DHA are, but to be an anesthesiologist, you need a bachelor's degree from ...
mass/ polyp epiglottis found during intubation9/28/2010
  Q: September 25th I had a cervical discotomy for neck and right axilla pain(MRI of this region found a ...
  A: It is not the responsibility of the anesthesiologist to contact an ENT doc. He fulfilled his ...
College Degrees9/27/2010
  Q: What were the names of your degrees, i was thinking about taking surgical technology for an ...
  A: There is no "Pre-med" major. You need to take a bachelor's degree (either BA or BS) in any major. ...
General anesthesia and seizures9/25/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy, I want to thank you for taking time to read this, and I appreciate any insight on my ...
  A: I am not familiar with any association between anesthesia and seizures. In fact, anesthesia is often ...
emla patch9/23/2010
  Q: In a few weeks I'm going to a specialist to get all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. I don't like ...
  A: It wouldn't work. EMLA is a topical anesthetic so it is useful for people (especially kids) when ...
Anesthesia Residency9/20/2010
  Q: I am a board certified anesthetist from India. I am ecfmg certified. I will be taking my step 3 in ...
  A: That's the best you can do. Send your CV to the anesthesia research director at the various ...
Anesthesia Residency9/19/2010
  Q: I am a board certified anesthetist from India. I am ecfmg certified. I will be taking my step 3 in ...
  A: The first question has to do with Visa status. After that, your best chance is probably at the place ...
itching after surgery9/19/2010
  Q: I had surgery on my elbow yesterday. The pain is minimal but I am itching everywhere, legs, arms, ...
  A: If they gave you morphine (for post-op pain), that can often cause itching. It is usually ...
Anethesia and Methamphetamine9/18/2010
  Q: I have been diagnosed with metastatic throat cancer and have to have biopsy surgery within the next ...
  A: Assuming the Meth is under physician supervision, then there is not a problem, as long as the ...
TBI9/13/2010
  Q: Dr Levy, With regards to your response to an individual's question re her "brain fog" subsequent to ...
  A: First of all, I don't recall that particular response but as to the long term effects of anesthesia, ...
Anesthesiology Question9/12/2010
  Q: I am a high school student interested in becoming an anesthesiologist, i was just wondering what ...
  A: There are no special classes in high school. Just your regular science and math courses. If you ...
Versed and Fentanyl = awake9/10/2010
  Q: I was given 5mg versed with 4 of fentanyl today for a procedure, however nothing worked. I did have ...
  A: I don't know what kind of procedure you had but it is not unusual for you to have those symptoms. ...
Becoming an Anesthesiologist9/8/2010
  Q: When i graduate high school and go to college can i get a bachelors degree in business and then go ...
  A: You can major in anything you want as long as you take all the pre-requisite courses for medical ...
How did you choose Anesthesiology?9/6/2010
  Q: I am currently in medical school and have always been interested in Anesthesiology, but there are ...
  A: Mine was actually a convoluted decision. I was originally going to be a surgeon and did 4 1/2 yrs ...
Paying for School9/1/2010
  Q: I know school for becoming an anesthesiologist is in no way going to be cheap! I want to know if, ...
  A: The military will pay for medical school (assuming you meet all other qualifications) and even ...
Anesthiology9/1/2010
  Q: What gpa must you have to get accepted into medical school? What is the best anesthiology school in ...
  A: There is no best GPA. The higher the better. Minimum GPA depends alot on where you are applying. In ...
traumatic ineffective locals8/28/2010
  Q: I've a history of resistance to topical anesthesia and require about 3xs the usual amount of ...
  A: The most common problem with local is that they don't wait long enough for it to take effect (can ...
procedures in early pregnancy8/26/2010
  Q: Levy: I am scheduled to undergo stapedectomy surgery in exactly one week from today. It is a ...
  A: Yes they definitely could. When you go in for surgery, they should do a pregnancy test on you and, ...
College.8/26/2010
  Q: I'm a junior this year and i've been looking to be an anesthesiologist. I've been looking online at ...
  A: You can't become a anesthesiologist until you become a doctor and that needs medical school. So if ...
Anesthesia Allergies8/20/2010
  Q: I am a Physical Therapist working with a pt. who had a allergic reaction to anesthesia during a ...
  A: I STRONGLY doubt this is related to anesthesia (either initially) or now. Allergic reactions are ...
Versed allergy8/18/2010
  Q: Dr Levy, I was browsing your answers to anesthesia questions and was suprised to read that you ...
  A: I did not say that people were not allergic to medications. Versed is used in anesthesia but is not ...
multiple anesthesia reactions8/16/2010
  Q: I am a 49yo doc(NICU--no adults!) recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Egg allergy since birth, ...
  A: Before I would try that, there are other anesthetic options. Before Propofol, Thiopental was the ...
Classes8/12/2010
  Q: I've really been considering Anesthesiology to be my profession after highs. I was wondering what ...
  A: You don't become an anesthesiologist after high school. First you need college, then medical school ...
Professor of Anesthesiology8/11/2010
  Q: Can you tell me what is required to become a professor of anesthesiology?
  A: First your need to be an anesthesiologist. Then you need to work at an academic hospital. Then you ...
What classes do I need to take?8/9/2010
  Q: I'm going to be a junior this fall, and lately I have been extremely confused about what classes ...
  A: First of all, you don't go to college for anesthesiology. You need 4 yrs of college, then 4 yrs of ...
3 year-old's reaction to sedation medication8/8/2010
  Q: Levy, I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I want to be sure to give you an ...
  A: 1 - If Nembutal is the culprit, how could she have had no negative reaction to it when it was given ...
Ankle Surgey - nerve block8/8/2010
  Q: I broke my ankle and fibula at the end of June and had surgery on July 2nd I had 8 screws and one ...
  A: The first thing is whether you woke up during surgery and it sounds like you didn't. You were ...
College for anesthesiology8/6/2010
  Q: I'm about to begin my first year in college and i have been really interested in becoming an ...
  A: That's a lot of questions! Let me try to answer them: What year in college should I sign up to ...
cholinesterase deficiency8/6/2010
  Q: I experienced a very slow recovery rate from anesthesia (3 hours versus 45 min) after surgery for ...
  A: Pseudocholinesterase deficiency only occurs if you receive Succinylcholine as a muscle relaxant. It ...
Anesthesiology-Intensive care 28/5/2010
  Q: What role does an Anesthesiologist play in Intensive care compared to an ...
  A: If your interest is primarily CC then you are probably better off going the IM/cc or Pulmonary/CC ...
Anesthesiology-Intensive care 28/5/2010
  Q: What role does an Anesthesiologist play in Intensive care compared to an ...
  A: As I mentioned above, it depends on how the hospital is set up. If there are no other intensivists ...
Anesthesiology-Intensive care8/5/2010
  Q: What role does an Anesthesiologist play in Intensive care compared to an ...
  A: While an anesthesiologist can get a subspecialty board certification in Critical care, that doesn't ...
RN to anesthesiologist8/5/2010
  Q: Well my question is as a RN what would be my best option to be anesthesiologist? do I go ahead and ...
  A: You shouldn't have to start college all over again but you do need to make sure that you meet all ...
Memory loss8/2/2010
  Q: Levy, My 69 year old Mother recently underwent an operation on her wrist and she is not the same. ...
  A: My first suggestion would be to have her seen by a neurologist to make sure she didn't have a srtoke ...
seisures and surgery8/1/2010
  Q: My daughter has had 3 surgeries. All 3 she has had events (seizures) 1st time for Tonsils removed in ...
  A: Todd's syndrome (Alice in Wonderland Syndrome) has been described. It is generally difficult to fake ...
Am I overusing benzocaine?7/30/2010
  Q: After four nights of awful toothaches, I sucked up my pride, and visited a dentist. Turns out I need ...
  A: Too much is how much you are taking right now! You should not be self-medicating with Benzocaine ...
sedation for colonoscopy7/30/2010
  Q: Dr Levy, I am having a colonoscopy Monday afternoon. I'm terrified of being sedated with propofol ...
  A: Both Versed and Propofol are very safe and neither has side effects. Versed has the "intended" ...
Iodine/thyroid reaction after general anesthesia7/29/2010
  Q: Levy You have mentioned before that an iodine/shellfish reaction can also be triggered by some ...
  A: What I said is that people who are allergic to shellfish can have an allergic reaction to some ...
headaches after surgery7/28/2010
  Q: My daughter is 19 years old. She had a problem with her knee in college. The accident happened in ...
  A: It is highly unlikely to be related to anesthesia. There is nothing in the anesthetic that could ...
questions before surgery7/27/2010
  Q: I'm a 35 year old woman, healthy. I'm having an ortho procedure on my thumb (a variation on a ...
  A: First of all, I have never heard of any anesthesiologist asking about constipation and it has no ...
Ankle Surgery7/27/2010
  Q: I have a fractured ankle and I will be going to surgery on Tuesday and I'm terrified. Not of the ...
  A: More people are worried about the anesthesia than the surgery but anesthesia is actually the safest ...
anesthesia7/25/2010
  Q: I forgot to clarify that the drug being used would be propofol. Would you still feel comfortable ...
  A: Michael Jackson got Propofol administered by someone who doesn't know how to use it. CRNA's use the ...
anesthesiologist vs nurse anesthetist7/24/2010
  Q: I visited my GI doc to schedule a colonoscopy and I found that in the endoscopy center there are no ...
  A: You actually have it better than most places where the GI doc gives the anesthesia with a regular ...
delayed/sustained muscle contraction post-op7/24/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy, I recently had a laproscopic procedure under general anest. The day of the surgery I was ...
  A: You probably had this reaction to succinylcholine and it is not that uncommon (maybe to the extent ...
Terrified of General Anesthesia7/22/2010
  Q: Levy, I found your profile while surfing the web looking for more information about general ...
  A: Assuming this is in a hospital and not a doctor's office, what generally happens is you come in on ...
resistance to Lidocaine?7/15/2010
  Q: This started at the dentist office... from the time I was young, I have had pain during all dental ...
  A: I have never heard of anyone who is truly resistant to local anesthetics. Some areas of the body are ...
anestesiology7/14/2010
  Q: first of all I am scheduled for a dnc on Saturday, but the same doctor that prescribed me ...
  A: It really depends on the anesthesiologist and the urgency of the surgery. Even if they decide to do ...
Patients rights re general anesthesia7/12/2010
  Q: I am contemplating having outpatient surgery to repair a blocked tear duct. This procedure requires ...
  A: As a non medical provider, the best thing you can do is talk with your surgeon and see who he ...
Patients rights re general anesthesia7/11/2010
  Q: I am contemplating having outpatient surgery to repair a blocked tear duct. This procedure requires ...
  A: It is certainly within your rights to request an anesthesiologist. Depending on the type of ...
Anesthetic Options7/10/2010
  Q: I am a 16 year old athlete who has been suffering from severe plantar fasciitis for the last year ...
  A: The post op analgesia is inherent in the regional anesthetic. This operation can be done under ...
surgery while on Nardil7/8/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy, I have a friend who has been on Nardil for many years. She is very afraid of going under ...
  A: It really is up to the anesthesiologist if he feels comfortable doing anesthesia on your friend but ...
Anesthetic Options7/7/2010
  Q: I am a 16 year old athlete who has been suffering from severe plantar fasciitis for the last year ...
  A: The 2 advantages of regional anesthesia over general is that 1) the patient is awake and can report ...
Stuttering7/6/2010
  Q: On May 15 2010 my two and a half year old daughter had surgery for trigger thumb. A few days later ...
  A: I can't explain that although I strongly doubt it is due to the anesthetic. Certainly it should be ...
Anesthesiologist7/5/2010
  Q: Well I am a sophomore in high school and I am trying to figure out what i want to do as my career. I ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Propofol7/5/2010
  Q: can you tell me in simple terms how Propofol causes the body to become anaesthetised?
  A: Can't really explain it in simple terms because it is not a simple process. The action of propofol ...
Is it right for me?7/4/2010
  Q: I am at a cross road in my life. I don't know who to turn to for help, assurance, or answers anymore ...
  A: All it takes to do any job is a love of the job and a good work ethic. Do you ahve to be smart to be ...
Anesthesia allergy?6/6/2010
  Q: I have been under general anesthesia twice: in 1997 for a few mole removals from my nose and again a ...
  A: This is not an allergy. It is a common feeling. The stridor "probably" means that you had either ...
Sedation5/23/2010
  Q: when i went to the dentist, they gave me a shot in my gum to make it numb, 20 min later it was not ...
  A: There is nothing wrong with you. It is possible they did not get the nerve when he injected the ...
Anesthetic on sleeping person5/20/2010
  Q: Is it possible for a healthy, normally sleeping adult, to be placed under the influence of ...
  A: It doesn't sound reasonable to me and is probably an urban legend. Generally speaking, Cholorform is ...
IV sedation for bunion/hammertoe surgery5/11/2010
  Q: I am having surgery next week to correct a tailor's bunion and a hammertoe deformity. During one of ...
  A: IV sedation means that you are awake but sedated. They usually give you a drug that also gives you ...
Anesthesia5/10/2010
  Q: I have undergone two surgeries one in 2004 and one in 2009, I have had several others. These two in ...
  A: I would tend to doubt it was related to the anesthesia but more likely related to the surgery. If ...
concussion and anesthesia5/5/2010
  Q: I was struck by a car 2 months ago and had a concussion from which I am mostly recovered) but am ...
  A: It shouldn't be a problem but if it is not something that needs to be done right now, it might be ...
i have a few questions about anesthesiology4/28/2010
  Q: I'm in 1st grade and I'd like to be an anesthetist. I was wondering, is OC technical college ...
  A: First of all, you have a long way to go. You have 11 more years of regular school, then 4 years of ...
Anesthesia and MAOI - Nardil4/25/2010
  Q: I am considering a face lift. I take Nardil, a MAO inhibitor. If I go off it, I will go into a ...
  A: You can do anesthesia on a patient on Nardil. Just make sure the anesthesiologist knows that you are ...
Propafol for bone marrow biopsy4/24/2010
  Q: I had a colonoscopy and was put out for that procedure.. There was no operating room, nothing but ...
  A: I can't answer that question. Generally for a bone marrow biopsy you don't need general anesthesia ...
possible nerve damage after csection4/19/2010
  Q: I am a 20 yr old female i weigh 130lbs and 5"2. while pregnant my wieght got up to 198, but i have ...
  A: There are a number of reasons for low back pain after delivery (most of which have nothing to do ...
Anesthesiology as a Career4/18/2010
  Q: I am a 3rd year medical student considering anesthesia as a career. My question is what do you think ...
  A: I think the future is fine for MDAs. I think the law in those states will eventually be repealed ...
Anesthesiologist/CRNA interactions4/17/2010
  Q: I know little about anesthesia, but unfortunately need to have a very large polyp removed from my ...
  A: It is not unheard of but it is certainly not the general rule. I work in an academic center also ...
poss. allergy to anesthesia4/17/2010
  Q: On April 9th, I arrived at UCLA outpatient OR to have a cyst removed from vocal cord. Surgeon is ...
  A: The joint pain, etc is PROBABLY due to the paralyzing agent (Succinylcholine) but it is NOT an ...
Side effects of general anethesia4/16/2010
  Q: My boyfriend has had gastric bypass as well as several spinal surgeries. He claims that as a result ...
  A: This is NOT a common or even uncommon side effect. There is no evidence to support this. Whether ...
Trouble waking up.4/16/2010
  Q: In the past 10 years I have had 2 surgeries under general anesthesia. In both cases it has taken me ...
  A: I don't really know what that means..."taking too long to wake up". Clearly you must mean in the ...
epidural/spinal4/14/2010
  Q: what kind of sedation do they use i dont want to know whats going on
  A: Usually when you get an epidural or a spinal they will also give you Midazolam (Versed) and/or ...
Severe MRI Claustrophibia4/6/2010
  Q: I need to have an MRI done to diagnose a problem with pain in my foot; other tests have been ...
  A: First of all, what the surgeon thinks is completely irrelevant. All he wants to see is the MRI ...
Phentermine and Surgery4/5/2010
  Q: I am having rhinoplasty on 4/9/2010 and was on phentermine up until 4/3/10. Is six days enough for ...
  A: The half-life of the drug is about 24 hrs so it should be flushed out of your system by 6 days. ...
High HRT rate post op3/27/2010
  Q: I just underwent a septoplasty a turbinate reduction 11 days ago. I suffer from several anxiety ...
  A: This is not emergence delirium, it is more likely that you were just recovering from the anesthetic ...
not awakening after surgery3/25/2010
  Q: My husband got a septic infection after back surgery gone bad. It destroyed his aortic valve and ...
  A: The problem is probably not the anesthesia (which would have worn off within 12-24 hrs) but might be ...
Seizure under General Anaesthetic3/24/2010
  Q: .... I underwent a hysteroscopy and biopsy on 22nd March and have been advised by the nursing staff ...
  A: I don't know of any anesthetic drug that would cause that reaction so without knowing what ...
colonoscopy3/24/2010
  Q: my daughter is having a colonoscopy. she is 18 and having this because she has a mild case of ...
  A: I assume you are talking about the Michael Jackson publicity. That was a case where the drug was ...
cervical epidural steroid injection3/24/2010
  Q: I was diagnosed 3-20-09 with herniated disc in c5-c6 . after physical therapy was not helping. I ...
  A: Obviously I cannot answer this question definitively but it is possible that the nerve root was ...
facial redness/blotchy after anesthestic3/23/2010
  Q: I had an upper endoscopy and after waking up from the procedure my face was a very deep red color, ...
  A: I can't explain it from an anesthestic point of view although it sounds like some kind of allergic ...
Blurry Vision after General Anesthesia3/23/2010
  Q: I read with interest your answer to the person posting questions regarding blurry vision after ...
  A: I still maintain that the anesthesia has nothing to do with continued blurry vision. There is ...
wide awake and paralyzed pre surgery3/22/2010
  Q: Sir I had a left hip arthroscopy in Oct 2009 for femoro acetabular impingement and all went well ...
  A: Let me first explain what "likely" happened to you, and then I will explain so of the other issues ...
Anaesthetic complications following foot surgery3/22/2010
  Q: Good Afternoon Dr. Levy, One week following foot surgery on February 19, 2010 I developed pleurisy ...
  A: The anesthesia could not have caused this problem. What is possible is that if you had an upper ...
Anesthesiology3/22/2010
  Q: When I apply to college, what should be my major? If I rank 15 out of my class and have a 3.7 GPA ...
  A: You can major in anything you like as long as you take the required prerequisite courses for medical ...
need a bunion surgery3/22/2010
  Q: I need to get a bunion surgery, I don't know when because I can't afford to get one, but I was ...
  A: First of all, when they do the local they are actually numbing your entire foot (using an ankle ...
Anti-nausea meds - parkinson's disease3/20/2010
  Q: We attend a P.D. group as my husband has this disease. My gdmother, mother and uncle all had ...
  A: There is no anti-nausea drug that causes PD. Whoever told you that doesn't understand anything. PD ...
Psychosis and Anesthesia3/18/2010
  Q: My mother went to Europe on vacation in her hometown and while she was there she had a procedure ...
  A: Without knowing what happpened during the surgery, I can't possibly explain the psychosis although I ...
colonoscopy3/18/2010
  Q: my daughter is having a colonoscopy. she is 18 and having this because she has a mild case of ...
  A: It is certainly safe and, in fact, safer with an anesthesiologist. We have access to drugs the GI ...
myomectomy with epidural3/17/2010
  Q: I'm 39 yrs old, single and with no children. I have a fibroid 7 cm, and it doubled the size since ...
  A: Let me explain the pros and cons of each. Epidural: you are numb from the chest down but awake ...
Localized Anesthesia Reaction3/17/2010
  Q: I might be a little premature in worrying about this, but I tried to get information about what to ...
  A: It is probably a normal reaction and it should go away. It could be caused be the local being given ...
epideral for back pain still feeling pain3/17/2010
  Q: I had an epideral for my L5S1 -back pain for a herniaded disk - however i had instant relief for ...
  A: I am not a pain specialist but it sounds like they gave you either an epidural local to test if it ...
general anesthesia3/16/2010
  Q: I have had 3 surgeries within 9 weeks recently all with general anesthesia. I find that I now have ...
  A: The memory issues can be related to many things of which anesthesia is (possibly) one of them. Just ...
Geodon and General Anesthesia3/15/2010
  Q: I'm a psychiatrist and just had a patient tell me that she's been told to stop taking her Geodon for ...
  A: I have not heard of a specific contraindication with anesthesia but I imagine it is related to the ...
Anesthesiologist3/15/2010
  Q: I have 3 children altogether, my last 2 were c-section. With the last child the Anesthesiologist ...
  A: The pain may or may not be related to the regional anesthetic. It may be related to the childbirth ...
chiropractic3/14/2010
  Q: Hello if you are a doctor of chiropractic what can schooling you need to become a anesthesiologist ?
  A: Being a Chiropractor has nothing to do with being an anesthesiologist. To be an anesthesiologist you ...
rhinorrhea following anesthesia3/13/2010
  Q: I received oxygen/anesthesia via cannula yesterday, 3/12/2010, for a sigmoidoscopy. Upon awakening, ...
  A: There is not much to do. It is caused by an irritation of the mucosa of the nose and will heal on ...
Anesthesia/Severe Allergies3/12/2010
  Q: I have severe allergies to most many medications and food and latex and soy, I have a Medic Alert ...
  A: Generally the allergy with Propofol is related to the Egg lecithin but since you do have a severe ...
Anesthesia/Severe Allergies3/12/2010
  Q: I have severe allergies to most many medications and food and latex and soy, I have a Medic Alert ...
  A: Generally speaking, if you have never been exposed to a drug, then if you are allergic to it the ...
Seizures,3/11/2010
  Q: My brother ( 38 ) just underwent a routine shoulder surgery on Feb 19, 2010. He was in the process ...
  A: I can tell you that the anesthesia did not instigate this. While something could certainly have ...
Has anesthsiology changed (for the worst)?3/10/2010
  Q: Please excuse my rather hostile questions; I'm a 28 year old female who needs GI (cancer) surgery ...
  A: As with anything, that is a loaded question. There are a number of CRNA's I know that are excellent ...
Transition between Nurse anesthetist to Anesthesiologist3/10/2010
  Q: I want to become a Nurse Anesthetist with hopes of eventually becoming an Anesthesiologist. How much ...
  A: They are two separate paths. For CRNA, you need a nursing degree, then 2 yrs ICU training then 2 yrs ...
post-op complications3/9/2010
  Q: after receiving general anesthesia, for laser extraction of pacemaker, stenting of superior vena ...
  A: Absolutely no idea. It makes no sense physiologically, medically or anatomically. I can tell you it ...
longterm effect of general anesthesia3/8/2010
  Q: Could I have long term effects emotionally or psychologically after being under for 7+ hours?
  A: The short answer is no. We often do cases that last a lot longer than 7 hours and there have been no ...
anesthesia and SVT3/8/2010
  Q: I am wondering if it is ok to have surgery/ anesthesia if I have SVT? Do people with a history of ...
  A: People with SVT do have surgery and it is OK as long as we know about it, we can be prepared. I ...
One more response if I may..3/5/2010
  Q: Dr. Doctor Levy, I am writing a new post because I wasn't able to reply again to my other one about ...
  A: While you do have a complicated history, you still could have the surgery. To touch on some of the ...
IV sedation itching3/5/2010
  Q: I have had two colonoscopies in which I broke out in a rash as soon as they gave me the IV sedation. ...
  A: You likely have a sensitivity to one of these but it could be something else as well (latex, tape, ...
General anesthesia and PTSD (still)3/5/2010
  Q: Levy, Back on 8/21/2008 I posted a question with a similar title. In my question I mentioned I ...
  A: Don't blame yourself for the ablation because if you decided not to get it, the liklihood is you ...
Anaphylaxis w/ General Anesthesia3/4/2010
  Q: needless to say, involves GA. I am concerned about a severe allergic reaction because I have a ...
  A: First of all let me deal with the labor/delivery issue. The epinephrine was not an allergic ...
General anesthesia and PTSD (still)3/4/2010
  Q: Levy, Back on 8/21/2008 I posted a question with a similar title. In my question I mentioned I ...
  A: You really are between a rock and a hard place. You say you'd rather be awake, etc but it seems ...
General anesthesia and PTSD (still)3/4/2010
  Q: Levy, Back on 8/21/2008 I posted a question with a similar title. In my question I mentioned I ...
  A: I do recall your case and my recommendation remains the same. You will not offend the ...
Avoiding CRNA providers3/4/2010
  Q: I just returned from an abortive attempt at surgery; I was told in the preop interview that an ...
  A: CRNAs do not have independent practice privileges in this country but they are allowed to administer ...
cold before surgery3/3/2010
  Q: I am due to have a three-level discectomy and spine stabilization surgery in five days where they ...
  A: If you don't have fever, white count or productive sputum, then they will probably proceed with ...
waking up combative3/3/2010
  Q: 43yr male, smoke 2ppd.had no other hx. had 2 vessel CABG 6 days ago. Long time waking then very ...
  A: More likely it is related to two issues; being on the heart lung machine and ICU psychosis. When you ...
Anesthesiology3/2/2010
  Q: I have many questions, and i apologize if you repeatedly answer them, I've been interested in a ...
  A: Texas A&M is a fine school and any college is fine for your pre-med courses. As for ease of finding ...
anesthesia in patient with dementia3/2/2010
  Q: My husband had shoulder surgery in November. Doctor knew that he had slight dementia, but did not ...
  A: It is not common and when it does occur, it is usually short term and is not necessarily associated ...
What is the most potent topical anesthetic?3/1/2010
  Q: What is the most potent topical anesthetic? Thanks, Green ANSWER: What do you mean by potent? ...
  A: Again, I am not familiar with Oxethazine so I can't tell you about the density of the block. The ...
Type of anesthia for arthroscopic knee surgery3/1/2010
  Q: I will have arthroscopic knee surgery soon for torn meniscus, and I would rather have local ...
  A: No. Not really. The problem is that they need to inflate the tourniquet to over 200 and leave it ...
What is the most potent topical anesthetic?3/1/2010
  Q: What is the most potent topical anesthetic? Thanks, Green ANSWER: What do you mean by potent? ...
  A: Oxethazine is not a drug that is available in the US (to my knowledge) but was sold under the name ...
Type of anesthia for arthroscopic knee surgery2/28/2010
  Q: I will have arthroscopic knee surgery soon for torn meniscus, and I would rather have local ...
  A: Generally local is not enough for arthroscopy because they also put a tourniquet on your upper thigh ...
anesthesia/menstrual cycle2/27/2010
  Q: I had carpal tunnel release on my left wrist done Feb. 5, 2010. Before surgery, the nurse took urine ...
  A: It is not related to the anesthesia. The pregnancy test is pretty accurate and would pick up a 2 ...
Epidural after Disk Decompression Surgery2/25/2010
  Q: This past June I had disk decompression surgery at L4-L5. I'm wondering if I will qualify for an ...
  A: No. We can still do it at a higher level but there is an increased possiblility that you may have a ...
How long to put someone under...??2/25/2010
  Q: So, I'm writing a scene that involves surgery and having to anesthetize someone and was wondering ...
  A: The whole process (from when they get to the OR to asleep) is generally 5-15 minutes. In an ...
Bad experience with general anesthetic2/25/2010
  Q: I am a 39 year old female from England. A while ago I had to go into hospital for surgery on a ...
  A: I doubt he gave them in the wrong order. More likely he just gave them too close together. In your ...
surgery 2 weeks ago = still have sore throat2/23/2010
  Q: I had gallbladder surgery just two weeks ago. After the surgery, which went without any problems, I ...
  A: The two things are unrelated. We put the breathing tube in your trachea and should not affect your ...
Sleepiness/Dizziness after surgery2/22/2010
  Q: Levy, I had gall bladder surgery 3 days ago and I am still experiencing a great deal of tiredness ...
  A: It is not unusual but it is probably related to the surgery and not the anesthesia (which usually ...
how to become a anesthesiologist2/21/2010
  Q: Before I graduate high school what courses should I have already taken?...In college what should be ...
  A: You should take all the required courses for college (basically get your HS diploma). If you have ...
Multiple aneathesiology2/20/2010
  Q: Over the last 3 years I have required aneathesiology 13 times for a recurring bladder neck stenosis. ...
  A: There have not been many studies on the effects of multiple anesthetics but, in general, there are ...
Epidural2/18/2010
  Q: In 2005 I had a lumbar spine fusion which fused all of my lumbar spine and my tail bone. As it was ...
  A: While it is possible to do a spinal (less so for an epidural), it would have to be done from a ...
Can I do it???2/16/2010
  Q: I was wondering in High School I floated by, not really putting forth effort to do the best in all ...
  A: If you are a good student, then anything is possible. You are not too old but you still have a long ...
Cold Symptoms Before Surgery2/15/2010
  Q: My upcoming operation is a short, under one hour, superficial operation (testicular prosthesis) ...
  A: Generally, if you have a fever, productive sputum or other indications of an upper respiratory ...
cholinesterase deficiency2/12/2010
  Q: Dr.Levy: I cared for a patient last week for CSection whose mother revealed a family history ...
  A: Generally Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is reported with a Dibucaine Number. I am not aware of any ...
Conscious Sedation for Upper GI Endoscopy2/12/2010
  Q: I have been having difficulty swallowing and esophageal spasms. I had a barium swallow and was ...
  A: UC San Franscisco has an excellent reputation so I would start there. The only reason I might ...
Conscious Sedation for Upper GI Endoscopy2/10/2010
  Q: I have been having difficulty swallowing and esophageal spasms. I had a barium swallow and was ...
  A: You are not wrong about wanting to be in a doctor's hands and most of what you read is correct. What ...
Surgery for child with underlying pulmonary issues2/10/2010
  Q: I have a 22 month old boy about to undergo surgery for vesicoureteral reflux so he will need to be ...
  A: It is safe although he is obviously at an increased risk for aspiration. From the anesthetic point ...
Versed2/9/2010
  Q: I wrote to you about two years ago after I had a traumatic colonoscopy experience with the drug ...
  A: I do wait for a response and I don't ever just push drugs (any drugs) without warning. I think it is ...
syntoms of common cold after colonoscopy2/9/2010
  Q: another shortbecause of a broad history of family cancer of colon, I should keep doing colonoscopy ...
  A: Assuming you were not intubated for this procedure, I do not know of any correlation between cold ...
Versed2/9/2010
  Q: I wrote to you about two years ago after I had a traumatic colonoscopy experience with the drug ...
  A: I can't speak for all doctors, but I do inform all my patients about the effects of the Versed. I ...
Post Surgery Psychosis2/7/2010
  Q: I had a routine tonsillectomy several months ago. One week after the initial surgery the site opened ...
  A: While it seems related, I doubt this has anything to do with the anesthesia. There has never been ...
heart surgery2/6/2010
  Q: My mother in law just had open heart surgery - valve replacement- and now wont wake up. All her ...
  A: Microemboli are small air bubbles or blood clots that are too small to see but can cause strokes. As ...
anesthesiology2/5/2010
  Q: Ronald Levi i was wondering What are the chances of becoming an anesthesiologist because i am in 9th ...
  A: Conitune what you are doing, get good grades in high school and college so you can get into medical ...
heart surgery2/4/2010
  Q: My mother in law just had open heart surgery - valve replacement- and now wont wake up. All her ...
  A: It's hard to say. It is NOT likely due to anesthesia. Most often it is due to microemboli in the ...
Relationship Between intensive care and Anesthesiology2/3/2010
  Q: Good day sir, i am interested to do anesthesiology and i am equally aspiring to work in an intensive ...
  A: You do not need to take time off (most people do not) so 10 yrs is correct. You need to make sure ...
Relationship Between intensive care and Anesthesiology2/3/2010
  Q: Good day sir, i am interested to do anesthesiology and i am equally aspiring to work in an intensive ...
  A: In the US, you first complete medical school and then you do a 4 yr residency in Anesthesia. After ...
Anesthesiology1/9/2010
  Q: I have a question, I am debating between going to school to become an anesthesiologist or a nurse ...
  A: There is a big difference between the 2 and you can't just go from one to the other. CRNA is a 4yr ...
anestheisology1/9/2010
  Q: I am Kawal from California. I had a question. To be a anesthesiologist what exact classes should you ...
  A: Anesthesiology has nothing to do with high school or college. You need 4 yrs high school, 4 yrs ...
"An Ideal Major?"1/8/2010
  Q: Levy, my name is Luis, a current softmore student. I've been planning on becoming an ...
  A: There is no ideal pre-med. Most people major in Biology or Chemistry but it is not required or ...
Anesthesiology, MD or cRNA/AA1/7/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy: I hope this question reaches you in good health. I have outstanding grades at USF in ...
  A: Currently the only board-eligible subspecialites are Pain and ICU but by the time you get there, ...
Anesthesiology, MD or cRNA/AA1/6/2010
  Q: Dr. Levy: I hope this question reaches you in good health. I have outstanding grades at USF in ...
  A: Which track you choose is up to you. There are several differences that need to be considered: 1) ...
how to become an anestesiologist1/6/2010
  Q: please tell me everything I need to know to become an anesthesiologist. Oh and what is the salary ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
who can administer propofol?1/4/2010
  Q: I recently had my wisdom teeth extracted and had a very bad reaction the the combo of ...
  A: I don't know Colorado law but the only people able to give Propofol are physicians and nurse ...
epidural1/2/2010
  Q: I had a baby a year ago, during my labor i had a epidural, i am having severe back pain now, to the ...
  A: If you didn't have the pain immediately after the epidural (I'm talking days to several weeks) then ...
CRNA working Solo12/31/2009
  Q: Levy, I am wondering if when a CRNA is working solo(QZ), let's say on a gall bladder and another ...
  A: To my knowledge, CRNAs are not allowed to work solo (not under the supervision of an MD) but ...
Awake while being intubated, very sore after general anesthesia12/31/2009
  Q: I had a D&C today as a result of a miscarriage and was put under general anesthesia for the ...
  A: It is normal. You had emergency surgery which means that you had a "rapid sequence induction". What ...
Confused12/31/2009
  Q: I live in San Antonio, Texas and I also want to be an Anesthesiologist, and my question is, Is there ...
  A: Closer than what? You first have to get through college then medical school and then anesthesiology ...
Majors12/31/2009
  Q: I understand that when you want to become an anesthesiologist, you go to college 4 years, med. ...
  A: There is no such thing as a "pre-med" major. To be pre-med means that you need to take certain ...
Education12/30/2009
  Q: I'm a 8th grade student that maintains gpa over 3.75 since I was in kindergarten and I have interest ...
  A: In high school, just take your required courses. If you have a choice, science courses will be ...
Bier block sedation options12/29/2009
  Q: Levy: I have two questions regarding sedation for Bier Block. I was offered an option of just ...
  A: There are several reasons for multimodal treatments. The first is (as you say) it reduces the amount ...
Colleges?12/29/2009
  Q: I am a young student very interested in anesthesiology,and i am also a gymnast so i want to go to ...
  A: There is no college to study anesthesia. You must first graduate from any 4 yr college with a ...
Hydrencephaly and general A12/28/2009
  Q: I'm very worried about my sister going into the UHW to have her tonsils and adnoids out the reason ...
  A: Let me start with the 3rd question. The fingers on your throat are for"cricoid pressure". What this ...
Given anesthesia while having a fever.12/28/2009
  Q: I'm wondering what types of risks there are to being given general anesthesia while having a fever. ...
  A: With regard to anesthesia in the presence of fever, it is generally not an issue if the problem is ...
violent reaction coming out of sedation12/20/2009
  Q: my brother in law just had surgery on a torn aorta...the replaced a valve and stem ...every time ...
  A: Time. You are correct that it is a miracle that he is alive. From what you tell me, he had an ...
Sedation in fiction12/19/2009
  Q: Dr Ronald Levy. I'd like to use a common scene in fiction for a story I'm writing, but I'm having a ...
  A: First of all, if someone is hemorrhaging, it is not likely that htey would sedate them at all but ...
Lip numbness12/18/2009
  Q: Three days ago, I had an EGD & Colonoscopy. Absolutely no complications, but when I awoke from ...
  A: That is probably correct and it may persist for several days to weeks but it should go away. If it ...
Dealing w/ surgeons12/17/2009
  Q: Background: I am an Army-trained Anesthesiologist, approx 2 years out of residency, practicing as ...
  A: That's a loaded question because in private practice, you don't have the leverage you might have in ...
avoiding amnesics for surgery12/14/2009
  Q: I read your response on 12/3 to "anesthesia paralysis can't breathe" with interest since it relates ...
  A: It was not a bother. Since your followup question was just a comment and not a question, the only ...
avoiding amnesics for surgery12/13/2009
  Q: I read your response on 12/3 to "anesthesia paralysis can't breathe" with interest since it relates ...
  A: Propofol also has amnestic properties (as do the inhaled anesthetics) so if you are trying to avoid ...
anesthesia and xanax12/13/2009
  Q: I have panic disorder, and my psychiatrist has had me on xanax for years. I take about 1 mg every 6 ...
  A: Generally speaking, it is not a problem if you are on long term Xanax to take it the night before ...
Anesthesiolgist12/10/2009
  Q: biology or urology etc. please answer. ANSWER: You need to explore your career choice and colleges ...
  A: Again, there is no "class" to major in. Most people interested in medicine major in a science but it ...
Education12/9/2009
  Q: my name is Eric and I'm 24 years old. I live in League City, Texas, not too far from UTMB Galveston. ...
  A: I would try going the college route directly as community college will likely not count towards med ...
Anesthesiologist12/9/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could tell me if i should take any nursing after or while im in high school. ...
  A: It is not necessary to take nursing in HS. If you are interested in nursing, you can major in it in ...
Education12/9/2009
  Q: my name is Eric and I'm 24 years old. I live in League City, Texas, not too far from UTMB Galveston. ...
  A: You need to start applying to college (deadline is usually Jan 1) and get your college career going. ...
Anesthesiolgist12/7/2009
  Q: biology or urology etc. please answer.
  A: You need to explore your career choice and colleges a bit more. There is no major in paramedic (that ...
long surgery12/6/2009
  Q: I have had several surgeries in the past from age 27 through age 35. Some with severe headaches and ...
  A: We use the same medications for short and long cases. After we put you to sleep, the remainder of ...
long surgery12/6/2009
  Q: I have had several surgeries in the past from age 27 through age 35. Some with severe headaches and ...
  A: First of all, if my math is correct, your last surgery was 24 years ago. We have made many advances ...
Effects of a seizure while under general anesthesia?12/4/2009
  Q: I'm a night nurse on a med-surg floor (I'm a new grad). Recently, I had an epileptic patient with a ...
  A: Here are the answers to your questions: What if the patient were to have a seizure while under ...
anesthesia paralysis can't breathe12/3/2009
  Q: I underwent surgery to remove my ovaries last Tuesday. I have previously had 2 abdominal surgeries ...
  A: People have many different reasons for not wanting Versed (loss of control, etc) so your's is no ...
anesthetic in hospital for dental work for coumadin patient12/3/2009
  Q: is anesthesia best given in a hospital for extensive dental procedures on patient taking coumadin ...
  A: Generally I would say yes only because it will be easier to deal with possible complications but it ...
COPD12/2/2009
  Q: My father has severe COPD, Asthma, is a smoker (don't get me started), diabetes and is suffering ...
  A: I can't help you with the diagnostic side of this but from the anesthetic side, there is no such ...
anesthesia paralysis can't breathe12/2/2009
  Q: I underwent surgery to remove my ovaries last Tuesday. I have previously had 2 abdominal surgeries ...
  A: This is one of the reasons we give Versed! When they put you to sleep, they use an anesthetic and a ...
Anesthesia safe for my dad12/2/2009
  Q: My dad is having colon cancer surgery Monday. He is 71 years old with a leaky heart valve. The valve ...
  A: Yes the anesthesia is safe. Your dad is certainly at more risk than the average person but the ...
Work Hours11/30/2009
  Q: I am thinking about becoming a anesthesiologist, but i know there are different types. What types ...
  A: There are no different types of anethesiolgists. Some anesthesiologists sub-specialize in hearts, ...
my 12 year old is having oral surgery Wednesday11/29/2009
  Q: My 12 year old is having oral surgery this Wednesday, when I asked how my daughter would be sedated ...
  A: Depending on what kind of procedure and in what kind of setting, this is OK and common. I am ...
Anesthesia problem?11/27/2009
  Q: I had a tonsilectomy. No problems but then I had another surgery a year later & something strange ...
  A: I think my original answer holds. As far as your blood pressure, while it is low, it is not a ...
Anesthesia problem?11/27/2009
  Q: I had a tonsilectomy. No problems but then I had another surgery a year later & something strange ...
  A: What kind of surgery did you have? Normally I would say you were paralyzed but awake which is a rare ...
Anesthesiology11/22/2009
  Q: Im currently a freshman in my undergraduate college. My goal has been to become an ...
  A: It doesn't matter which kind of Biology. Since your major is Biology, you will likely take many of ...
paralytics11/21/2009
  Q: How long should I have muscle pain after being intubated using a paralytic?
  A: I am assuming they used succinylcholine as the other muscle relaxants don't usually cause muscle ...
Sedation & General Anesthesia without consent11/20/2009
  Q: On October 19, 2009, I had TriVex surgery to correct Varicose veins in my leg. I consulted with the ...
  A: As I stated in my previous response, I was not justifing what they did, I was only commenting on ...
Sedation & General Anesthesia without consent11/20/2009
  Q: On October 19, 2009, I had TriVex surgery to correct Varicose veins in my leg. I consulted with the ...
  A: Let me try to answer your question understanding that I have to speak about the hypotheticial since ...
heading back to school?11/18/2009
  Q: I currently have a BS in psychology but am looking for a career change. Anesthesiology has always ...
  A: You would need to take all the prerequisite courses for medical school along with the MCAT exams. ...
14 yr old Asthmatic need 4 wisdom teeth extracted.11/17/2009
  Q: I'm the legal guardian of my 14yr old grandson who is a moderate Asthmatic 10 yrs now. He is ...
  A: I have to wonder why he is so reluctant? Certainly it wouldn't hurt to give Albuterol but that does ...
Antibiotics11/16/2009
  Q: Months ago now I had antibiotics called Cefimixe. I went to my Immunologist today regarding sinus ...
  A: Cefixime (which I believe is the first drug you had) is a 3rd generation cefalosporin. Cefradine is ...
college11/16/2009
  Q: I'd love to pursue a career in anesthesiology but i don't know where to start. i plan on going to ...
  A: It's hard in that it is very competitive, requires 12 yrs after high school and it requires a lot of ...
14 yr old Asthmatic need 4 wisdom teeth extracted.11/14/2009
  Q: I'm the legal guardian of my 14yr old grandson who is a moderate Asthmatic 10 yrs now. He is ...
  A: If your dentist is not trained to do sedation then you should not give your son anything. You might ...
endometrial ablation surgery11/12/2009
  Q: I am 36 years old and I am scheduled for a Novasure surgery due to irregular bleeding. The surgery ...
  A: This procedure is generally done under local with sedation. That should have no effect with ...
nitrous oxide11/12/2009
  Q: I would like to know if nitrous oxide is a respiratory depressant. Also, would it be okay for me to ...
  A: Yes Nirtrous oxide is a respiratory depressant. If you are on Tranxene you should let your dentist ...
questions11/11/2009
  Q: I am currently in my first year at a community college. I really would love to be an ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist, you need to complete a 4 yr bachelor's degree at a college or ...
Breast augmentation .under general anaesthesia intravenously.11/11/2009
  Q: I am 29 years; I underwent an operation for a breast augmentation which lasted approximately 2 ...
  A: Tardive dyskinesia is a rare side effect of Metoclopromide (Reglan). Normally Reglan is used to ...
math and anesthesiology11/10/2009
  Q: I am a freshman in high school and am thinking of becoming an anesthesiologist and i was wondering, ...
  A: We only use basic math to calculate dosages etc., but you will be required to have taken calculus by ...
surgery/anesthesia11/9/2009
  Q: Greatly appreciate your expertise and advice! I had reconstructive ligament surgery of my ankle ...
  A: What kind of anesthesia did you have for your ankle? Was it general or regional? If it was regional ...
Malignant Hyperthermia11/8/2009
  Q: Dr. I recently underwent cataract surgery and I was given an injection of 1MG Epinephrine and an ...
  A: Yes it was safe. Lidocaine is not a trigger and neither is epinephrine. Triggers for MH usually ...
scared (terrified)of anesthesia11/8/2009
  Q: Levy: I'm a basically healthy 54 year-old and I was told that I need to have general anesthesia for ...
  A: First of all, general is not like sedation so you won't have the same bad experience. Second, I ...
Anesthetic during a Colonoscopy?11/8/2009
  Q: Levy, Hope you are back in Galveston. 10 or 15 years ago I had my first Colonoscopy and they just ...
  A: You need to be more specific about being "put under". Generally for colonoscopy we give several ...
Breast augmentation .under general anaesthesia intravenously.11/8/2009
  Q: I am 29 years; I underwent an operation for a breast augmentation which lasted approximately 2 ...
  A: You do not have an allergy. It is not uncommon to feel groggy after surgery (even a day later). As ...
anesthetic side effect11/8/2009
  Q: I had an infusion port put in near left clavicle 3.5 days ago. Outpatient. My RIGHT arm has had ...
  A: This sounds more like a surgical complication (perhaps an infection, a hematoma or a seroma). I ...
My Son's reaction to anesthesia11/5/2009
  Q: My son is 16 years old. He had been put under in May, 2009 and again this week. Both times, he got ...
  A: I don't think the concussions have anything to do with it and I can't really explain the headaches ...
My Son's reaction to anesthesia11/5/2009
  Q: My son is 16 years old. He had been put under in May, 2009 and again this week. Both times, he got ...
  A: Without knowing what he got both times (or what kind of surgery), it would be impossible to ...
GETTING SLEEPY 211/5/2009
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me: if a person get anesthetic to put them asleep for the ...
  A: The initial estimate is usually based on weight but it is also the art of anethesia to know when ...
nitrous oxide and tranxene together11/3/2009
  Q: If I am having nitrous oxide at the dentist's would it be all right if I took a tranxene about an ...
  A: Tranxene (Chlorazepate) is a benzodiazepine and as such, has antianxiety properties. There should ...
highschool through after grad courses needed11/2/2009
  Q: what courses do i need to to take in highschool college and med school and what are the salaries ...
  A: Nothing special in high school. In college you need inorganinc and organic chemistry, physics, ...
post surgergy elevated levels of Excitatory neurotransmitters11/1/2009
  Q: After surgery my friend experienced extreme anxiety and felt like her body would explode. After ...
  A: I don't understand what that means or what tests were performed to determine this but it is not an ...
anesthesiology11/1/2009
  Q: what is the process of becoming an anesthesiologist? approximately how many years will this take? im ...
  A: You need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of med school and 4 yrs of residency training to be an ...
Capital Punishment protocol.11/1/2009
  Q: I am a student who is conducting a study and producing a research paper on lethal injection as a ...
  A: According to what my understanding of the drugs used for capital punishment (and I may be wrong ...
Anestheisa allergy10/31/2009
  Q: I just had disk replacement surgery 16 days ago. I left the hospital after 3 days. On day 10 I ...
  A: You are not allergic to the anesthesia. It is possible that you have a latex allergy (explains the ...
Nursing/Anesthesiology10/30/2009
  Q: Levy I am interested in becoming an Anesthesiologist but I am currently in school to become a ...
  A: I don't see the point in what you are doing. If a RN or BSN is 4 yrs then you might as well get your ...
adverse reaction to concious anesthesia10/28/2009
  Q: I had a facet injection, was awake, yet felt little pain. I have had three of these and each time I ...
  A: Usually in a facet injection they use local anesthesia (and/or steroids) and that should not casue ...
Types of Anesthesia10/27/2009
  Q: When are the different types of anesthesia used? Which one is the most common?
  A: It depends on the case. There is sedation, local, regional and general anesthesia. Most often ...
anesthesiology10/26/2009
  Q: I am a junior in high school and i am trying to figure out what fourth science would benefit me.I ...
  A: Remember you don't study in college to be an anesthesiologist. You must first get through college, ...
anesthesiologists start out salary10/24/2009
  Q: what is the start out salary for a anesthesiologists ?
  A: Hard question to answer. It depends on where you are practicing, what type of practice you have ...
Ativan10/23/2009
  Q: Levy, I am having some major dental work done in the upcoming weeks. I have major anxiety about ...
  A: I have not heard of either being used for dental surgery (which is not to say that they aren't, I ...
Competition in College...10/22/2009
  Q: In your opinion, do you think that anesthesiology is becoming more popular in terms of education? ...
  A: There really is no specialty in medicine that is not competitive. Probably the least competitive ...
MH and asthma10/22/2009
  Q: My sister has MH. She was diagnosed during the removal of her tonsils when she was about 24, she's ...
  A: I have not heard of a cross reactivity with the two but since MH is so rare, I do not have that much ...
College10/21/2009
  Q: I am a junior in high school and I am highly considering a career in anesthesiology. I am having a ...
  A: You're having a hard time because Anesthesia is not a major, it is a subspecialty of medicine. In ...
help and advice please10/20/2009
  Q: I had my appendix out about eight months and since then, I have been told that I am suffering from ...
  A: I never understand how physicians make such bold statements as "your depression is caused by ...
Schooling10/20/2009
  Q: I'm a junior in high school and want very much to become an Anesthesiologist. Our Allied Health ...
  A: In college you can major in anything you want. You will need to take the prerequisite courses for ...
COPD and General Anesthesia10/20/2009
  Q: Recently I was diagnosed with a hernia but my doctor says he can't operate on me with general ...
  A: See another doctor because clearly this one doesn't know much. Assuming your hernia is an inguinal ...
Eye problems from anesthesia10/19/2009
  Q: I am 43 years old. I Had a DNC done at the hospital and coming out of anesthesia my heart rate ...
  A: Obviously there is no way for me to know this without doing some further testing. I would recommend ...
MD to CRNA10/17/2009
  Q: Levy, This is probably a question that you will find odd, but I was wondering if you know anything ...
  A: I have never heard of that and I would doubt that people would hire you knowing that you will leave ...
Classes to take?10/12/2009
  Q: I am still in high school, and i make straight A's and I am in as high of classes as possible for my ...
  A: You will need all those classes including Calculus (and perhaps Statistics) but in hogh school it ...
Anesthesiology10/12/2009
  Q: I am a freshman in high school and I don't even really know what I want to do, and I'm not pressured ...
  A: You need mostly science and math classes like organic and inorgani chemistry, physics, calculus and ...
anesthesia10/12/2009
  Q: How close together can you be put under by anesthesia?
  A: There is no cut-off. It is not uncommon to have procedures as often as every day or every other day ...
anesthesia complication10/12/2009
  Q: what complications might arise if the paralytic agents used prior to surgery (i.e.roc.,pro.,)are ...
  A: They kept her for 12 hours because an IM injection takes longer to be absorbed and they wanted to ...
anesthesia and benzodiazeprines10/12/2009
  Q: I have been taking a benzodiazeprine, xanax every 6 hours, for many years for panic disorder, as ...
  A: There is no standard time and they will resume your Xanax after surgery. If (for some reason) they ...
anesthesia complication10/10/2009
  Q: what complications might arise if the paralytic agents used prior to surgery (i.e.roc.,pro.,)are ...
  A: First, why would it be injected prior to surgery and second why in the muscle? The only ...
Anesthesiology - a viable field?10/6/2009
  Q: Dr. Levy, I am currently an MS1 at a Texas medical school and was possibly interested in ...
  A: I still think the field is viable and I don't think CRNA/AA will take away much business (certainly ...
anethesia for colonoscopy/ insurance coverage10/6/2009
  Q: In the past, anethesia for my husband's and my colonoscopies have been covered. Suddenly I am told ...
  A: Colonoscopies are commonly done with sedation by the gastroenterologist unless there is a medical ...
Education...10/6/2009
  Q: I am 22 and just starting my first year of college at Lamar State College Orange. What are my ...
  A: Being a state college is not a problem as long as it is an accredited 4 yr program. While it is true ...
Effects of Oxygen during Colonoscopy10/5/2009
  Q: I just got home two hours ago and I am experiencing the exact same thing as the man below describes. ...
  A: You should NOT stay away from oxygen (via any delivery means). What may have happened is they gave ...
surgery10/5/2009
  Q: I had surgery 3-4 weeks ago, have not taken any pain meds since 4 days after surgery. I have itchy ...
  A: If it started around the cast and is the same type of rash then it might be related. Could they ...
surgery10/5/2009
  Q: I had surgery 3-4 weeks ago, have not taken any pain meds since 4 days after surgery. I have itchy ...
  A: It doesn't sound like medication is the cause either (unless you started a new medication). The case ...
Hypothermia & General Anesthesia10/2/2009
  Q: Some 10 years ago, my wife had surgery under general anesthesia and in post-op she was noted as ...
  A: None is really needed. It is not unusual (depending on the surgery) for body temperature to drop. If ...
Anesthesia and concussion10/2/2009
  Q: My mother is a 67 year old with post-concussive syndrome from a car wreck several years ago who when ...
  A: I cannot explain the blacking out but it has little to do with how she will respond to general ...
help with meds10/1/2009
  Q: I am a 30 year old female who has to date had 14 surgeries.I also have been married for almost 15 ...
  A: First of all, I would never recommend stopping all drugs cold turkey. I would also like to preface ...
surgery hernia Oct 209/30/2009
  Q: Very scared to ask my doctor thc in system will surgery be ok if I quit now or should I wait ...
  A: They should ask you and you should tell them. You should never keep any information from your ...
Anesthesiology9/29/2009
  Q: I am a senior in high school and i have been taking college courses to work towards my bachelors in ...
  A: You can certainly get a Bachelor's in nursing but I don't see the advantage of that. If you like ...
Adverse reaction to versed and fentanyl9/28/2009
  Q: My father is showing symptoms of dementia. We are now in the process of finding the cause. He is a ...
  A: It is unlikely that Versed and Fentanyl caused these problems. They are relative short acting and ...
Anesthesiology9/28/2009
  Q: I am a senior in high school and i have been taking college courses to work towards my bachelors in ...
  A: Why get a Bachelor's in nursing if you want to be an MD Anesthesiologist (or do you want to be a ...
anasthetic9/27/2009
  Q: i recently had a operation which was done under a general anesthetic after the operation in recovery ...
  A: I still doubt that anesthesia is the issue here as it is > 24 hours after surgery but you might be ...
anasthetic9/26/2009
  Q: i recently had a operation which was done under a general anesthetic after the operation in recovery ...
  A: Without much information, it would be hard to tell. What type of operation, how long ago, how long ...
Benzocain9/24/2009
  Q: About 7 weeks ago, I used a condom that contained benzocaine and now my penis has a loss of ...
  A: Your problem is not Benzocaine still in your system (it disappears within 1-2 hours). I also don't ...
Concerned9/24/2009
  Q: Ok I'm having knee surgery next Thursday the 1 St and will be going under General but my concern is ...
  A: You should certainly let them know because they may have you come in early so you don't delay the ...
psuedocholinesterase deficiency/pain meds9/24/2009
  Q: Does psuedocholinesterase deficiency slow or prevent some pain medicines from being affective?
  A: Not to my knowledge. Psuedocholinesterase works at the neuromuscular junction to break down ...
Spinal VS. general9/22/2009
  Q: I am having surgery on Tuesday and thinking I want a spinal plus sedation instead of general. 3 ...
  A: You can certainly do this case with a spinal. The risks are very small and, assuming you are ...
HELP9/22/2009
  Q: i need help!!! when i grow up i wanna be a crime scene investigator but i w=also want to be an ...
  A: Obviously I prefer anesthesia but I should point out that being a CSI is nothing like what you see ...
Complications after epidural9/21/2009
  Q: I was extremely nauseated immediately after and they gave me different anti-nausea medications which ...
  A: No. There is nothing in the epidural that should affect your brain at all. Did you see a neurologist ...
seizures after oral surgery?9/20/2009
  Q: background: my daughter is 22yrs old and had oral surgery to remove 3 wisdom teeth. She had never ...
  A: I would strongly doubt these are related to anesthesia as most anesthetics are seizure stabilizing. ...
Post Anashesia Allergy9/17/2009
  Q: I am a 66 year old white male who underwent a colonoscopy yesterday. The test proved negative with ...
  A: The symptoms you describe are not consistent with an allergy. I assume you were sedated and not ...
possible cause9/12/2009
  Q: my wife had a c-section 2 months, soon after she started having deep tensed headaches. a few days ...
  A: No I don't but it is not related to the anesthesia. Did your wife have a general anesthetic or a ...
Medical9/3/2009
  Q: Hey, finally a way to connect with a doctor. I am starting my undergraduate in Biology in a few days ...
  A: 1) What advice would you give me to get accepted into medical school? Study hard. Get great grades. ...
psuedocholinesterase def.8/31/2009
  Q: what can a dentist use when he needs to do oral surgery. 8 impacted teeth. my daughter was on vent. ...
  A: Are you talking about an oral surgeon? Generally oral surgeons do not paralyze and intubate patients ...
College classes8/28/2009
  Q: What College courses should I take as a freshman in college to become an anesthesiologist. Keep in ...
  A: It may help you to understand the material at the 4 yr college better, but most of the credit you ...
College classes8/27/2009
  Q: What College courses should I take as a freshman in college to become an anesthesiologist. Keep in ...
  A: The first thing I would tell you is to get into a 4 yr college. Community college will not get you ...
anesthesiology8/26/2009
  Q: my name is Joaquinn and I plan to become an anesthesiologist. I decided to enroll in a community ...
  A: I am not sure about the requirements for transfer or how many credits they will accept but since you ...
anesthesiology8/25/2009
  Q: What do I need to know and be good at to become an Anesthesiologist? One last question what would ...
  A: You need to be good at science, you need to have leadreship skills, you need to think quickly and ...
Problems with anesthesia?8/23/2009
  Q: I just extracted my wisdom teeth under General Anesthesia on Tuesday. I was just starting to come ...
  A: Then likely you had some resideual muscle relaxant on board. During many surgical procedures, we ...
Seizure during surgery.8/23/2009
  Q: In Oct 08 I had a simple arthroscopic partial removal of both lateral and medial meniscus. I asked, ...
  A: I cannot speak for the medical history and the surgeon wanting an asleep patient does not abrogate ...
Problems with anesthesia?8/21/2009
  Q: I just extracted my wisdom teeth under General Anesthesia on Tuesday. I was just starting to come ...
  A: I don't know if you had this procedure in the destist's office or in a hospital. If you were ...
Spinal Tap8/20/2009
  Q: I have been recently diagnost with Lyme Disease and Fibromyalgia. The doctors aren't sure whne I got ...
  A: It is not strange for a radiologist to do it. By doing it under direct vision (x-ray) they can use a ...
Seizure during surgery.8/20/2009
  Q: In Oct 08 I had a simple arthroscopic partial removal of both lateral and medial meniscus. I asked, ...
  A: I hate when doctors ascribe a problem to an area they know nothing about. I doubt you had a seizure ...
general anesthesia worries8/20/2009
  Q: I lost my right eye to retinoblastoma when I was two years old. Im 26 now and I have been wearing ...
  A: If you are healthy, don't smoke, etc. the risks from general anesthesia are vanishingly small. The ...
What can i don8/19/2009
  Q: I had surgery almost 3 weeks ago. i been feeling very sick i went to the Emergency room and doctors ...
  A: You can't have an allergic reaction to a surgery so I don't know what that is supposed to mean. It ...
advice8/19/2009
  Q: What are some medical colleges that you recommend? i live on the west coast and would like to stay ...
  A: Any competitive 4 yr college is fine for getting into medical school. Remember that medical school ...
advice8/19/2009
  Q: What are some medical colleges that you recommend? i live on the west coast and would like to stay ...
  A: When you say medical colleges do you mean medical schools or colleges? Are you currently n college ...
Sedation during colonoscopy8/18/2009
  Q: I recently had a colonoscopy. I had an IV and they administered sedation just before beginning. The ...
  A: If the IV wasn't in, you would have had tremendous pain at the injection site so I assume the IV was ...
Risk of anesthesia in older patients undergoing surgery8/17/2009
  Q: Dr. Levy, My mother will be undergoing hip replacement surgery in the coming month. She is 71 years ...
  A: Age is a risk factor (but I think more so for the surgery than the anesthesia). There have been some ...
new drugs with less side effect?8/17/2009
  Q: My anesthetist was telling me about some new maintenance drugs for general anesthesia that have ...
  A: I do not know which drugs you are referring to. All drugs have effects on the heart (some on the ...
THROAT DISCOMFORT AFTER SURGERY8/16/2009
  Q: LEVY...LAST THURSDAY I HAD LASER SURGERY AS AN OUTPATIENT BY EN ENT TO REMOVE LEUCOPLASTIC AREAS ON ...
  A: It is normal and should go away in a week. It could be caused by the laster surgery (the tongue is ...
Mophine8/14/2009
  Q: Dr. Levy, I would like to ask a question. There are a lot of details that you may need to ...
  A: You didn't give him either too much or too little. The problem is that a PCA pump really needs to be ...
Rewarding Career?8/13/2009
  Q: I am currently a pre-med student and I have been researching whether or not I want to be an ...
  A: What you're really comparing is about a 4 yr difference. For CRNA you need a 4 yr college (nursing ...
D&C anesthesiologist requirement7/31/2009
  Q: Levy, I would like to know whether a gynecologist who is not a anesthesiologist can performed ...
  A: If you are asking if the gynecologist can perform the procedure and also the anesthetic, the answer ...
eye surgery7/30/2009
  Q: how is the eye anesthetized and what medicine is used for eye surgery; cataracts, cornea ...
  A: It can be done several ways (depending on the surgery and the surgeon). It can be done with a ...
sensitive nervous system and anesthesia7/30/2009
  Q: I have a very sensitive nervous system. I had day stay sinus surgery yesterday that went very well. ...
  A: Unlikely. It sounds more like your underlying nervous system problem. Perhaps you have anxiety, etc ...
General Anesthesia Affect Memory?7/29/2009
  Q: I will be having an upper GI endoscopy and found out they will be using Propofol for inducing ...
  A: Propofol causes antegrade (forward) amnesia. There is no memory loss of past events. Generally ...
Pseudocholinesterase deficiency7/28/2009
  Q: My daughter has pseudocholinesterase deficiency and has to have a small cavity filled at the ...
  A: While there is no life threatening event to worry about with Novocaine for dental procedures, there ...
epidural7/28/2009
  Q: I am a mother of 3 children. Ages 5, 4 and 2. I had epidural (at least I think they were, not sure ...
  A: There is no need to worry. What happened to you is when they put the epidural in (it's supposed to ...
post surgery anesthesia allergy7/26/2009
  Q: Is it possible to have an allergic reaction on anesthesia , or any reaction in the form of ...
  A: The short answer is no. You can have allergies to certain types of anesthetics (as with any durg) ...
ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM ACCEPTABLE?7/24/2009
  Q: I was just wondering if an online (4 yr. Bachelor's degree) will be acceptable to attend Medical ...
  A: I would tend to doubt that an online degree would be sufficient, but certainly you can't do medical ...
pregnant and local anesthesia7/24/2009
  Q: I will see my dermotologist first and then the plastic surgeon. They both are going to use a local ...
  A: There is no problem with respect to the local anesthesia (assuming no sedation). The problem is more ...
"Twilight Sleep anesthesia" for Pacemaker Surgery7/23/2009
  Q: My 29-year-old son has just had surgery to insert a pacemaker (PM). The pacemaker was required to ...
  A: It is not unusual to do a pacemaker without an anesthesiologist (in fact it is the usual). When you ...
chronic rash post op7/23/2009
  Q: A friend of mine recently had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome on his left hand and shortly after ...
  A: I have no idea what it could be! I assume that he has no other problems related to the surgery other ...
Majors7/21/2009
  Q: I'm looking into a career in Anesthesiology, and I plan to take my first four years of college ...
  A: You can major in anything you want in college as long as you take the required premedical course ...
Bronchospasm While Under7/19/2009
  Q: Back In 1996 I was put under general anesthesia in order to have a D&C. I'm not sure what meds i was ...
  A: If you never had asthma, there is no reason to get tested for it...you don't have it. With regard to ...
starting with associates7/19/2009
  Q: I'm 19 and getting my associates degree in medical assisting in a business college with the goal of ...
  A: An associates degree will not help you. You need a full 4-yr Bachelors degree to apply to medical ...
Bronchospasm While Under7/18/2009
  Q: Back In 1996 I was put under general anesthesia in order to have a D&C. I'm not sure what meds i was ...
  A: These are 2 different issues. The bronchospasm is likely a one time event and does not predict that ...
allergic reaction?7/14/2009
  Q: i had an upper g.i.....well 2 hours after i got home my tounge started to swell...mostly to the ...
  A: Why did you have anesthesia for an upper GI? Do you mean an upper endoscopy? Without knowing what ...
Anterior Cervical Fusion7/13/2009
  Q: My husband had anterior cervical fusion on June 4, 2009. He was released from the hosp on the 6th ...
  A: I can almost assure you this is not related to anesthesia. If I had to guess (not having seen the ...
Large red spots on back after surgery7/13/2009
  Q: Had surgery to put in a bladder pacemaker on Thursday and I had the red spots on back in a few ...
  A: The itch between the fingers I have no idea (nothing related to anesthesia that I can think of). As ...
Large red spots on back after surgery7/12/2009
  Q: Had surgery to put in a bladder pacemaker on Thursday and I had the red spots on back in a few ...
  A: If I had to guess, that is where they put the electrocautery pad (does it look like a rectangle?)or ...
outpatient surgery7/12/2009
  Q: i came from surgery and was shrivering so hard. was i having a seizare
  A: No you weren't. It is very common for patients to shiver after surgery (even if they are not cold). ...
duramorph spinal7/8/2009
  Q: I work in an OR department and our anesthesia providers like to use duramorph with spinals for pain ...
  A: Duramorph can cause respiratory depression for 8-24 hours post surgery. Obviously you can't keep a ...
anesthetic7/8/2009
  Q: I RECENTLY HAD A GENERAL ANESTHETIC AND HAD A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE.THE NURSE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING ...
  A: There is no such thing as allergic to anesthesia. It's hard to say exactly happened other than you ...
stupid anesthesia question7/8/2009
  Q: i'm a recent anesthesia grad about to start private practice. i'm studying for my boards and have a ...
  A: Here are 3 references for you: Andrianakis P. Walker D: Effect of hyperthermia on uterine and ...
To Spinal or not to Spinal?7/5/2009
  Q: I was wondering what are the current protocols in Anesthetic options for a patient with ...
  A: Actually both answers are correct (depending on who you listen to). There are two problems here, one ...
Time management7/3/2009
  Q: I have heard that anesthesiologists are not at the hospital the time and i have also heard that they ...
  A: It depends on what type of practice you have but in general, a hospital is a 24/7 operation so there ...
Epidural for Incisional Hernia?7/2/2009
  Q: Levy, First of all thank you for your help in the past. I now have an incisional hernia; about the ...
  A: Actually, a general might not be a bad option for you for the following reason. For them to get a ...
post anesthesia reaction7/1/2009
  Q: I have had 4 surgeries in the last 11 months. Cardiac ablation, gallbladder, knee, and partial ...
  A: I don't think it is related to anesthesia specifically but rather the general toll on your body from ...
memory loss with personality chane6/30/2009
  Q: My husband had an endarterectomy with Regional Anthesthesia in May 2009. He has memory loss, every ...
  A: This is not related to the anesthesia but more likely to the surgery. When they do a carotid, ...
courses6/30/2009
  Q: im a student in houston texas region and im about to start high school as a junior in two months, i ...
  A: Sanford Brown is an Institute, not a college and they offer programs for Anesthesia technology, not ...
anesthesia and COPD6/29/2009
  Q: I was told that I could not have intravenous anesthesia because I am allergic to soy and egg ...
  A: I don't understand what that means! One thing is a procedure where they put a scope up through your ...
Medical School - application/entrance6/28/2009
  Q: Levy: I am interested in applying to medical school and I have a few questions. I am a non ...
  A: Any hospital volunteer or research work would do. As for recs, again any recs are fine. If you can ...
anesthesia and COPD6/25/2009
  Q: I was told that I could not have intravenous anesthesia because I am allergic to soy and egg ...
  A: When you say enteroscopy, do you mean endoscopy or laparoscopic surgery? If the former, you could do ...
anesthesiology6/25/2009
  Q: what college courses should i take to prepare me to become an anesthesiologist? ANSWER: You need to ...
  A: As with all jobs, there are loves and hates. I love the challenge, making people feel good during ...
anesthesia and COPD6/25/2009
  Q: I was told that I could not have intravenous anesthesia because I am allergic to soy and egg ...
  A: First of all, you can have general anesthesia, just not with Propofol. We have many other ...
Am I on the right track6/25/2009
  Q: I am currently in college for nursing but I'm really interested in being an an anesthesiologist. I ...
  A: I am not sure if the requirements for a nursing degree cover all the requirements for medical ...
CRNA or Anesthesiology6/24/2009
  Q: I have recently decided to major in the medical field. After speaking with several people it was ...
  A: Not to do that! You cannot go from one to the other. To be a CRNA you need a nursing degree, then ...
oral surgery6/23/2009
  Q: I'm getting a tooth implant in the near future and was wondering if you are allowed to choose your ...
  A: Generally these are done under deep sedation and local and most people do fine with this. If you ...
Feeling of not being able to breath when waking from surgery..but breathing?6/23/2009
  Q: I am having laproscopic surgery for the 4th time to remove endometriosis and am scared to death. The ...
  A: In general, I would say you don't need to get your records. This does not sound like an allergic ...
outpatient procedure/surgery6/22/2009
  Q: Dr Levy: the answer that you gave on 6/18/09 regarding the different options for colonoscopy ...
  A: I really don't understand why people hate the amnesia. The fact is, if you needed (or received) ...
Epidural during childbirth6/22/2009
  Q: Is it possible to have nerve damage affecting both my left and right hand and arm after an epidural? ...
  A: The only way to know if it is related to the epidural is to be examined by a neurologist. If the ...
Addison's Disease and Surgury6/20/2009
  Q: I was diagnosed with Polyglandular Auto immune in 1990.This involves all my endrocrine glands.With ...
  A: Addison's disease is caused by a lack of Cortisol in the blood stream. Cortisol is the hormone you ...
anesthisia6/20/2009
  Q: 1) what are the side effects of too much anesthesia administer during several heart-cats? 2) can ...
  A: I assume you mean heart catheterizations. The side effects are the same as they are for any ...
another colonoscopy question6/18/2009
  Q: I just got back from the GI doc and she told me that I need a colonoscopy and was gerat with the ...
  A: Either option 2 or 3 are fine. Both will be pain free, both with give amnesia and both will be a ...
type of schooling6/18/2009
  Q: i am looking into becoming an anesthesiologist. I am currently taking a 2 year program for associate ...
  A: No, you're not on the right track. I don't know if any of your credits are transferable but you need ...
I was wondering6/17/2009
  Q: I really have a passion to become an anesthesiologist but I'm still in highschool, what extra ...
  A: Try to get involved with medical activities...volunteering at your local hospital, doing research, ...
colonoscopy without midazolam (brand name: Versed)6/17/2009
  Q: Dr. Levy, in your response to a recent question entitled "Colon scope without versed" (asked on ...
  A: Let me start with the second question first. When Versed was developed, it was designed to relieve ...
work life6/17/2009
  Q: I have been searching online for answers about worklife of all medical specialties and cannot find ...
  A: Again it depends on what type of practice you want. If you go into an ambulatory center, your hours ...
sedating meds during intubation6/17/2009
  Q: I am 37 Yrs old and have severe asthma. I have been intubated 9 times...4 times in the past 2 ...
  A: It sounds like you got succinylcholine to paralyze you but they gave it too soon after you got the ...
work life6/16/2009
  Q: I have been searching online for answers about worklife of all medical specialties and cannot find ...
  A: If you need less than 50 hr/wk then medicine is not for you. While you might be able to control your ...
Colon scope without versed6/15/2009
  Q: Levy: I'm 55 without any current medical problems. My doctor took a biopsy during a flex-sig that ...
  A: I would actually consider reporting this doctor to the local medical board. What he is doing is ...
Colon scope without versed6/15/2009
  Q: Levy: I'm 55 without any current medical problems. My doctor took a biopsy during a flex-sig that ...
  A: I don't see any reason to sign that consent unless you are agreeing to sedation. My guess is that ...
Colon scope without versed6/15/2009
  Q: Levy: I'm 55 without any current medical problems. My doctor took a biopsy during a flex-sig that ...
  A: Let me start by saying that the GI doc was wrong to get mad at you and give you an ultimatum. That ...
back pain and epiderals6/14/2009
  Q: I have had 3 epiderals for having children, all of which were c-section. I am now having lower back ...
  A: The location we put the epidural is the same location (coincidentally) that herniated disks most ...
unconscious after operation6/14/2009
  Q: Sir, My cousin was first time pregnant after wedding. In ultasound it was revealed that the baby is ...
  A: The brain is a complex organ and research in this area is very poor. The fact that she opens her ...
anesthesilogy6/13/2009
  Q: I had surgery yesterday morning -outpatient procedure I was given general anesthesia And my pupils ...
  A: I guess if your "doped up" on Percocet, then it could be hard to read but if this is still ...
anesthesilogy6/13/2009
  Q: I had surgery yesterday morning -outpatient procedure I was given general anesthesia And my pupils ...
  A: I don't know what kind of surgery you had but the pupillary enlargement is not due to the anesthesia ...
unconscious after operation6/13/2009
  Q: Sir, My cousin was first time pregnant after wedding. In ultasound it was revealed that the baby is ...
  A: Unfortunately there is nothing I or anyone can do for her. It sounds like (and this is mostly ...
Anesthesiology6/10/2009
  Q: I am very interested in Duke University and the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). I would ...
  A: There are no "top five" colleges that offer courses for anesthesia. You need to first get into ...
memory loss.6/6/2009
  Q: I had a total thyroidectomy it was cancerous 29th January 2009 today is June 6th 2009 (yet to have ...
  A: The memory loss is certainly not due to the anesthesia this far out and is not due to the lab ...
oral surgery gen. anesthesia6/6/2009
  Q: I had oral surgery to remove roots of 2 back teeth, molar and 1 in front. I am absolutely terrified ...
  A: Assuming you are of normal weight and size, the dosage was actually an appropriate and reasonable ...
salary6/4/2009
  Q: How much does an anesthesiologist make during their residency? as a real anesthesiologist? ANSWER: ...
  A: Having a PhD has nothing to do with how much you make. You still need the med school and residency. ...
General Anesthesia for a 15 minute TVT procedure???6/4/2009
  Q: My Dr will be performing a TVT bladder sling surgery in August. He's a competent surgeon, but ...
  A: If you are getting a general, that means that an anesthesiologist is giving the anesthesia. Your ...
Becoming an Anesthesiologist6/2/2009
  Q: I hope you are doing well. I am going to be starting school in June to become an Anesthesiologist ...
  A: The only prereqs you need are those required to get into medical school. these include calculus, ...
surgery for polyp5/30/2009
  Q: I am 55 years old and need a d&c and polyp removal. I have mild leakage in an aortic valve and ...
  A: Your surgeon will tell you about any antibiotics you may need but my feeling is they will just give ...
Nervous about my shaking and it's results performing on patients.5/22/2009
  Q: Dr Levy, thank-you kindly for taking the time to answer my questions. My question is based on the ...
  A: Your right hand is your intubating hand so if you can control it, then there should be no problem ...
Propofol5/20/2009
  Q: I just wanted to say thank you for your response about propofol for a colonoscopy. You were right ...
  A: You don't need a reversal agent because Propofol is very short acting. An induction dose of Propofol ...
Anesthisiology5/19/2009
  Q: I have many questions. I have put much thought in my future and I have had the desire to become an ...
  A: Here are your answers: I have taken many med related classes such as medical terminology, body ...
results after anesthesia5/19/2009
  Q: It has been almost a week since I had an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. I am taking ...
  A: It would be hard to answer (not knowing what surgery, your medical history, anesthetic record, etc). ...
Administer of Anaesthetics in Dental Surgery5/19/2009
  Q: Levy, In a few weeks, I will have my wisdom teeth removed by an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. ...
  A: Generally speaking, oral/maxillofacial surgeons also get training in providing sedation anesthesia. ...
Upcoming Surgery5/18/2009
  Q: I am having laproscopic gall bladder surgery on Wednesday. I am diabetic and have high cholesterol. ...
  A: Without knowing your medical history it would be hard to say. The worst case is you don't take ...
Upcoming Surgery5/18/2009
  Q: I am having laproscopic gall bladder surgery on Wednesday. I am diabetic and have high cholesterol. ...
  A: Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Generally speaking, we have our patients take ...
ether and sodium pentathol5/17/2009
  Q: When I was twelve, I had my tonsils removed and was given ether which made me very sick afterwards. ...
  A: Both are general anesthesia. I have to assume that if you were given ether then you are very old ...
waking up after anesthesiology5/17/2009
  Q: I had 4-bypass heart surgery. I was rolled on a bed into one room, woke up in another room. The ...
  A: The first part of your question is common. People often don't wake up immediately after heart ...
Anesthesiology5/15/2009
  Q: What are are the different types of anesthesiologists out there?
  A: I don't understand your question. There is only one type of anesthesiologist. Some anesthesiologists ...
Anesthesia5/14/2009
  Q: Levy. I may be having gall bladder surgery in the next few weeks and I have a serious question. I ...
  A: All anesthetics work on GABA as these are the receptors to work on sleep. There are other choices ...
Anesthesiology5/13/2009
  Q: Do you recommend any certain colleges or medical schools that you think are better than most?
  A: It's not a matter of better or worse (they are all good), it is a matter of whether you can get in, ...
sedation for colonoscopy5/10/2009
  Q: Is it common for a patient to be told you are too overweight to complete a colonoscopy? There are ...
  A: There is no such thing as that (not from the GI or the anesthesia point of view). Now I am assuming ...
schooling for Anesthesiology5/10/2009
  Q: I will be graduating June of 2010, I live in Houston,TX and I want to pursue a career in ...
  A: There are numerous colleges in Texas and it depends on your grades and how much you can afford. Rice ...
surgery induced seizures5/10/2009
  Q: My friends brother had laproscopic knee surgery Saturday morning (appx a 20 minute surgery). He was ...
  A: I cannot explain the seizures other than to say they are not likely from the anesthesia (or the ...
Anesthesia Question5/9/2009
  Q: Dad is having surgery next week. I have been reading about drugs used. Many drugs say they can't be ...
  A: There is no such thing as a drug that can't be used for people with arrythmias or high BP (you just ...
schooling for Anesthesiology5/7/2009
  Q: I will be graduating June of 2010, I live in Houston,TX and I want to pursue a career in ...
  A: I'm not sure what you're looking for? There is plenty of information about medical schools and ...
anasthesia and depression5/7/2009
  Q: My father in law had a hip replacement about a year ago. He slipped into a deep depression about ...
  A: It is not related to the anesthesia but more likely the hip replacement and the slow recovery from ...
salary5/6/2009
  Q: How much does an anesthesiologist make during their residency? as a real anesthesiologist?
  A: It varies depending on where you do your residency and what type of practice you go into. A resident ...
I had twilight when I had my children?5/6/2009
  Q: I had twilight when I had both of my children back in the 1960's. Evidently this is nothing like the ...
  A: They are very similar but the drugs we use today are a little better. In the 60's they basically ...
Anesthesia5/6/2009
  Q: Levy. I may be having gall bladder surgery in the next few weeks and I have a serious question. I ...
  A: They are two different things. Benzos are used for anxiety and sedation prior to anesthesia. They ...
general anesthesia and prescription meds5/5/2009
  Q: I have a surgery scheduled that requires general anesthesia. I am in my early 20s. 7 days prior to ...
  A: Neither one is a problem (even if you took it the day of surgery) although obviously you wouldn't ...
Propofol and Versed5/5/2009
  Q: 22 years ago, 2 weeks after the birth of my daughter I had my gall bladder removed. I had an ...
  A: They definitely didn't give you Propofol 22 yrs ago because it didn't exist, so as long as you are ...
interested in a career in anesthesia5/4/2009
  Q: I am a high school student who is soon to be graduating and going on to college. My question I have ...
  A: If you're going into the profession because of the income potential, don't. While income is good, ...
Anesthesia5/4/2009
  Q: Levy. I may be having gall bladder surgery in the next few weeks and I have a serious question. I ...
  A: Your anesthesiologist will discuss with you the options but benzos are not REQUIRED for anesthesia. ...
chloroform5/3/2009
  Q: Is it dangerous to inhale chloroform from a bottle in a nonventilated space? Thank you. I don't have ...
  A: It is dangerous in a non-ventilated AND a ventilated room especially if you are doing it yourself ...
Sedation for colonoscopy5/3/2009
  Q: I have a wonderful gastro doctor and am scheduled for a colonoscopy soon. I have no problem with the ...
  A: Propofol, if administered correctly is an excellent sedative. As you mention, it has a short half ...
Ichy skin after plastic surgery5/1/2009
  Q: I had a breast lift and slight reduction just yesterday, and I remember immediately after exiting ...
  A: Anything could be the source but it doesn't really sound like an allergy to me. Hopefully by the ...
MAC with Local5/1/2009
  Q: I recently emailed you about my husband who was having inquinal hernia surgery with MAC and local. ...
  A: As you said, he didn't remember anything! Whenever you get local anesthetic, it can burn (think of ...
Muscle Soreness after anesthesia5/1/2009
  Q: Levy, I had my ERCP yesterday to remove the stent from my bile duct, and everything went great with ...
  A: I think I get what happened. Originally they wanted to do the procedure as a sedation case but they ...
Muscle Soreness after anesthesia4/30/2009
  Q: Levy, I had my ERCP yesterday to remove the stent from my bile duct, and everything went great with ...
  A: When they give you an anesthetic, you are supposed to stop breathing. Of course, you are also asleep ...
Addicted4/29/2009
  Q: Can someone get addicted to anesthesia?
  A: The answer depends on what you mean. To be addicted to something, you need to be able to get access ...
laproscopy surgery4/28/2009
  Q: I am VERY scared it being my first surgery ever. The only thing close to an anesthetic is novacane. ...
  A: If you are otherwise healthy, there is no problem and you should fly through the surgery. The risks ...
Epideral/Spinal Injection Back Pain4/27/2009
  Q: The only thing is that I had to be punctured 6 times due to my vertabrae seperations so I was told. ...
  A: I am sorry they had to stick you so many times. I am also surprised that when the epidural didn't ...
colonscopy and foot surgery4/26/2009
  Q: I am going to need surgery on my foot and also my doctor wants me to have a colonscopy. I am taking ...
  A: Generally we use Fentanyl (which is fine with MAOIs). Lidocaine as a local anesthetic is also fine ...
Duramorph given via spinal4/24/2009
  Q: My mom, age 84, broke hip and was having total hip replacement. Was told she would be having spinal ...
  A: There may not be a "printed" OR records but there are certainly hand-written nurses notes and an ...
Duramorph given via spinal4/24/2009
  Q: My mom, age 84, broke hip and was having total hip replacement. Was told she would be having spinal ...
  A: Duramorph is safe for the elderly (in the proper dosage) but they are more prone to respiratory ...
waking up from anesthesia falling-startled sensation4/24/2009
  Q: I have had more than one surgery and am about to under go my last surgery hopefully for my ...
  A: Generally when you wake up from anesthesia it is very peaceful. The sensation you have is more ...
Do it all over again4/24/2009
  Q: If you had a choice to re-do your decision on profession based on income what would that be and why?
  A: I didn't go into medicine for the income but rather because I liked the challenge of medicine and ...
Medication in Colonoscopy4/23/2009
  Q: I had a colonoscopy and was given an IV with 25 mg of Benadryl followed by 150 mcg of Fenadryl and 8 ...
  A: The combination is NOT abnormal. You actually woke up in the recovery room and probably even walked ...
Why?4/22/2009
  Q: My question is, why do teenagers and adults have to go under anesthesia by IV induction and not by ...
  A: As you go off to sleep by mask, it is a slower process and you go through something called Stage II. ...
CRNA to Anesthesiologist4/22/2009
  Q: I have read the answers you have given to other questions about becoming a CRNA vs. an ...
  A: I know several CRNA's who have done that. Medical school is 4 yrs and Anesthesiology residency is 4 ...
allergies/adverse reactions to anathesia4/22/2009
  Q: I need to have a chemo port put in -- I'm allergic to conscious sedation -- profound amnesia effects ...
  A: There is no such thing as "allergic to conscious sedation". When you say you have profound amnesia ...
Risks of Hernia operation to 85 year old4/21/2009
  Q: My 85 year old father is diagnosed with hernia on right side of groin. What are risks of general ...
  A: It depends on the surgeon. Not all surgeons are comfortable doing laparoscopic hernia repairs. It ...
inactive chemo port4/21/2009
  Q: I have cancer and had a port placed in my left upper chest to recieve the treatments. Taxol and ...
  A: The problem with a subcutaneous port is twofold. First of all, you need a special needle to access ...
Confusion About IV Sedation vs. Anesthesia in Dental Procedure4/20/2009
  Q: I am getting three impacted, fully under the bone (or boney?) wisdom teeth extracted in two weeks. ...
  A: It may be that the oral surgeon only works on that day but it is also the day that the ...
inactive chemo port4/20/2009
  Q: I have cancer and had a port placed in my left upper chest to recieve the treatments. Taxol and ...
  A: If the port is not being used (and is an external port), there is no reason it can't be used for ...
Risks of Hernia operation to 85 year old4/20/2009
  Q: My 85 year old father is diagnosed with hernia on right side of groin. What are risks of general ...
  A: Age is NOT a contraindication for surgery. It depends on how healthy he is and how much the hernia ...
Anesthesiology4/20/2009
  Q: Im going to graduate this May and want to start my career in Anesthesiology. What is the ...
  A: The 4 yrs of college are the pre-med. The next 4 yrs are medical school and then 4 yrs of Anesthesia ...
Too old to work towards being an Anesthesiologist?4/19/2009
  Q: I am 30years old, finishing up an Echo/Vascular program and am now very interested in working ...
  A: There really is no upper limit (understanding that from college through residency is 12 years). I ...
post op symptoms infant4/19/2009
  Q: I have a pacemaker for mobitz type I and II blocks caused by a mutation in the SCN5A gene. My son ...
  A: When I asked about intubation, I was talking about post op when he was having the symptoms. ...
Is twilight conscious sedation?4/19/2009
  Q: Dr. Levy, I asked a question on April 14th about my husband who is having having twilight and a ...
  A: Answers below: Is twilight considered conscious sedation? Yes it is. The terms are ...
Hair dye and anesthesia4/19/2009
  Q: I recently (two weeks ago) had throat surgery which required general anesthesia. I was under ...
  A: I have answered this question several times before and as far as I know, there is no correlation ...
post op symptoms infant4/18/2009
  Q: I have a pacemaker for mobitz type I and II blocks caused by a mutation in the SCN5A gene. My son ...
  A: First of all, I don't understand why they were giving Ketamine. Ketamine is an anesthetic and while ...
Anaesthetic4/17/2009
  Q: When receiving my anaesthetic for a recent gallbladder op the nurse pushed into my wind pipe with ...
  A: She did what is called cricoid pressure as part of a rapid sequence induction. You either have a ...
normal low (45 48) heart rate and anesthesia4/15/2009
  Q: I will have to have Hernia repair. Looking at answer to another question, I would infer that the ...
  A: I am confused by your questions! You first ask about local but say if it is for my surgeon. That is ...
Versed Question4/15/2009
  Q: I'm having to have my four wisdom teeth pulled. While I'm nervous about the procedure what I'm ...
  A: Versed is an analgesic and an amnestic. It will not put you to sleep (to the point you can't be ...
general anesthestic allergy4/14/2009
  Q: I received a general anesthetic during knee arthriscopy last week and apparently had an allergic ...
  A: First of all, they may have intubated you because that was the original plan. As for the allergy, ...
hernia surgery with local and twilight ? ?4/14/2009
  Q: My husband has an inguinal hernia and he went to see a surgeon today because he wants it repaired. ...
  A: Inguinal hernias can be done many ways, general, spinal or local. Each has advantages and ...
Walking after anestheisa4/13/2009
  Q: My mother had anesthesia for colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. She had "Monitored Anesthesia ...
  A: This is NOT a problem of anesthesia but it is something that definitely needs to be seen by her ...
Colleges I should apply to before med school4/11/2009
  Q: I am very interested in becoming an Anesthesiologist and I have heard that you are better off if you ...
  A: This is NOT true. If you go to any 4-yr college and do well in your courses and MCATs, you can get ...
muscle stiffness4/9/2009
  Q: Dr. Levy : I had a routine D&C on Monday, felt great the rest of the day.The next day up until today ...
  A: It is hard to say not knowing what kind of anesthetic (general or regional) you had but my first ...
anesthesiology and thyroid storm4/8/2009
  Q: I recently had an elective surgery cancelled due to my mild-hyperthyroid. My T4 in normal range but ...
  A: No for several reasons. First it probably would be hard to cover that large an area with local but ...
risk of seizure due to surgery4/8/2009
  Q: My mother suffered 2 withdrawal seizures in one day after detox in June 2008 from ativan, she has no ...
  A: If she has gone 9 months without a seizure (and the seizure was due to withdrawl and not epilepsy), ...
midazolam/fentanyl effects for arrhythmia ablation4/8/2009
  Q: I am a 46 y/o man, 6'03 and 230#. A couple of weeks ago, I went to the hospital as an outpatient ...
  A: The doses you got were not excessively large but each person reacts differently. Midazolam is ...
Anesthesia provider4/7/2009
  Q: Do you believe a patient has the 'right' to insist their care in ANY MAC case be provided directly ...
  A: Every patient has the right to ask for an MDA for any case (not just MAC) but that doesn't mean that ...
to much anesthesia4/7/2009
  Q: My question is will to much anesthesia do damage to your heart? I ask this because i just had ...
  A: No! If you had your appendix out, that means that you were probably feeling pretty sick. This will ...
certification of anesthesiologist during colonoscopy4/6/2009
  Q: I just found out that the the anesthesiologists used for colonoscopies in my Dr.'s. office are not ...
  A: That gets into a complicated issue. Board certified does not necessarily correlate with competance. ...
colonscopy and taking Nardil4/5/2009
  Q: I have been on an MAO Inhibitor for over 25 years and my doctor wants me to have a colonoscopy. He ...
  A: They usually give something for pain but they certainly don't need to give you Demerol. Most often, ...
anesthesiology4/5/2009
  Q: i don't want to get my hopes up but i am so determined that i do what i want and i wanted to know, ...
  A: Basically, work hard, get into the best college you can and then work REALLY hard in college because ...
Anesthesia Amnesia4/4/2009
  Q: I had quad. bypass surgery 3 months ago. I am still having problems with memory. I don't know what ...
  A: There are a variety of reasons for memory loss (not all related to anesthesia). Being on bypass is ...
back pain4/4/2009
  Q: I am having a terrible time diagnosing my problem. All the bloodwork I have taken is fine. BUT, I am ...
  A: This doesn't sound like a problem from the epidural because there would be no reason for it to ...
arm surgery anesthesia4/3/2009
  Q: I had one terrible experience with sedation (versed-bad then propofol-worst) for a hernia operation ...
  A: Nobody can force you to have a certain anesthetic but by the same token, nobody can force an ...
math level u need4/3/2009
  Q: I wanted to know what is the math level you need to become an anesthesiologist and what do i need to ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
allergic reaction to anaesthetic4/1/2009
  Q: I am currently 30 yrs old and in general good health. When in my childhood and early teens I had ...
  A: There is no way to know what drug you were given or even if that had anything to do with it. The ...
anesthesiology4/1/2009
  Q: I'm looking for colleges to become an anesthesiologist and i would like to know, what majors and ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
high fat diet before anesthesia?4/1/2009
  Q: I wondered if there is any risk in consuming food items high in fat and cholesterol (onion rings, ...
  A: No, but it is not good to eat those foods because in the long run, they might contribute to coronary ...
anesthesiology + colleges3/31/2009
  Q: I am looking into becoming an anesthesiologist. Next year I will be a senior and applying to ...
  A: All colleges are good for medical school although it is probably better to go to a college that has ...
Reaction to anesthesia has caused paralysis3/30/2009
  Q: Dr. Levy, I have a close relative who underwent a planned c-section but experienced a seemingly ...
  A: I have no idea what this is or even if it is related to anesthesia (I doubt it) unless she had a ...
side effects of too much anesthesia.3/29/2009
  Q: my mother in-law had her matrix (uterus) taken out Dec. 2007 and she said that they gave her too ...
  A: If she got too much anesthesia, she would have died, not had nightmares! I don't know why she has ...
Medical school acceptance3/28/2009
  Q: I "was" in court facing felony charges would this prevent me from being accepted to medical school ...
  A: That will be up to each individual medical school, but it doesn't sound like anything you can't ...
Anesthesia Complications3/28/2009
  Q: I am 27 years old and have an extensive medical history which include 4 major surgeries and numerous ...
  A: It is always true that the longer the surgery, the longer it takes to wake up (anesthetic gets ...
Stopped breathing before they could do ERCP3/28/2009
  Q: Levy, I had multiple complications after having my gall bladder out; specifically a lot of bile and ...
  A: It sounds like you have a difficult airway and they used succinylcholine (SUX) as the paralytic. SUX ...
Pain in muscles where spinal was inserted3/28/2009
  Q: ive been in alot of pain where i had my spinal 3 months ago. The pain is in the middle of my back ...
  A: It's not unusual to have pain at a spinal injection site although 3 months is a little long. If the ...
twilight without anesthetist3/27/2009
  Q: I am considering breast augmentation and my surgeon of choice has said there will be no anaesthetist ...
  A: For a beast augmentation with sedation, it is often done without a anesthesiologist but there should ...
Pre-op Anesthesia request ignored3/27/2009
  Q: Who should I speak with when my pre-op plan was not honored as my patient right? I asked for NO ...
  A: In most hospitals (unless it is a small town), CRNAs are under the supervision of an MD ...
versed induced amnesia3/26/2009
  Q: Someone posed a question regarding the use of Versed. Yo said the purpose of Versed is to relax you ...
  A: There are several answers to your question. Yes, it can be done without any meds (as was done on my ...
anesthesia3/26/2009
  Q: Mom had a condition that causes anesthesia to have an adverse reaction. It causes patient to have a ...
  A: Most likely the condition is Pseudocholinesterase deficiency. This is a condition where the patient ...
Dear, Dr Levy3/26/2009
  Q: Yes I am going to go to college on the intent of studying anesthesiology. On the road to get there I ...
  A: Yes, medical school is really expensive but there are no hospitals that I know of that offer tuition ...
sever memory loss3/25/2009
  Q: Over the past year I have had 4 major surgeries due to a leaking appendix that was not caught in ...
  A: It is not due to the anesthesia specifically but more likely due to the long chronic illness, ...
Medical school acceptance3/25/2009
  Q: I "was" in court facing felony charges would this prevent me from being accepted to medical school ...
  A: Based on nothing other than your GPA and volunteer work, I would say you are competitive for medical ...
numbness associated with post surgery for L4-L5 microdiscectomy3/24/2009
  Q: I have persistent numbness around and including my anus following surgery for L4-L5 herniated disc. ...
  A: The issue with the foley is common and will go away in several days (you probably had the feeling ...
Medical school acceptance3/24/2009
  Q: I "was" in court facing felony charges would this prevent me from being accepted to medical school ...
  A: It depends on how the question is phrased. If it is phrased "Have you ever been convicted of a ...
Conscious sedation question3/24/2009
  Q: I have to have conscious sedation for an upcoming surgical procedure and I am terrified of having ...
  A: Demerol is a narcotic and has no anxiolytic effects so that would be a bad choice. All of the ...
safety of anethesia2/23/2009
  Q: I am a 38yr old female, basically good health, who is interested in getting a much needed breast ...
  A: If you have no major medical problems (Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease), then don't worry. The ...
epidural2/22/2009
  Q: I recently went through labor/delivery.The resident who put in my first epidural had problems with ...
  A: It is not impossible but you should probably get it looked at. The 2nd epidural was a blood patch to ...
Confused on Anesthesiology.1/21/2009
  Q: I want to become a Anesthesiology and im confused on colleges and medical school I need to do. So ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Careers12/10/2008
  Q: I'm a High School student at Manvel High School and would like to know what classes and college ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Medical school12/10/2008
  Q: I wish to go to medical school to become an anasthesiologist and I was wondering how difficult that ...
  A: You need to finish 4 yrs of medical school and then 4 yrs of anesthesiology training. Medical school ...
scheduled for surgery-have cold12/8/2008
  Q: I am scheduled for surgery for Dec. 15th to remove the hardware from my knee from a high tibial ...
  A: Generally if the cold is resolved or resolving they will still go ahead with surgery but you should ...
Malignant Hyperthermia12/6/2008
  Q: Recently I discovered my aunt on my dad's side (who is only his half sister-same mother not father) ...
  A: If you have already had multiple surgeries, the liklihood is that you are not susceptible to ...
What kinds of problems can anesthestic gasses cause for the anesthesiologist?11/4/2008
  Q: I am a resident in anesthesiology (first year). I'm wondering whether any information exists as to ...
  A: While there has been the occasional study that shows that OR personnel have a higher than average ...
Versed/amnesia9/15/2008
  Q: Could you please point me to some scientific articles, data texts, studies etc. about Versed and its ...
  A: I can't point you to articles refuting the claim because it does cause these effects. One of the ...
NPO guidelines and gum9/12/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, Do you know what the ASA NPO guidelines are for chewing gum? I find some resources that ...
  A: I take a literal approach and would postpose the case. I am not sure if gum was addressed in the ASA ...
anesthesia sensitivity9/11/2008
  Q: I am scheduled to have lumbar disc surgery on Monday 9/15, and when I had a tubal ligation in 1994 ...
  A: Not having seen your chart it would be hard for me to answer. If you got succinylcholine only and ...
copy of hospital records9/10/2008
  Q: If I ask for a copy of my hospital record, will it have the kind of anesthesia that was given to me ...
  A: Yes it will. You can ask for specific parts of your record instead of the whole thing. Charts tend ...
pain in a c-section9/9/2008
  Q: Levy, I am expecting our second child in January of this year. Our first was born in January of ...
  A: It is not uncommon (especially for people with disk problems) to have a patchy block with the ...
lower back pain since spinal9/7/2008
  Q: Within the past 4 years I have had two c-sections and both times a spinal was used. After having my ...
  A: The spinal headache and the back pain are not related and I don't think the spinals are related to ...
Seniors and anesthesia9/6/2008
  Q: My 78 year old mother was caregiver for my father and had a nervous breakdown and then fracture to ...
  A: I doubt it is the anesthesia that is causing these reactions. Has she been seen by her PCP or a ...
confusingly low blood pressure under anesthesia9/5/2008
  Q: My grandfather is currently in the ICU at a local hospital. A few days ago he broke his femur and ...
  A: First of all, a lot of what you describe as low BP and can't wake up, have little to do with each ...
sedation9/5/2008
  Q: I had a colonoscopy 7 years ago. I was given versed, demerol and droperidol. When my husband drove ...
  A: I'm not quite sure what the nurse recognized but I think your problem was related to the Droperidol. ...
Anesthesia during pregnancy9/4/2008
  Q: I just found out that i conceived my baby w week before I had a hernia repair surgery during which i ...
  A: They should have done a pregnancy test on you prior to surgery. If you have anesthesia during the ...
Epidural9/3/2008
  Q: My daughter is now 1 years old and I had to be induced with pitocin. I was also given Tetracycline ...
  A: It sounds like it might be. When you had the parathesias (shooting pain down the leg), did the pain ...
lower back pain9/1/2008
  Q: i had a c-section 9 months ago and i am experiencing a great deal of lower back pain more so in the ...
  A: Unlikely if the spinal placement was uneventful. It might be because of the baby's head in the ...
effect of anaesthetic on patient on high dose oxy9/1/2008
  Q: I recently underwent dental surgery under 'twilight' anaesthesia. I was supposed to remain sedated ...
  A: Certainly you have a higher tolerance to pain meds so it could affect the anesthetic. The local ...
feelings of terror8/31/2008
  Q: I had a endoscopy and apparently became violent midway through the procedure because I was coming ...
  A: Promethazine (Phernergan) is usually given for nausea and vomitting although it can be used as a ...
anesthesiology8/31/2008
  Q: Levy, I understand I need 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school and 4 years of residency to ...
  A: If you are independent, you can establish your residency during college by living year round in the ...
Question8/31/2008
  Q: Could you please explain the difference between sedation and general anesthesia? How do these ...
  A: Conscious sedation means that you are sleepy but if aroused, you will respond. General anesthesia ...
Conscious-deep-anaesthesia8/30/2008
  Q: Greetings Peace be upon you, What level separates conscious sedation, deep sedation and general ...
  A: Conscious sedation means that you are sleepy but if aroused, you will respond. Deep sedation and ...
feelings of terror8/30/2008
  Q: I had a endoscopy and apparently became violent midway through the procedure because I was coming ...
  A: Not knowing what you received makes it hard to say what happened but usually for endoscopy, the ...
heart attack and anethesia8/27/2008
  Q: My mother had a stent placed to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. She had an intraoperative heart ...
  A: Sounds to me like passing blame! Obviously without looking at the chart I can't tell exactly what ...
Junior College Courses8/27/2008
  Q: I am currently a senior in high school and I have been thinking about becoming an anesthesiologist. ...
  A: Calculus is required for medical school. You can major in anything in college (there is no medicine ...
epidural8/27/2008
  Q: I had an epidural a year ago when I had my baby( natural delivery) I had it at 5 am and I gave birth ...
  A: It certainly could be due to the epidural but it also could be due to the delivery. When the baby's ...
what college classes do i take?8/25/2008
  Q: I am interested in becoming an anesthesiologist. I am currently at a community college getting my ...
  A: You do not need to be a nurse to be an anesthesiologist, you need to be a physician. You need to ...
Advice8/22/2008
  Q: I am a few months away from graduating with an RN . I seriously want to further my education by ...
  A: First make sure that you have all the pre-reqs from your nursing school to get into medical school. ...
Preparing to work in the medical field.8/21/2008
  Q: Well right now I am in my Senior year in Clements High, Sugarland Tx and I am not quite sure how I ...
  A: No it is not. You need to complete 4 yrs of college including all the pre-requisite courses ...
Preparing to work in the medical field.8/21/2008
  Q: Well right now I am in my Senior year in Clements High, Sugarland Tx and I am not quite sure how I ...
  A: It is hard to understand your question but if you are asking me which college to go to before going ...
General anesthesia and PTSD8/21/2008
  Q: There's a lot of literature out there about PTSD occurring after awareness during general ...
  A: I think the key here is that your previous encounter with anesthesia was FORCED. In this case, it is ...
Anesthesiology practicing8/20/2008
  Q: Levy. I am thinking of becoming an Anesthesiologist when I am older. But the thing is, I would also ...
  A: Any field of medicine will require some sacrifice of time. Anesthesia is probably in the middle ...
Anesthesia Reaction8/20/2008
  Q: 2 months ago I had an colonoscopy and endoscopy performed. The doctor informed my husband that I ...
  A: Unlikely as none of the meds we usually give for endoscopy cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus). ...
Career8/20/2008
  Q: I am planning to pursue a career as a trauma surgeon. My question for you is if it would be ...
  A: There are no majors and minors in medicine as it is not like a college. You first finish college, ...
Testing for allergy to anesthesia8/19/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, I know that folks can be tested for allergies to certain things (eggs, milk, wheat, molds, ...
  A: My feeling is that your heart rate went up because they gave you a local anesthetic that had ...
Anesthesiology8/19/2008
  Q: Would the University of Michigan be a good college for Anesthesiology? Because that is where I plan ...
  A: You don't go to a college for anesthesia. You finish college, then go to medical school (4 yrs) and ...
potassium, magnesium8/18/2008
  Q: Levy, I read your answer to someone on taking potassium. I was having regular intervals of strange ...
  A: Don't take potassium without being under the supervision of a physician (same for magnesium). Both ...
Morphine drip question8/18/2008
  Q: My grandmother was recently diagnosed with brain cancer (within the last month) and has since then ...
  A: There is no way to tell. They are not actively trying to shorten her time but rather making sure ...
Clueless8/15/2008
  Q: I want to go to school for anesthesiology but I'm not sure what all I need to go to school for. I ...
  A: If you want to be an MD anesthesiologist, you do not need an RN. You need to finish a 4 yr college, ...
anesthesia and brain fog8/15/2008
  Q: IN Jan. 2008 I had general anesthesia 6 times due to a nearly fatal ski accident(skier vs. tree) It ...
  A: Anesthesia can cause some amnesia related to the time of the anesthetic and the period immediately ...
Testing for allergy to anesthesia8/15/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, I know that folks can be tested for allergies to certain things (eggs, milk, wheat, molds, ...
  A: There is no such thing as an anesthesia allergy. You can be allergic to some medications we give but ...
anesthesia and brain fog8/14/2008
  Q: IN Jan. 2008 I had general anesthesia 6 times due to a nearly fatal ski accident(skier vs. tree) It ...
  A: This is not due to anesthesia but more likely related to the original injury. My first guess ...
Courses that need to be taken while in High School8/13/2008
  Q: My son who has had a 3.9 average in his freshman year of high school, and is now interested in the ...
  A: He should continue to take science and math courses and if he has the opportunity to take AP ...
Curious8/13/2008
  Q: My name is Graham and I was wondering what in the average income that most Anesthesiologist start ...
  A: Anesthesiologist can make anywhere from $100,000 to over $400,000 depending on the type of practice ...
anesthia question8/12/2008
  Q: I had my gallbladder removed 8-09-08 under general anesthia (do not know type). I was discharged ...
  A: I really hate people who say you had an allergic reaction to anesthesia when they don't know what ...
Anesthesia consent8/9/2008
  Q: I have a bad history of colon cancer in y family as well as polyps, so I get frequent colonoscopies. ...
  A: You are certainly free to do what you want but Propofol is different from Versed and it might be ...
Anesthesia when you have severe allergies8/7/2008
  Q: I have a hysterectomy scheduled in mid september. I also have allergies and receive weekly allergy ...
  A: It is not a problem from the anesthetic point of view. As long as your cough/sinus symptoms are due ...
Carreer in Anesthesiology8/6/2008
  Q: You seem to have been doing this for a while. I have searched and researched all I could. One thing ...
  A: Again, there really is no place to look this information up. You might try contacting a local ...
Carreer in Anesthesiology8/6/2008
  Q: You seem to have been doing this for a while. I have searched and researched all I could. One thing ...
  A: You can't find the information because it is different for every state and every type of practice. ...
Other work for anesthesia residents8/3/2008
  Q: I am an anesthesia resident in my CA-2 year and due to personal circumstances I am interested in ...
  A: No because you can't do it. A CRNA is a state licensed nursing position. You are not certified and ...
Life Change8/3/2008
  Q: I'm a 31 year old college freshman, going to a local community college in Minneapolis. I'm at a ...
  A: Med school only cares that you take the required courses. The chemistry and physics should be taken ...
headaches/bad dreams8/2/2008
  Q: I am 55 years old and ten weeks ago I had a hysterectomy and BSO. Since the operation I have had ...
  A: Of course no one can say that they are not, but I strongly doubt that they have anything to dowith ...
Life Change8/1/2008
  Q: I'm a 31 year old college freshman, going to a local community college in Minneapolis. I'm at a ...
  A: First of all, if you are interested in pursuing medicine, you will need to go to a formal 4 year ...
About colleges..8/1/2008
  Q: I really find an anesthesiologist's work intriguing; however, it's not likely that I'll go to a top ...
  A: If you do well at any 4 yr college and do well at your MCATs and have good extracurricular ...
anesthesiology7/30/2008
  Q: i also want to be an anesthesiologist. but i am a curious, what is a type of a anesthesiologist that ...
  A: While most people attend college to study a major that will help their career, others use the ...
Becoming an Anesthesiologist..7/30/2008
  Q: I was wondering..what courses would you recommend taking in college to become an Anesthesiologist? ...
  A: Before you can think about being an anesthesiologist you need to get into medical school. So there ...
Potassium Limits7/29/2008
  Q: Levy, I have been studying a bit, on the internet that is, concerning sodium/potassium imbalance as ...
  A: You should NOT increase your Potassium level except under direct supervision of a physician. ...
anesthesiology7/29/2008
  Q: i also want to be an anesthesiologist. but i am a curious, what is a type of a anesthesiologist that ...
  A: That's alot of questions. Here are some brief answers: what is a type of a anesthesiologist that ...
Rewarding/Fun?7/26/2008
  Q: I am an aspiring young girl looking for a job in the medical field. As I was told, cosmetic surgeons ...
  A: You first have to evaluate your goals. Are you looking for a profession that makes lots of money or ...
crna further education7/24/2008
  Q: I'm currently an RN student about to graduate this upcoming year. Withing a year or after graduation ...
  A: I can't tell you which path to follow and unfortunately I don't know much about the training ...
Learning more about anesthesiology7/24/2008
  Q: I am trying to learn more about anesthesiology because I am interested in becoming an ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Vomiting 10 days after anesthesia7/24/2008
  Q: I had a Colonoscopy/Endoscopy on 7/14, and as of 7/23 still have vomiting and severe nausea. The ...
  A: Not really. 10 days out, any metabolite should already be excreted. Sometimes we don't know what ...
great advice7/24/2008
  Q: Do you ever get tired of getting thanked by grateful people? I'm the one who has been asking a bunch ...
  A: Sometimes people have to touch a hot stove before they realize to check if it's on first. I'm glad ...
Vasectomy & sinus infection7/23/2008
  Q: My boyfriend is scheduled to have a vascectomy on Friday and he has been feeling under the weather ...
  A: It is not a problem from an anesthetic point of view as we would likely be doing a spinal ...
colonoscopy7/23/2008
  Q: I'm 53 and have an awful family history of colon cancer. I wznt to habe this exam without drugs or ...
  A: First of all I'd comment on the "dubious" term. Conscious sedation works, and it works well. Some ...
I'm still tired 10 days after surgery. Anesthesia side effect??7/20/2008
  Q: Yes, I was told that the effects of Anesthesia can stay in your body for weeks. But good grief! I'm ...
  A: My feeling is that this is not anesthesia. Sure you can have some anesthetic effects for 34 (maybe ...
becoming an anesthesiologist7/19/2008
  Q: i understand the whole process of becoming an anesthesiologist 4 years of undergraduate, 4 years of ...
  A: my first question is do you think the university of south florida is a good place to start my 12 ...
Numbness of Nose and Cheek7/19/2008
  Q: When my dentist injects an anesthetic so that he can work on my upper teeth, why does part of my ...
  A: The anesthetic he is injecting is numbing part of the facial nerve. The local spread of the local ...
Spinal headaches7/18/2008
  Q: My wife, 37 yrs old, had a spinal anesthesia on 7-15-08, for surgery. Approx. 6 hours after surgery ...
  A: Assuming this is a spinal headache (I say that because it usually is not bad when lying supine), the ...
Anesthesiology in high risk patient7/17/2008
  Q: How do you handle a patient that is known to have bouts of autonomic dysfunction, cause not yet dx. ...
  A: Regional might be possible but that would be up to the surgeons and the anesthesiologist. Clearly, ...
anesthesiology7/17/2008
  Q: I must commend you on an excellent website and for providing so many answers to what must be, at ...
  A: I would definitely NOT amend it on the day of surgery unless I don't have any other choice. I don't ...
Med School Admission7/15/2008
  Q: Quick question. Do taking requirement courses negatively affect one's chances of getting into ...
  A: It depends. If the courses are necessary to allow you to take the prerequisite courses in college ...
anesthesia residency slots7/14/2008
  Q: Approximately how many anesthesia residency slots are there per year? Also are there programs that ...
  A: I don't know the exact number but you can get that information from the ACGME (www.ACGME.org). ...
Numbness after a 12 hour surgery on back.7/14/2008
  Q: I am a 46 year old school teacher in south florida and I am recovering from major back surgery. My ...
  A: I am a little confused...The numbness you have is on your face, you have drooling AND your toes are ...
2nd C-Section7/14/2008
  Q: Levy, I'm pregnant with my third child (4 1/2 months along), my first child was born vaginal w/ ...
  A: Why would general anesthesia have complications with your recovery? My feeling is the ...
anesthesia complication7/13/2008
  Q: On average, how many urgent situations an anesthetist faces per year? can you give some exapmles? ...
  A: This is an impossible question to answer. It depends on the type of practice you have, the kinds of ...
anesthesia and heart problems7/11/2008
  Q: Mr.Ronald Levy, I was wondering if there is any chance that anesthesia could make an impact on ...
  A: It is extremely unlikely that the anesthesia had anything to do with your diagnosis. Actually, ...
Bone Pain7/11/2008
  Q: Have you run across cases where people feel no bone pain? I've had three rt knee operations ...
  A: There are no pain fibers in the bone. Most pain from fractures is from the muscles surrounding the ...
14 yr old son & anesthesia7/11/2008
  Q: My 14 year old son was going in for his first surgery ever. He was scheduled to have a cecostomy. He ...
  A: Hypotension means low blood pressure. I can't tell you what was going on with the surgery at taht ...
14 yr old son & anesthesia7/10/2008
  Q: My 14 year old son was going in for his first surgery ever. He was scheduled to have a cecostomy. He ...
  A: Now it makes sense. He had what is called "Red Man Syndrome" Vancomycin is a particular antibiotic ...
anesthesia7/10/2008
  Q: Maybe I'm making more of this than necessary, but I need to ask an anesthesia doc this ...
  A: First of all, you can't do a neck fusion awake. Whoever told you that doesn't understand what you ...
verced adverse reaction w/colonoscopy7/10/2008
  Q: when i was sedated during my colonoscopy,i was given verced for the 1st time.The nurse said i ...
  A: First of all, that was 10 yrs ago. Now we give it along with other drugs so it is likely better now. ...
BPH anestheisa for7/9/2008
  Q: You must be getting tird of my questions, surgery for BPH laser PVP scheduled for this wed adn you ...
  A: I don't understand what you mean by "cant't do general anesthesia". Why not? how about Spinal? You ...
anesthesia7/9/2008
  Q: I need to have a nerve "transposed" in both of my elbows and the procedure is going to last about 40 ...
  A: What they are talking about is a Bier block, but I would also be hesitant to do it for 2 reasons. ...
14 yr old son & anesthesia7/9/2008
  Q: My 14 year old son was going in for his first surgery ever. He was scheduled to have a cecostomy. He ...
  A: First of all they probably told you they put an IV in his neck (a central line) although they could ...
colonoscopy anesthesia7/8/2008
  Q: I hate to ask such a dumb question,it here it goes......At the insistance of my doctor, I'm ...
  A: I don't agree that no anesthesia is necessarily the safest. If something is uncomfortable, it may ...
anesthesia for day surgery7/7/2008
  Q: I'm 50 and work as an airline pilot; unfortunately I need to have ulnar nerve/carpal tunnel surgery ...
  A: You can certainly do it with a Bier block (it can even be done with local anesthesia. There is ...
risk for 4 year old daughter7/7/2008
  Q: My 4 year old daughter needs hernia surgery for 2 separate abdominal hernias. She is very allergic ...
  A: There is no correlation between allergies to bugs and medications. If your daughter were also ...
Nurse anesthetist and Pharmacy7/6/2008
  Q: i am 18yrs old and at the begining of my life. i start college in two months and i don't want to ...
  A: I don't know what you mean by "...job while waiting for entrance to medical school". You enter ...
painful procedure7/5/2008
  Q: Levy, This is a follow up to the question I asked about my aunt who had the painful sentinel node ...
  A: Now I am a little confused. As I recall the original letter, it described intense pain with the ...
anesthesia options for BPH surgery7/4/2008
  Q: For years I have had BPH; the drugs no longer help and it's now time for surgery. I'm 54 and in ...
  A: I would not tie the hands of the anesthesiologists by saying TIVA only. This severely limits what ...
state license7/4/2008
  Q: If I finish a CRNA program, am I now licensed in that state only to start work as a CRNA? Also, what ...
  A: I am not sure about CRNAs but each state has its own licensing rules. So if you train in a state and ...
anesthesia options for BPH surgery7/3/2008
  Q: For years I have had BPH; the drugs no longer help and it's now time for surgery. I'm 54 and in ...
  A: While it is possible to do the entire anesthetic with injected agent (called a TIVA or Total ...
anesthesia options for BPH surgery7/3/2008
  Q: For years I have had BPH; the drugs no longer help and it's now time for surgery. I'm 54 and in ...
  A: There is no way to do this procedure without anesthesia. If spinal is not an option, then general is ...
general anesthesia sideaffects7/3/2008
  Q: I had arthroscopic surgery on my left shoulder for a torn roatator cuff on June 23. I had general ...
  A: My feeling is that you are not reacting to the anesthetic but rather this is just normal recovery ...
dental treatment w/patient with isolated hbp7/1/2008
  Q: my grandmother had open heart surgery 3mos ago. She fracture an anterior central superior tooth ...
  A: There is no problem with the local anesthetic (although if they use epinephrine in the local, that ...
My future6/30/2008
  Q: I'm 19 yrs old I have been in college for 1 year now an I am attending a Community College, I want ...
  A: You apply to medical school during your senior year of college. Most people take the MCAT during the ...
epidural pain6/18/2008
  Q: I got an epidural for a myomectomy a week ago. It was really painful when he was placing it. I ...
  A: It is VERY unusual not to use local because the needle is very large and very painful. It might have ...
Epidurals6/18/2008
  Q: What is the maximum amount of attempts to place an epidural catheter that would be considered safe ...
  A: I avoid pain management questions because I am not a specialist in this area but I highly recommend ...
Epidurals6/18/2008
  Q: What is the maximum amount of attempts to place an epidural catheter that would be considered safe ...
  A: I am sorry for the bad experience you had and it certainly seems like this anesthesiologist did not ...
Epidurals6/18/2008
  Q: What is the maximum amount of attempts to place an epidural catheter that would be considered safe ...
  A: There is no maximum although most anesthesiologists would give up after 5 or 6 tries. I find it hard ...
blood patch6/18/2008
  Q: I had a myelogram that resulted in a severe spinal headache with dizziness and nausea. It has now ...
  A: While repeat patches have a lower success rate, it is still better than not having it and the risks ...
Bloodwork prior to surgery...6/17/2008
  Q: Levy: In a few weeks I'm having a routine vasectomy done. Even though my general practitioner ran ...
  A: If you are otherwise healthy there really is no reason to take lab work. That being said , it is ...
complications from anesthesia6/17/2008
  Q: My son just had general anesthesia and some soft of muscle relaxer. He has multiple allergies. The ...
  A: I don't think it is an allergy to anesthesia but without evaluating him, seeing the chart and seeing ...
General Enquiry6/17/2008
  Q: I am a BSN holder from a university in Nigeria. Now i was told that to come to America to further my ...
  A: I think you are completely confused about the requirements and also you are talking about 2 ...
side effects of anesthesia6/17/2008
  Q: I've had two surgeries and both times I have had bad experiences. While asleep, I dream of being ...
  A: I cannot explain your dreams but I don't think they are linked to the anesthesia directly. If you ...
becoming an anesthesiologist6/16/2008
  Q: levy, my name is keyaira and im a rising ninth grade student. i make straight a's in school and i ...
  A: That's a lot of questions. Here are the short answers: 1) what is the total amount of years you ...
Surgery in 3 days and took phentermine yestrday6/16/2008
  Q: I am scheduled to have UPPP surgery on Thursday 6/19 and I did not take Phentermine today but I did ...
  A: There is some increased risk (just from the OSA) and again I recommend telling your anesthesiologist ...
Surgery in 3 days and took phentermine yestrday6/16/2008
  Q: I am scheduled to have UPPP surgery on Thursday 6/19 and I did not take Phentermine today but I did ...
  A: If you only took it the one time, then there is no problem. If you are taking it on a regular basis, ...
LIDOCAINE6/16/2008
  Q: Mr. Levy I am very concern about the following and need your expert advice. Every time I am injected ...
  A: I wouldn't necessarily answer no. I would tell them that, while you don't think you are allergic to ...
LIDOCAINE6/14/2008
  Q: Mr. Levy I am very concern about the following and need your expert advice. Every time I am injected ...
  A: It sounds strange and I can't say for sure what is causing it. You say it might be lidocaine but ...
A Career in Anesthesiology6/14/2008
  Q: I have heard that anesthesiology is one of the highest paying careers today. I would like a high ...
  A: If your interest is just making money, then medicine is not for you. There are many other ...
complications from anesthesia6/12/2008
  Q: My son just had general anesthesia and some soft of muscle relaxer. He has multiple allergies. The ...
  A: No idea but I don't think it is related to the miscle relaxants or he wouldn't be able to breathe or ...
pac after pre-op6/12/2008
  Q: my heart rate increased to 123 after an maxillary block and iv sedation. how common is this? i want ...
  A: It is not uncommon and there is no need to tell the next dentist anything. What most likely happened ...
Anesthesiology6/12/2008
  Q: my names Tyler I just turned 18. I have been studying on what i want to do with my life. I have ...
  A: To be an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of anesthesia ...
Hip Replacement6/11/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, My father-in-law, 84, has had a heart attack about 9 years ago. His heart is doing fine ...
  A: 50% damage to the kidneys is no reason not to have anesthesia (we do anesthesia in patients with ...
colonoscopy sedation6/11/2008
  Q: I have 2 first-degree relatives who have died form colon cancer; I'm, 51 and have some of the ...
  A: If you and the doctor agreed to no sedation, then the CRNA should not have even been in the room. ...
Post anesthesia reaction6/11/2008
  Q: My 82 year old husband had a TKA last November using a general anesthesia. After recovery, he seemed ...
  A: This is not unusual for someone that age who has undergone a major surgical procedure. The condition ...
Hip Replacement6/10/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, My father-in-law, 84, has had a heart attack about 9 years ago. His heart is doing fine ...
  A: There are many ways to do the anesthesia here (including an epidural). We do general anesthesia all ...
anesthesiology6/9/2008
  Q: I am going to be a junior this year. And i been looking through careers, and this one keeps sticking ...
  A: I can't tell you how to get over a fear other than to say that if you do your best and don't slack ...
Right arm trembling when arm is not kept close to body6/6/2008
  Q: I had arthroscopic surgery 2 weeks ago today and had general anesthesia. Since then I am having ...
  A: This question is probably best asked of your orthopedic surgeon because he knows what was wrong with ...
Anesthesiology6/6/2008
  Q: Dr.Ronald Levy, My name is Brittany and I am 18 years old. I have just finished high school ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
propofol, buprenex drug interaction6/5/2008
  Q: Levy, Thank you in advance for helping people and for sharing your medical expertise and knowledge. ...
  A: Your question is a difficult one to answer because there is no direct answer. While we give most ...
back pain6/3/2008
  Q: after the birth of my daughter in june 06 i started having excruciating pain on the right side ...
  A: Obviously without examining you it would be impossible to give too much advice here but I ...
My wife, Haile Sandra Plafkin6/1/2008
  Q: I thank you for this opportunity to ask you questions which have come about since my wife Haile ...
  A: First of all, I don't know where you are so it is hard to answer that question. If, for example, you ...
My wife, Haile Sandra Plafkin6/1/2008
  Q: I thank you for this opportunity to ask you questions which have come about since my wife Haile ...
  A: First of all you should not feel guilty letting her have the operation. Complications do happen and ...
Amnesia5/31/2008
  Q: I am a flight paramedic with Emory Flight in Atlanta, Georgia and I have an anesthesia question. ...
  A: The only drugs I know that cause amnesia are the ones you mentioned so I am pretty sure that is what ...
Testing for Viral Causes5/31/2008
  Q: After a diagnosis of cholestatic jaundice, with all else being ruled out as a cause and viral being ...
  A: This question is probably better asked of a general internist rather than an anesthesiologist, but ...
Becoming an anesthesiologist5/31/2008
  Q: I've been recently having an interest in anesthesiology and what its like I'd like to become one, so ...
  A: You need 4 yrs college, 4 yrs medical school and 4 yrs anesthesia residency. As for being fun or ...
Pre-Surgery Cardiac Testing5/29/2008
  Q: I recently had surgery, and all is well, but today I read my cardiologist's letter clearing me for ...
  A: It depends on the type of surgery. There is a checklist put out by the American Heart Association ...
Lumbar Injections/Menstrual Cycle5/29/2008
  Q: I had two rounds of steroid injects in my lumbar region back in Mid April. These were done back to ...
  A: This is not due to the steroid injections and if you have had continued bleeding for 4 weeks, you ...
spinal headache5/29/2008
  Q: I had a myelogram done to diagnose a degenerative disc. It seemed to go well. However, that night ...
  A: Normally I would say to go back already, but since you say it's getting better and would prefer to ...
Malignant Hyperthermia5/27/2008
  Q: I have two questions. I am wanting to get a deviated septum and fractured nose corrected. Problem is ...
  A: Paralysis for a rhinoplasty is really anesthesiologist choice. It is not required but it often makes ...
Malignant Hyperthermia5/27/2008
  Q: I have two questions. I am wanting to get a deviated septum and fractured nose corrected. Problem is ...
  A: Sometimes a little knowledge is dangerous. I think your risks of MH are extremely small. If you have ...
Dreams About Surgery5/26/2008
  Q: I hope you don't mind if I ask you another q. I had breast cancer surgery last year, and about a ...
  A: It is NOT commmon to put ear plugs and I don't know of anyone that does. I also can't tell you if ...
Masking5/26/2008
  Q: I have been through three surgeries in two different hospitals in the past year, and I find the same ...
  A: It's not that they hide behind you but rather that is where the equipment is. I agree they shouldn't ...
Fentanyl and Versed Adverse Reaction5/24/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, My husband has been diagnosed with Cholestatic Jaundice. Recent labwork still resulting ...
  A: Removing the gallbladder will have no effect on lowering the billirubin as the gall bladder is just ...
Fentanyl and Versed Adverse Reaction5/23/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, My husband has been diagnosed with Cholestatic Jaundice. Recent labwork still resulting ...
  A: The most likely cause of liver problems (not related to drinking, etc) is viral so my guess is that ...
Fentanyl and Versed Adverse Reaction5/22/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, My husband has been diagnosed with Cholestatic Jaundice. Recent labwork still resulting ...
  A: I don't know where he gets that idea. I don't know of any studies that have linked either drug to ...
spine numbness/tingling5/21/2008
  Q: I had my second c-section almost 8 months ago (sept 24/07) and lately I have had progressively worse ...
  A: It is definitely something to be concerned about but it doesn't sound related to the anesthesia per ...
Majoring in Anesthesiology5/20/2008
  Q: I just got my associate's degree in arts. I already enrolled at U of H as a business major, however ...
  A: As I said, you can major in anything you want but remember there are a lot of prerequisite courses ...
ANESTHESIOLOGISTS5/19/2008
  Q: MY NAME IS CIERRA. I AM CURRENTLY IN THE TENTH GRADE. I AM WORKING ON MY CAREER POWERPOINT AND I ...
  A: 1. HOW MANY YEARS DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE MY MASTERS IN ANESTHESIOLOGY? You don't take a Master's ...
CRNA5/13/2008
  Q: I am 17 and about to be a senior in high school. I know I want to work with anesthesiology but I'm ...
  A: To answer your first question, CRNAs do the same thing as anesthesiologists. The main difference is ...
colonoscopy sedation5/13/2008
  Q: I have 2 first-degree relatives who have died form colon cancer; I'm, 51 and have some of the ...
  A: I'm sorry for the difficulties you've had but you should not just skip it. Ignoring a potential ...
colonoscopy sedation5/13/2008
  Q: I have 2 first-degree relatives who have died form colon cancer; I'm, 51 and have some of the ...
  A: The first question to ask is why you don't want sedation? I have never understood why people want to ...
halagons5/13/2008
  Q: What are some of the properties of the halogens used in the haloalkanes? Also, does the halogen ...
  A: I'm not sure I understnad your question. Are you asking about the basic biochemical properties or ...
Questions about Post Surgery affects of anesthesia5/12/2008
  Q: My mother had her second back surgery Friday and here it is Monday and she still is not awake and ...
  A: I doubt the anesthestic is the problem but she should certainly be evaluated to make sure there is ...
anesthesia5/12/2008
  Q: My grandmother, who is 90 years old, just had a her aortic valve replaced and she is doing fine ...
  A: I won't say the reactions are normal but they are not abnormal or unexpected. There are several ...
foot pain5/12/2008
  Q: i had an epidural in july of 2007 with the birth of our 7th child. from that day on i have pain in ...
  A: It is impossible to say without a complete exam. You need to see a neurologist first to see if the ...
Anesthia reaction during surgery5/9/2008
  Q: My 73 year old mother had a colonoscopy under general anesthia and they had a hard time waking her ...
  A: There is no "anesthesia" reaction that looks like a stroke. Some people take longer than others to ...
Anesthesia: Nurse or MD...5/9/2008
  Q: Ronald Levy, I am currently at a crossroads in my career. I am 28yrs old, I have a B.A from Boston ...
  A: All anesthesiologists work in a hospital. Some are employed by the hospital on salary and some are ...
Anesthesiologist5/7/2008
  Q: I heard that to be an anesthetic we have to do 4years of college, 4 years of medical school and then ...
  A: Your question is confusing. You can major in any subject, do the pre-reqs and still get out of ...
residency5/7/2008
  Q: how long can it take to get accepted into a residency program? and can more than one hospital accept ...
  A: Residents are usually placed using the NRMP (National Residency Matching Program) in which each ...
Anesthesiologist5/6/2008
  Q: I heard that to be an anesthetic we have to do 4years of college, 4 years of medical school and then ...
  A: You can major in anything you want as long as you take all the prerequisite courses during college. ...
Propofol for oral surgery5/6/2008
  Q: In a couple of weeks I will be having my wisdom teeth extracted. The oral surgeon I am seeing ...
  A: Each state law is different but if your oral surgeon has had proper training in the use of Propofol ...
Hello5/6/2008
  Q: Levy, I am getting ready to graduate high school at the end of this month. I am going to Carson ...
  A: It is very tough to be a physician and it is very competitive but anyone has the potential to ...
Nardil/colonoscopy & EGD5/6/2008
  Q: I'm in the medical field myself as a Nurse Practitioner. The GI performing my upcoming procedure ...
  A: The problem with Nardil is not like it was in the past but you should still try to let the ...
Anesthesia: Nurse or MD...5/5/2008
  Q: Ronald Levy, I am currently at a crossroads in my career. I am 28yrs old, I have a B.A from Boston ...
  A: What does a typical week look like for a MDA? How often can one expect to be on call? Can a MDA work ...
Anesthesia: Nurse or MD...5/5/2008
  Q: Ronald Levy, I am currently at a crossroads in my career. I am 28yrs old, I have a B.A from Boston ...
  A: Depending on the type of practice you have, you can have free time with either profession. The main ...
thyroid nodule surgery5/4/2008
  Q: it looks like I will be having a thyroid nodule removed from my neck and I'm wondering, do you know ...
  A: It would be next to impossible to do this under regional or local so general is the only way to go. ...
Twilight anesthesia and amnesia5/4/2008
  Q: I am having elbow surgery next week and will have a regional block with twilight anesthesia. I've ...
  A: Versed is an amnestic but it doesn't guarantee that you will have amnesia. For most people they ...
GPA/ grades5/4/2008
  Q: I really really want to be an Anesthesiologist. But my family seems to doubt me because of my ...
  A: I'm assuming you're in high school so you have a long way to go. The real test will be in college. ...
Twilight anesthesia and amnesia5/4/2008
  Q: I am having elbow surgery next week and will have a regional block with twilight anesthesia. I've ...
  A: As the saying goes, "you can't have your cake and eat it too". Some people can be relaxed with ...
anethesia side effects5/3/2008
  Q: I had surgery on Wed. 4/30 and today is Saturday 5/3. After the surgery my tongue was totally numb ...
  A: My feeling is that the numbness is caused by the tube they put in to help you breathe. It should go ...
allergic to anesthesia5/3/2008
  Q: My 55 year old mother has had four surgeries. In each one of her surgeries, while she was under the ...
  A: You don't say what other medical problems your mom has but I'll assume she has congestive heart ...
work hours?5/1/2008
  Q: i was just wondering what your work hours per week are. also i do not understand if anesthesiologist ...
  A: Work hours depend on where you are working (private vs academic) and are different during residency ...
lower back and leg pain5/1/2008
  Q: I had to have an epidural and csection with my son in march 07. every since then i have had lower ...
  A: It could be from 2 possible causes. Obviously if they had a problme placing the epidural, they could ...
Becoming a doctor5/1/2008
  Q: My name is Jon, and I am in college. I really want to become a doctor, but I HATE BLOOD. 1) Did you ...
  A: I never hated blood but that could certainly make medical school a problem for you. There are ...
Awake During Colonoscopy4/30/2008
  Q: Although I am only 19 years old I have had severe problems with my colon for a couple years. To rule ...
  A: Clearly they did not give you enough sedation although without seeing the chart, I can't know why. ...
HELP PLEASE4/30/2008
  Q: My husband is an end stage renal patient.On Fri 5/18 he was well enough to drive himself to and from ...
  A: It is not the anesthesia per se. Certainly anesthesia can make you foggy and confused for a day or ...
under anesthesia4/26/2008
  Q: my boy friend went to any oral surgeon, and they used demeral and somthing else that starts with a ...
  A: The V is Versed which is an anxiolytic (makes you relaxed and calm). You boyfriend was not put to ...
Epidural Question after Back Surgery4/25/2008
  Q: I had a triple fusion with hardware(4 cages, rods and screws) at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. I am pregnant ...
  A: You don't need to lay on your back for 8 hours after either but some people have you do it any way. ...
Epidural Question after Back Surgery4/25/2008
  Q: I had a triple fusion with hardware(4 cages, rods and screws) at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. I am pregnant ...
  A: It is certainly possible although it is more difficult and you are more likely to have a patchy ...
double balloon endoscopy on 4/18/084/23/2008
  Q: It's 4/23 and I'm still hoarse with slight sore throat. I'm obese with extra weight around neck. ...
  A: I assume when you say endoscopy you mean through the mouth. If that's the case, the sore throat is ...
Anesthesia4/22/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, I about to graduate high school. I want to become an anesthesiologist, but, i don't know ...
  A: In college you spend the first two years taking intro courses. Make sure to take the required ...
terrified to get nessesay surgury4/22/2008
  Q: I am a 55 year old woman. I had a c-section but I was awake and also a huge lipuma tumor taken off ...
  A: As with all things, nothing is perfect and no one will tell you that there is a 100% chance that ...
terrified to get nessesay surgury4/21/2008
  Q: I am a 55 year old woman. I had a c-section but I was awake and also a huge lipuma tumor taken off ...
  A: First of all that statistic about 1000 people being awake but paralyzed is completely incorrect. It ...
Back Pain after Epidural4/21/2008
  Q: I am 9 weeks post partum and having back pain in the mid to lower portion of my back. During my ...
  A: It's certainly possible but there is no way for me to know without examining you, etc. If the pain ...
what do they do...4/17/2008
  Q: What do they do when they "put u to sleep" ? Like how.. a shot or what? And what do u feel (if ...
  A: Depending on your age, you can go to sleep with a mask or with an IV. With the IV we give the ...
anesthesiology4/17/2008
  Q: I was wondering what kind of requirements are needed to be accepted into a good medical school and ...
  A: There are course requirements (biology, calculus, chemistry and physics) and you need to get ...
books on anesthesiology4/17/2008
  Q: I'm a sophomore in high school and am interested in pursuing Anesthesiology. I was wondering if you ...
  A: I don't know of any specific books about anesthesia as a career. There are obviously many books on ...
Surgery4/16/2008
  Q: I am a 59 Y O female and have a UPPP scheduled for 5-21-08, due to sleep apnea and other obstructive ...
  A: Serotonin is the suspected neurotransmitter responsible for sleep. It is a breakdown product of ...
Twilight Anestheia4/15/2008
  Q: What are the risks you would outline when opting for twilight anesthesia? I understand there is a ...
  A: There is no discomfort, you don't need to worry about laing in one position without moving for a ...
Is there anything that will numb the skin?4/15/2008
  Q: Levy, I have had a badly infected finger with swelling, pockets of pus and fever in it for about ...
  A: It's not that he can't do it (the procedure itself is relatively easy). The problem is realizing ...
Is there anything that will numb the skin?4/15/2008
  Q: Levy, I have had a badly infected finger with swelling, pockets of pus and fever in it for about ...
  A: You should go to an emergency room ASAP and get the finger drained properly before you get ...
Twilight Anestheia4/15/2008
  Q: What are the risks you would outline when opting for twilight anesthesia? I understand there is a ...
  A: Amnesia is not necessarily related to length of procedure. The drug we give for sedation (Versed) ...
aspiring md4/14/2008
  Q: I have never been interested in Anesthesiology utnil I came to college. Is it too late to get on the ...
  A: It's never too late. I don't know how far into college you are but as long as you take all the ...
Becoming and anesthesiologist4/14/2008
  Q: I want to become an anesthesiologist but I hear it's sort of hard or risky to "put all you eggs in ...
  A: You are not necessarily putting all your eggs in one basket. At any point along the trip you can ...
Surgery4/13/2008
  Q: I am a 59 Y O female and have a UPPP scheduled for 5-21-08, due to sleep apnea and other obstructive ...
  A: No that doesn't make sense. Often in surgicenters you see the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery ...
Right Path?4/13/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, I am currently a junior in high school. I have recently finished all my credits for ...
  A: You should be going for a Bachelor's degree (either BA or BS). You don't get a medical degree in ...
alcohol and anesthesia4/13/2008
  Q: Dr Levy, My husband, John, who is 62 went into the hospital for a full knee replacement on 1/21. ...
  A: Ativan is similar to Valium and you are correct in that it can cause the symptoms you describe. ...
Right Path?4/13/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, I am currently a junior in high school. I have recently finished all my credits for ...
  A: QUESTIONS: 1. What college would you suggest I apply for, out of Utah? How about New York Medical ...
Surgery4/12/2008
  Q: I am a 59 Y O female and have a UPPP scheduled for 5-21-08, due to sleep apnea and other obstructive ...
  A: The problem is that people read about the bad things that happen because thats what sells. ...
conscious? sedation for colonoscopy4/8/2008
  Q: I had a colonoscopy and they gave me Demerol 75mg and Versed 5mg IV push (according to the dictated ...
  A: We usually try to get to a certain level of sedation before we start the procedure. If we did it the ...
Which antibiotic would be the best?4/8/2008
  Q: I'm not sure who to ask this question to, because of my heart,{all 4 valves leak} I need antibiotics ...
  A: Unfortunately I'm the wrong person to ask this. While as anesthesiologists we administer ...
9 month old, ear surgery4/7/2008
  Q: My daughter is 9 months old and his having ear tube surgery. Can you tell me the type of anesthesia ...
  A: She will have general anesthesia by mask. The risks are very minimal assuming she is otherwise ...
Freshman Pre-med courses4/6/2008
  Q: I am a senior in h.s. and I recently received my acceptance letter to UT. I was hoping if you could ...
  A: There is no course in college for anesthesia. You first have to get through college, then medical ...
conscious? sedation for colonoscopy4/3/2008
  Q: I had a colonoscopy and they gave me Demerol 75mg and Versed 5mg IV push (according to the dictated ...
  A: Every patient is different and these drugs are titrated to effect. I am sure they did not just take ...
epidural and periphial neuropathy4/3/2008
  Q: I recently had an emergency c-section and had an epidermal that did not take properly. When the ...
  A: First of all, you should be seen by an anesthesia pain specialist to evaluate this progressing pain. ...
Is there a type of anesthesia they can give...4/2/2008
  Q: What kind of anesthesia can they give someone if they need to be awake enough to answer questions?
  A: It depends on what kind of surgery your talking about. It could be a regional anesthetic (like a ...
amnestic for bone marrow biopsy4/2/2008
  Q: I was with a friend of mine when she had a bone marrow biopsy and it was so painful that her whole ...
  A: Generally speaking, a bone marrow biopsy is a very short procedure and they should give some local ...
iv sedation4/1/2008
  Q: I have to have an endoscopy and colonoscopy, I have never had any type of sedation before and I am ...
  A: You have nothing to worry about. Sedation will not negatively affect your PVCs and it is very safe. ...
spinal headache4/1/2008
  Q: I had an LESI 3 1/2 weeks ago. Almost immediately I began having pain at the base of my skull on the ...
  A: Have you seen an anesthesia pain specialist? You need to be evaluated to make sure there is nothing ...
local anesthesia4/1/2008
  Q: Over 20 years ago I had a root canal using lidocaine. I received my injection of lidocaine and ...
  A: What you have doesn't sound like an allergy (which usually presents with itching, rash or breathing ...
Severe Vomiting after Anesthesia -- how do I prevent this again?3/31/2008
  Q: Levy: During my early 20's I had shoulder surgery and the anesthesiologist advised me to have full ...
  A: There is no way to "test the waters" and there is nothing to fear. Even if you can't talk to the ...
amnestics3/30/2008
  Q: I just read this about amnestic anesthesia and wondered if it was true and if so, what are the names ...
  A: I don't know where you read that but we don't do such things on a regular basis. The only time I can ...
Keppra used with anesthesia3/30/2008
  Q: I had my wisdom teeth removed and told the anesthesiologist that I was allergic to narcotics ...
  A: I think you mean Ketamine. Ketamine is a phencyclidine anesthetic and does have the unpleasant side ...
anesthsia/colonoscopy3/30/2008
  Q: Levy, Recently I had a colonoscopy, before the procedure I informed the doctor and the ...
  A: While we use weight as a starting point, they are correct that dosage is not entirely weight ...
Salary3/30/2008
  Q: I'm very stuck as to what I'd like to do for a career. I hear that anesthesiologists make 250k-400k ...
  A: Never pick a creer by how much money you make. You have to love what you do first. Yes, the salary ...
Jaw Surgery3/27/2008
  Q: I am having upper jaw surgery in a couple months to correct an open bite. What type of anesthesia ...
  A: I assume you will have general anesthesia, in which case you will have a breathing tube. There is ...
Severe Vomiting after Anesthesia -- how do I prevent this again?3/26/2008
  Q: Levy: During my early 20's I had shoulder surgery and the anesthesiologist advised me to have full ...
  A: You don't say how long ago your previous surgery was but there are already some medications that ...
anti-emetics with anesthesia3/24/2008
  Q: It looks like I will be having surgery soon to remove a thyroid nodule on my neck. Aside from my ...
  A: We routinely give Zofran intraoperative so there would be no problem giving you that. Regarding ...
Requirements and flexibility3/24/2008
  Q: Levy, I am a Freshman in high school and i was wondering the prerequisite courses required to ...
  A: I am a Freshman in high school and i was wondering the prerequisite courses required to become an ...
Bilateral Femoral Nerve Damage and Surgery3/22/2008
  Q: After the birth of my daughter in July 2007, I got a rectovaginal fistula and bilateral femoral ...
  A: The surgeons should always be careful about the position they put you in but it certainly wouldn't ...
ponv3/20/2008
  Q: I was wondering wat is the appropriate definition of Post Operative Nausea and Vomiting thank you
  A: There is no standardized definition of PONV. In general, most people consider it prolonged nausea ...
Conscious Sedation during pregnancy3/17/2008
  Q: My sister is about 5 weeks pregnant and just last week she had a dental procedure where she was ...
  A: Was she aware that she was pregnant at the time? Halcion is not recommended during pregnancy and ...
Memory loss at Age 41 due to anesthesia3/17/2008
  Q: I am the wife of a man who has recently begun experiencing memory difficulties after a surgery using ...
  A: It has nothing to do with the wrong dose of anesthesia or the length of anesthesia and it likely has ...
short term memory loss following surgery3/17/2008
  Q: I had brain surgery on Feb. 19, 2008. I was in surgery for about 3 hours. A skull tumor was ...
  A: It is unlikely associated with anesthesia but depending on where the tumors were pressing, that ...
anesthesia and C-section3/14/2008
  Q: With my first baby they had given me an epidural, but it wore off shortly after it had taken affect. ...
  A: Assuming you don't have any chronic back problems (which can sometimes affect the spread of the ...
memory loss in older adults due to anesthesia3/13/2008
  Q: Following my wife’s successful operation before she was 60 she I noticed a very subtle loss in her ...
  A: 1. Have researchers ever looked into the effects of anesthesia on human memory specifically on older ...
memory loss in older adults due to anesthesia3/13/2008
  Q: Following my wife’s successful operation before she was 60 she I noticed a very subtle loss in her ...
  A: The drug we use for amnesia is called Versed and while it does cause memory loss for the time ...
Strong Interest in the Field3/11/2008
  Q: i am a 24 year old college student and am interested in a career as an anesthesiologist. I have ...
  A: The process is you need 4 yrs college, 4 yrs of emdical school and then 4 yrs of anesthesiology ...
versed how much appropriate3/10/2008
  Q: I had a colonoscopy several years ago and it took hours to be aware. I just had surgery for an ...
  A: To answer your first question, Propofol can drop your blood pressure. Versed does not prevent this. ...
Anesthesiology3/9/2008
  Q: How many years of schooling are required to become an anesthesiologist? What is the average annual ...
  A: How many years of schooling are required to become an anesthesiologist? 4 yrs college, 4 yrs ...
Post-OP Problem due to Anesthesia?3/9/2008
  Q: Levy - I had a hernia operation on Monday and have since been having trouble sleeping (except for ...
  A: It is possible that the anesthetics affected your sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) although I ...
numb/burned lip3/9/2008
  Q: I had a laproscopic surgery to remove endometriosis tissue growing outside of the uterus. It has ...
  A: There is no "named" nerve to the lip but obviously pressure on the lip may have caused one of the ...
anesthesiolgy3/6/2008
  Q: I am a student of high school. And my subjects are sciences.Is it necessary for me to take physics ...
  A: If you want to attend medical school in the states it is probably better to do your college here as ...
paralytic drug - lasting effects3/4/2008
  Q: If someone has been sedated and paralyzed for approx. 3wks to 1 month, how long after the paralytic ...
  A: It can take a while for paralytics to wear off (I can't give you an exact time as it depends on a ...
sedation for colonoscopy3/3/2008
  Q: I know that most people are happy with the amnesia caused by sedatives such as midazolam (why would ...
  A: What they do in Europe is not necessarily what is best for the patient but might be what is less ...
sedation for colonoscopy3/3/2008
  Q: I know that most people are happy with the amnesia caused by sedatives such as midazolam (why would ...
  A: Diphenhydramine is Benadryl whic in this case is being used as a sedative (we often give it as a ...
amnesia medicine3/2/2008
  Q: I have had surgery recently and I told the doctor and anesthesiologist not to use Versed because I ...
  A: I doubt the Versed is causing the crying, etc but it is certainly an amnestic and people do have ...
Colonoscopy sedation - follow up question/comment3/1/2008
  Q: I truly do appreciate the time and attention that you provided in response to my initial question. ...
  A: OF course I can't speak for what another doctor says and does. I will tell you that Scopalamine is ...
2 surgeries in 1 week2/29/2008
  Q: I am going for a GI push enteroscopy w/biopsies & ulcer repair on Monday. (Dr says approx 45 min ...
  A: There is no problem with 2 surgeries that close together (in fact we often do it for patients with ...
am i allergic to anestetic?2/28/2008
  Q: ive had 3 ops in my life. the 1st was when i was 7 and i had my tonsils out. i was ment to go home ...
  A: You should not accept that answer and need to get more details. While you are probably not ...
sedation for colonoscopy2/28/2008
  Q: I know that most people are happy with the amnesia caused by sedatives such as midazolam (why would ...
  A: The first question is "Why do you NEED to remember your colonoscopy??" Ativan also causes sedation ...
Short Term Memory Loss2/28/2008
  Q: My dad was about to go through a surgery on his leg. He was given spinal anesthetic however when ...
  A: Some of the drugs we give do cause amnesia so if this occurred immediately after surgery then it ...
Colonoscopy sedation2/28/2008
  Q: How can I find a gastroenterologist who will listen and respect my wishes for no sedation for a ...
  A: Most people would find colonoscopy without any medication extremely unplesant. But if that is what ...
Anesthesiology during Masectomy/Reconstruction2/28/2008
  Q: My wife is considering reconstructive surgery immediately following a bilateral masectomy. This ...
  A: I don't know what you mean by a buffering agent but we do have medications that reduce the risk of ...
anesthesia2/28/2008
  Q: I am scheduled to have an outpatient surgery in a couple of weeks and have been told that a CRNA ...
  A: Alergie to anesthesia are extremely rare so I don't think you have anything to worry about. CRNAs ...
Anesthesiologist Basic Questions2/26/2008
  Q: Let me start off by saying I'm very thankful of all the questions you've answered here. They have ...
  A: A lot of questions! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Would I have to do anything of this sort as an ...
anxiety/depression after surgery2/16/2008
  Q: Dr. Levy, I have had surgery three times in the past 20 years that was followed by months of severe ...
  A: I can't explain why you have anxiety sometimes and not others. It is probably not related to the ...
anesthesiology2/16/2008
  Q: i was wondering where should i start?what college would you recommend? what courses should i take? ...
  A: Any 4 year college is fine and your major can be anything you want as long as you take all the ...
anesthesia for surgery in 3 days2/16/2008
  Q: I am having a LAVH 2/19. I had pre-op 2/14 and I am very disappointed that I didn't get to talk to ...
  A: You shouldn't have to deal with attitude but I also have to tell you that anesthesiologists are not ...
versed and fentanyl with sleep apnea2/15/2008
  Q: i am due to have a uterine fibroid embolization procedure on the 20th. i am thinking of backing out ...
  A: Certainly weight loss can't hurt you and I would be sure to have an anesthesiologist performing the ...
Anesthesiologists2/14/2008
  Q: Honestly, What are the chances of becoming an Anesthesiologists if you are a young mother. My sister ...
  A: As high as anyone else. Many of our female residents have one two or even three children. Obviously ...
Anesthesiology2/14/2008
  Q: I am a high school senior. i am interested in Anesthesiology. I want to know what is the working ...
  A: The working environment can be stressfus but it is fun also. We are on our feet alot and the hours ...
amnesia2/14/2008
  Q: I understand that amnesia is a "desired effect" of drugs such as Versed. However, I am wondering ...
  A: First of all the Versed has nothing to do with waking up and feeling pain. Versed does cause amnesia ...
epidural question2/13/2008
  Q: where and when was epidural created. And by whom? I realy need to know the answer to this. please ...
  A: The first recorded use of an epidural is by Dr. Morris Fishbein in the March 1943 issue of Hygeia ...
Numbness in leg after anaesthetic2/12/2008
  Q: I had a general anaesthetic one one week ago for a laparoscopy, to investigate the spread of ...
  A: Without looking at your chart, etc, my first guess would be the position you were placed in for the ...
dosage2/11/2008
  Q: how do you determine the dosage of sedatives to give the patient
  A: Most dosing is done by weight but we also use common sense. If the calculation says to give 2 mg but ...
Anesthesiology2/11/2008
  Q: I am in the 9th grade and I want to become anesthesiologist, but I don't know what kind. I am in all ...
  A: You got a long way to go before you need to worry about that. You have 3 more yrs of high school, ...
concious sedation2/10/2008
  Q: I recently had a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. I am not sure what was used for anesthesia, other ...
  A: Again they can give you a mild sedative but it may still cause amnesia. Of course you could always ...
anesthesia and absence seizures2/9/2008
  Q: My daughter is 4 years old and very healthy. She recently had to have surgery on her elbow after ...
  A: I doubt this is related to anesthesia but it should definitely be evaluated by a pediatric ...
schools and other2/9/2008
  Q: I just wanted to know if there are any recommendations for schools leading into the anesthesia ...
  A: There are no schools leading to anesthesiology. You have to first go to college, then medical school ...
Becoming an Anesthesiologist2/9/2008
  Q: I'm a junior in high school who just started to have an interest to become an Anesthesiologist as a ...
  A: First of all, relax. You already seem well prepared in terms of the classes you have taken and the ...
sundowners or anesthesia2/8/2008
  Q: Mother had a stent put into the carotid artery. When she woke she was out of it mentally. She ...
  A: First look out the window and make sure there are no terrorists :-> Seriously, this is more likely ...
Hernia2/8/2008
  Q: Do Umbilical Hernias in adults ever get better? Do they heal themselves, or do they only get worse?
  A: They don't heal themselves but if they are very small, they don't usually cause problems and you can ...
concious sedation2/8/2008
  Q: I recently had a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. I am not sure what was used for anesthesia, other ...
  A: Amnesia is good because most people are scared of surgical procedures so the less they remember ...
IV sedation for rhinoplasty2/7/2008
  Q: I am about to have a revision rhinoplasty with a specialist who is very well-known and has literally ...
  A: You have a dillema. If the surgeon does not use Versed on a regular basis he may not be attuned to ...
Epidural2/7/2008
  Q: I am a NYC paramedic who suffered an on the job injury with an MOI of loaded forward flexion ...
  A: My first suggestion would be for you to see an Anesthesia pain specialist for a full workup of your ...
blood enzynes causing none able to wake after surgery because of anthesiology2/7/2008
  Q: last 8 surgeries have had difficulty waking from the anesthesiology after surgery. This consists ...
  A: There is no question here but I assume you want to know what the deficiency is? You may have a ...
Anesthesia question2/5/2008
  Q: I am wondering if my daughter's death had anything to do with the anesthesia she received earlier in ...
  A: Unfortunately I have nothing else to offer you. SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion so if that is the ...
Anesthesia versus sedation2/4/2008
  Q: I had Malignant Hyperthermia as a result to general anesthetic and would like to have breast ...
  A: Yes it is (depending on the type of augmentation). You can still have a general anesthetic as long ...
MRI with anesthesia2/3/2008
  Q: My daughter is going to be getting an MRI and will be sedated. I was told she would only receive ...
  A: Usually for babies we do a general anesthetic as sedation is not enough to keep babies from moving ...
Anesthesia question2/3/2008
  Q: I am wondering if my daughter's death had anything to do with the anesthesia she received earlier in ...
  A: I doubt it is related to the anesthesia but without more details of the surgery, the patient, etc., ...
General anesthetic problem2/3/2008
  Q: I just had surgery on my vocal cords under general anesthetic. I am a 50 year old diabetic female ...
  A: Whoever told you to not have general anesthesia again was obviously not an anesthesiologist. There ...
Medical School-Anethesiology2/2/2008
  Q: I've recently been checking out different medical schools and i am interested in going to one but i ...
  A: There is no medical school for anesthesia..that is a residency you take after medical school. GPA ...
Anesthesiology residency question1/31/2008
  Q: I am a medical student and I was wondering what you think anesthesiology is going to be like in the ...
  A: I can't predict the future but I exepct anesthesiology will continue to be a highly sought after ...
dental surgery1/30/2008
  Q: I am a 29 year old female and I will be having dental surgery very soon. I will be given nitrous ...
  A: As long as your dentist is properly trained in the use of anesthesia, there is nothing to worry ...
Loss of memory1/30/2008
  Q: A friend of mine had surgery (Masectomy and recontruction)and has had a total of 8 hours in 3 months ...
  A: Not likely. In general there may be some perioperative amnesia but if the memory loss extends before ...
Anesthesiology Residency1/30/2008
  Q: I am a 52-year-old female. I was a practicing anesthesiologist in Pakistan. I cleared my USMLE in ...
  A: Likely very small but that doesn't mean don't try. Anesthesiology is very competitive now so I can't ...
anesthesiology1/28/2008
  Q: Do you get payed on vacations and holidays
  A: It depends. If you are a salaried employee (e.g. you are an academic anesthesiologist)ydo get paid, ...
becoming an Anesthesiologist1/26/2008
  Q: I am 23 years old. I served four years in the military and now I am very interested in becoming an ...
  A: You are not too old at all. Many people take time off between college and med school so you are ...
Post Anesthesia effect that the Anesthesiologist has never heard of.1/26/2008
  Q: On Wednesday evening, January 23 I had to undergo an emergency eye surgery (a victrectomy), under ...
  A: I do not know of any relationship and the only reference I can find for this was a letter to the ...
Persistant back pain1/26/2008
  Q: i delivered a baby in sept 5 2007, and was given a spinal anesthesia, prior to this the ...
  A: First off all, the orthopedic surgeon should stick to orthopedics and not tell you things that are ...
Requirements1/26/2008
  Q: About 2 years ago I had steroid epidural injection and it went terribly wrong. I know you won't ...
  A: I am not a pain specialist and do not perform this procedure so my comments here probably are not ...
Labour, Epidural and Prozac1/26/2008
  Q: I am 30 weeks pregnant and take fluoxetine(prozac)20mg daily. I wish to have an epidural during ...
  A: There is no problem to have an epidural while on Prozac. More important is the potential risk of ...
versed/fentanyl1/25/2008
  Q: I recently had hernia repair surgery, during which the anesthesiologist used versed and fentanyl. I ...
  A: The amnesia is normal and in fact a desired outcome. Most people are scared of the whole OR ...
Anesthesiologist losing jobs1/25/2008
  Q: I am a currently in the 10 grade and have decided that I wanted to become a anestheiologist when I ...
  A: Don't worry. CRNA's fill a niche but they cannot replace anesthesiogists. All CRNAs must be ...
Requirements1/25/2008
  Q: About 2 years ago I had steroid epidural injection and it went terribly wrong. I know you won't ...
  A: There is no such thing as interning in anesthesiology. He either completed a residency or not. As to ...
Becoming an Anesthesiologst1/24/2008
  Q: first of all I'm 18 yrs old and I'm a senior in highschool, I have really been looking into this ...
  A: MAny people don't take Calculus before college and they do fine. It's nice to have an idea about it ...
anesthesiology1/22/2008
  Q: I am really considering anesthesiology as a career option. I am in love with biology, chemistry, ...
  A: You are already starting off well. You don't need to like all courses to do well in anesthesia, just ...
Pain after Spinal1/21/2008
  Q: I had surgery 15 days ago in which I had a spinal administered. Since about the day after surgery I ...
  A: It is unusual (but not unheard of) to have aome stiffness 2 weeks later. What kind of surgery did ...
anesthesiology1/20/2008
  Q: I'm a senior in high school ... I've recently moved from Palestine to the states...so my English ...
  A: If you have taken these courses before, it doesn't matter the language. In any case, you will be ...
Knee Surgery1/11/2008
  Q: I am scheduled for arthroscopic bilateral knee surgery for torn menisci in two weeks. I want to be ...
  A: If it is just a meniscus tear, then you have many options. You could have a spinal which will let ...
anesthesia1/9/2008
  Q: I had surgery two days ago, As a result if the anesthgesia, I have had very sharp pains in the ...
  A: You don't mention what kind of surgery you had but the pain you are having is not from the ...
Anesthesiology1/8/2008
  Q: Hey Dr. Levy, I was considering a career in anesthesiology. So I had a few simple questions. Sure I ...
  A: It takes 8 years after college and can cost between $40,000 and over $100,000. In high school you ...
general anaesthetic1/7/2008
  Q: I am having squint surgery on the 11th of january. I am very worried about dying when i am under, ...
  A: Assuming you don't take any more illicit drugs prior to your surgery, you should have no problem ...
Help1/7/2008
  Q: I rely want to go into this field but I'm scared of not making it because of my grades now! If I ...
  A: They are unrelated questions. If you make bad grades through middle and high school then the ...
Anesthesilogist12/24/2007
  Q: I'm a sophomore in high school and I wanted to ask you a few questions about Anesthesiology. I ...
  A: Osteopaths have basically the same training as allopaths except they also perform manipulations ...
Anesthesilogist12/24/2007
  Q: I'm a sophomore in high school and I wanted to ask you a few questions about Anesthesiology. I ...
  A: Man, thant's a lot of questions. Most of these you don't need to know for a long time but I'll ...
The Age12/21/2007
  Q: I'm 19 yrs old I have been in college for 1 year now an I am attending a Community College, I want ...
  A: I had decided to be a doctor when I was a child but anesthesiology was a second choice. I was a ...
valium allergy and versed12/18/2007
  Q: I am allergic to valium (broke out in hives). Previously when I have had an operation or procedure I ...
  A: Versed is different from Valium stucturally so there should be no problem with cross-reactivity with ...
Pursuing a career in anesthesiology, at Age 21?12/17/2007
  Q: Levy, First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your time and commitment. The abridged ...
  A: You haven't lost much time so don't worry too much about that. You need a 4 yr degree if you want to ...
blood count12/17/2007
  Q: i couldn't find an expert in this area. a large bruise has developed after my blood count. it is ...
  A: I assume you mean that you had your blood drawn for a lab test. The most likely casue of this is ...
medications you are taking and surgery12/17/2007
  Q: My husband is 69 and takes Levothyroxine, Cardizem CD and Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide. I have ...
  A: We need to know because some of the drugs can affect the medications we give and also it often gives ...
4 years residency12/16/2007
  Q: I'm 16 and in 10th grade and I am looking into becoming an anesthesiologist. During residency what ...
  A: If seeing naked people and dead people affects you so much you may have trouble in any area of ...
post operative nausea and vomiting12/16/2007
  Q: I recently had surgery and after surgery, i felt nausea. I heard it was called Post operative nausea ...
  A: The limbic system of the brain controls our nausea and vomitting center but no one knows why it ...
Upcoming surgery12/15/2007
  Q: I am due to have surgery in the next week and I have a few questions. I met with the anesthesia ...
  A: Many of the agent we use have anti-seizure properties so I am sure your anesthesiologist will use ...
Sevoflorane and children12/14/2007
  Q: My six year old needs to be anesthestized for a dental procedure. The dentist said they use ...
  A: Sevoflurane is now the anesthetic gas of choice for children. We used to use Halothane for mask ...
Upcoming surgery12/13/2007
  Q: I am due to have surgery in the next week and I have a few questions. I met with the anesthesia ...
  A: First of all, it might be possible to do the whole procedure under regional (which would eliminate ...
medical school12/12/2007
  Q: i really am thinking about pursuing a career in anesthesiology. i know i have to go to a medical ...
  A: Nothing will guarantee that you won't get rejected but obviously the higher your GPA the better. It ...
Anesthesiologists12/10/2007
  Q: I will be a senior next year, I will be taking AP Bio, AP Chem, Ap Calc 1, Ap Calc 2, Medical ...
  A: There is no best college to go to. The things to look for in a college are the same as anyone ...
SPINAL WITH MAOI12/9/2007
  Q: I have read numerous places that a spinal administered to a patient on mardil will increase the ...
  A: Yes, we can certainly sedate the patient. In general this is not as big an issue as general ...
Blood O2 Level12/9/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, I have been trying to find an answer to two serious questions for months and cannot get ...
  A: Let me start with the second question. First of all, I am not familiar with an absolute value of ...
SPINAL WITH MAOI12/9/2007
  Q: I have read numerous places that a spinal administered to a patient on mardil will increase the ...
  A: There is no medication that corrects the problem per se but if we are aware that the patient is on ...
ether12/7/2007
  Q: I am contemplating elective surgery which will require general anesthesia. Is ether still in use? I ...
  A: You must have had your tonsils out MANY years ago because Ether has not been used in over 40 years. ...
Pursuing a Career in Anesthesiology12/7/2007
  Q: I am a sophomore in high school and have now decided to pursue a career in medicine preferably ...
  A: Take science and math courses in high school and do well in them. GPA is still an important ...
MD, DO12/5/2007
  Q: I was wondering what the DO stands for after MD? After the Doctor's name. Thanks.
  A: Ususally you are an MD or a DO. Do in this case stands for doctor of osteopathy. I don't know anyone ...
Choosing an Anesthesiology Residency12/5/2007
  Q: Levy, I am currently in the midst of my third year of medical school, and I am trying to start ...
  A: If you have any relationship with the residents or faculty in your home institution, talk with them ...
Spinal Tap12/5/2007
  Q: My daughter is 24 yrs. and was in emergency room for possible meningitis. After 7 hrs the ER Dr. ...
  A: First of all they shouldn't have done a tap without consent. As for doing 5 of them, if she never ...
anestesia12/4/2007
  Q: i have been looking into anesthesia, and was wondering what the minimum schooling i would need to ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Math12/3/2007
  Q: I've read on the Internet that some medical schools do no require calculus is this true, because i ...
  A: It has been 20 odd years since I applied to med school so it is entirely possible that calculus is ...
General Anesthesia for wisdom tooth removal?12/1/2007
  Q: I am 24 and need to get my wisdom teeth removed. The bottom two are bony impacted, one top one is ...
  A: It is not abnormal to have this done uner general anesthesia. Just make sure that the oral surgeon ...
back pain11/30/2007
  Q: I had an epidural done when I had my son in 2004, It took two tries, and I could still feel ...
  A: It is certainly possible but there is no way to tell. The fact that it took 2 tries or that it ...
Antibiotics delivered through epidural port11/29/2007
  Q: Is there anything known about the effects of administering an IV/IM antibiotic through an epidural ...
  A: I have not heard of any such case reports but the likelihood is that there will be no adverse ...
Scholarships11/27/2007
  Q: Can you get a scholarship in medical school?? to practice anesthesiology? and how much money do you ...
  A: There is certainly financial aid available. How much of that is scholarship is dependent on the ...
Anesthesiology11/26/2007
  Q: I am doing a report in my English class about Anesthesiology, and I need to interveiw someone about ...
  A: It is unlikely that you can interview me in person as I am in Texas and I have no idea where you are ...
prostate seed implant11/26/2007
  Q: My husband had a 90 seed prostate implant and we were curious to know what kind of anesthesia they ...
  A: It is not unusual for records to be misplaced. They will usually turn up at some point. I would ...
bone marrow biopsy11/26/2007
  Q: my niece who is 18 had a bone marrow biopsy last year while she was in the hospital undergoing ...
  A: I can't answer why they didn't put her to sleep (likely because the whole procedure took less than 5 ...
anesthesiology (college)11/25/2007
  Q: I'm currently a high school studend but I have been deciding on studying anesthesiology for quite a ...
  A: If you don't want to study for 12 years then you don't want to be an anesthesiologist! After 4 yrs ...
Reaction to general anaesthetic ??11/24/2007
  Q: On 11/29/07 after removal of Gall bladder was informed by my wife that Doctor had informed her that ...
  A: It is nothing to worry about. It is normal for some people to wake up that way. No one knows why and ...
epidural11/24/2007
  Q: I recently had my second son 5 weeks ago.I have had quite a bit of pain where the epidural was. The ...
  A: It's not uncommon to have pain at the site of the epidural but it should not last 5 weeks. There is ...
Recovery time as related to length of surgery11/22/2007
  Q: My friend recently had a double mastectomy and bilateral reconstruction, and her surgery lasted 18 ...
  A: There is no direct correlation between length of surgery and return of normality. It is probably ...
Propofol in the ER11/20/2007
  Q: How do you feel about nurses administering Propofol under the supervision of a physician in the ...
  A: The answer to both questions is controversial. First of all, are the nurses trained in the use of ...
Becoming an Anesthesiologist11/15/2007
  Q: I have been considering becoming a doctor all my life, but the reality of schooling has shocked me. ...
  A: The costs CAN be exhorbitant but it depends in part on where you go to school and any financial aid ...
Anesthesiology during kidney procedure11/14/2007
  Q: My sister had an almost fatal overdose of a sedative prior to a previous surgery she has paradoxial ...
  A: The surgery can be done under spinal anesthesia. The most important thing is to talk to the ...
Anesthesia Reaction11/14/2007
  Q: My 71-year-old husband recently was scheduled for routine lower back surgery to remove bone spurs ...
  A: There are a number of possible scenarios. Most likely he either had an arrythmia or too much ...
IV SEDATION AND AN MRI11/14/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, My Doctors have ordered an MRI on my brain, inner ear, and L-Spine. However, I am ...
  A: In general, we can sedate you enough (and give you enough anxiolytics) to safely do your MRI. Some ...
Residency11/12/2007
  Q: After completing medical school was it hard to get into residency?
  A: It depends on the residency you want but in general, anesthesiology residencies right now are highly ...
post back surgery and epidurals11/12/2007
  Q: I had a L5-S1 (right) hemilaminectomy microdiscectomy for a severely herniated disc (shooting pain ...
  A: We can do epidurals in your case but there is a higher liklihood that it will either not work or you ...
Epidural & thrombophilia11/12/2007
  Q: I am so happy to find this service and wondering if you can help. I am 38 weeks pregnant. I have ...
  A: You should be off aspirin for 7 days and Lovonox for at least 48 hours but each physician is a ...
Anesthesiology10/27/2007
  Q: Im a senior in high school and Im interested in becoming a anesthesiologist. How hard is it to ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Becoming an anesthesiologist10/27/2007
  Q: Levy I am a senior in California and i plan to go to a state college and i have a few questions on ...
  A: If i am not that strong in math, what are the chances of becoming a successful anesthesiologist? ...
pregnancy and herniated discs10/26/2007
  Q: In November 2006, I discovered through MRI that I had two slightly herniated discs at L4-L5 and ...
  A: Labor itself should put that much increase stress on your back whereas carrying around the baby in ...
Anesthesiologist Intermship10/25/2007
  Q: Good evening DR. Levy I am curious if you had time to have time or make time to be with your girl ...
  A: I did my internship in surgery where I worked (on average) 120 hour/week, so the answer is "not ...
red cheeks10/25/2007
  Q: yesterday I had my gallbladder removed (here in houston) I noticed last night that my cheeks were ...
  A: If I had to make a guess (and that is what I am doing) it is probably where the tape was holding the ...
Becoming a Anesthesiologist in Maryland10/24/2007
  Q: Dr. Ronald Levy could I go to Howard Community College for 2 years transfer to Morgan State ...
  A: As long as you have a 4 yr degree and you have met all the requirements, there is no reason why not. ...
High School subjects10/23/2007
  Q: I am a Junior at my high school. I am passing my Math and Chemistry classes with good grades, but my ...
  A: All of them! They are all important for medicine and any of the sciences. You will need the math for ...
anesthesiologist vs nurse anesthetist10/23/2007
  Q: I am 18 years old and would consider my self a pragmatist. I guess I could say that while I am ...
  A: You can have a life like you describe as either an anesthesiologist or a CRNA. It is up to you how ...
hernia10/22/2007
  Q: i am 17 years old and i have just been told i need a operation for a hernia just above my belly ...
  A: After your surgeon says it's OK to do strenuous work you will be able to do situps without worrying. ...
hernia10/22/2007
  Q: i am 17 years old and i have just been told i need a operation for a hernia just above my belly ...
  A: A hernia is a weakness in the fascia of the abdominal wall. If it is not repaired, it can only get ...
IS A SULFA BYPRODUCT USED IN INTUBATING10/22/2007
  Q: MY WIFE HAS HAD TWO KIDNEY STONE REMOVAL PROCEDURES DONE, AT THE SAME HOSP. W/IN 14 DAYS OF EACH ...
  A: There is nothing sulfa based used in anesthesia (other than antibiotics) but I would imagine she was ...
ether10/20/2007
  Q: Levy, When I was twelve years old, I had my tonsils taken out. This was back in 1956 and I had ether ...
  A: It is hard to say. Intubations have been done for many years (going back to the 40's) but with ether ...
hernia10/19/2007
  Q: i am 17 years old and i have just been told i need a operation for a hernia just above my belly ...
  A: What you have is an umbilical hernia. Not getting it fixed might affect your job as an instructor ...
Post-surgery care10/17/2007
  Q: My 47 year old brother-in-law was rushed to the local ER last week at 7:00 p.m. after collapsing ...
  A: Of course I would have no way to say whether this is true or not but I should point out that if your ...
post epidural pain10/13/2007
  Q: I gave birth 2 weeks ago, and had problems occuring when given the epidural and had no freezing in ...
  A: It is not unusual to have a patchy block as you describe but the post preocedure problems are rare. ...
Anesthesiology Questions (3)10/13/2007
  Q: Hey I'm currently on allexperts.com and I am interested in becoming an anesthesiologist. I am almost ...
  A: 1.) After 8 years (b4 residency) I'm a payed doctor right? Once you start your residency, you are ...
I really need some advice10/11/2007
  Q: I have a few questions that I've thought alot about but can't quite find answers. First, I wanted to ...
  A: First, I wanted to know how long it took you to become a certified anesthesiologist. 4 yrs ...
Becoming an anesthesiologist10/10/2007
  Q: I am a junior in highschool and I know for a fact I want to become an anesthesiologist. I was ...
  A: Any college can prepare you for medical school so don't worry so much about that. Certainly don't ...
Applying to anesthesia10/7/2007
  Q: I'm a US med student considering a future career in Anesthesiology. I know the specialty is ...
  A: I don't know average board scores but at my institution we like above 220. There is no best an ...
Too much anesthecia?????10/7/2007
  Q: I had oral surgery on 9/28//07 to remove my two upper wisdom teeth (fully erupted) and was given ...
  A: It depends in part on who was giving the medication. Was it the dentist (who was also performing the ...
PONV10/5/2007
  Q: i would like to know the prevention of PONV and its biochemical causes. Thank you in advance. ...
  A: This question has so many answers that I wouldn't know where to start. GA Advantages: 1) Pt is ...
Wondering about this field10/4/2007
  Q: I am a junior in high school and looking for what I am going to go to college for. First, about how ...
  A: There are quite a few women although I cannot give you percentages. As for the difficulty of ...
Majors and minors in college10/4/2007
  Q: Ronald Levy, M.D. I'm currently a junior in highschool and am interested in a career in ...
  A: I don't think it will help or hurt you but it always helps to have a second language (Spanish being ...
CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist10/3/2007
  Q: I am currently a senior in high school and am wanting to be either a CRNA or an Anesthesiologist. I ...
  A: Salaries are not the same (CRNA's TEND to make less) and they are always under the oversight of an ...
is anesthesia safe with low blood pressure10/2/2007
  Q: I was considering getting voluntary plastic surgery. My blood pressure runs 80/70 to 70/61. All ...
  A: It seems unlikely that your baseline BP is 70 over 60. Who was this measured by? Generally, people ...
Anesthesiologists10/2/2007
  Q: I really wont to became an anesthesiologists because at first I wanted to become a doctor till I ...
  A: You have to have medical school to be an anesthesiologist. Only surgeons cut inside the body and ...
Career in Anesthesiology10/1/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, I am currently a senior in high school with a 2.9 GPA and 92/266 class rank. Do you think ...
  A: You would need to step it up in college to have any chance of getting into medical school and then ...
PONV9/28/2007
  Q: i would like to know the prevention of PONV and its biochemical causes. Thank you in advance.
  A: There is a vomitting center in the medulla that is likely involved in PONV. A web site that explains ...
Vision problems after general anesthetic9/28/2007
  Q: Levy, I have had two completely different sugeries four years apart and after both I have had the ...
  A: No it's not where you should be focusing. The problem with the spine surgery is that the person is ...
Vision problems after general anesthetic9/26/2007
  Q: Levy, I have had two completely different sugeries four years apart and after both I have had the ...
  A: To be honest, I can't think why your eyes are blurry for that long. Ocassionally we put a creme in ...
2 yr old child and general anesthesia9/25/2007
  Q: My 2 yr old daughter has tooth decay and she needs her teeth to be fixed including root canals and ...
  A: This is very common for babies and small children and the risks are minimal (assuming the child is ...
epidural9/24/2007
  Q: I have had 6 c-sections with my most recent in December 2006. I have been experiencing low back ...
  A: Not likely. It is more likely due to all the pregnancies and carrying around the children. Epidurals ...
Port used for surgery9/22/2007
  Q: I hope a simple question I have a medi port (Power Port) (under the skin type), that is used for ...
  A: In general we try not to use the mediports because each use increases the risk of infection, etc and ...
knee replacement9/21/2007
  Q: Before I was put to sleep for knee replacement surgery, the anesthesiologist introduced a student ...
  A: My only guess is that he put the tourniquet over the injection site and if the nerve was already ...
knee replacement9/19/2007
  Q: Before I was put to sleep for knee replacement surgery, the anesthesiologist introduced a student ...
  A: I'm sorry for your pain. I can't speak for what the "student" did other than I'm sure he was being ...
Reverse Colonoscopy in Elderly Woman9/19/2007
  Q: Levy, My mother (age 92) had a bowel resection early this year for colorectal cancer, and has had a ...
  A: In general, these procedures can be done under local, epidural or spinal (Assuming your mom meets ...
What is a typical day for an Anesthesiologist at work?9/19/2007
  Q: I know that for any doctor having a family in top priority is pretty challenging, but does that go ...
  A: All fields in medicine make having a family difficult but anesthesia is porbably better than most in ...
Ronald Levy, M.D.9/18/2007
  Q: I have a question about going to med school. I'm in a Jr. college right now and planning to transfer ...
  A: After 4 yrs of college, you need 4 yrs of medical school and then 4 yrs of anesthesia residency. ...
Anesthesiology9/18/2007
  Q: Now first and foremost let me tell you that IM NOT A WHIZKID...i did okay in high school but not ...
  A: Obviously getting through medical school and residency are challenging but not necessarily because ...
Anesthesia options for a D&C9/15/2007
  Q: ! I was wondering if you could give me the anesthetic options for a D&C and their ...
  A: Basically there are 2 options, a spinal or general anesthesia. The pros for a spinal is that you are ...
Anesthesiologist (in the Future)9/14/2007
  Q: Levy, I know you might have already answered these kind of questions but it would be really great ...
  A: The UK combines undergraduate with medical school (as do most European schools) and do it in ...
career question9/14/2007
  Q: I am a business/undecided major at Drexel. I am interested in becoming an anesthesiologist, however ...
  A: Med school is 4 yrs and anesthesiology is another 4 yrs. Getting into anesthesia from a foreign ...
Med school9/14/2007
  Q: i am a high school senior and i am interested in becoming a anesthesiologist. the only problem is my ...
  A: Primarily they look at your college grades and MCATs but you may have trouble getting into a good ...
ANESTHESIA WHILE UNKNOWINGLY PREGNANT9/13/2007
  Q: ABOUT 5 1/2 WKS AGO I HAD A LAPROSCOPIC BANDING ( LAP BAND SURGERY)PREFORMED TO LOOSE WEIGHT AND I ...
  A: I am surprised that the anesthesiologists did not perform a pregnancy test before your surgery. The ...
anesectic9/11/2007
  Q: hi i had day sugery yesterday and i had a nasty reaction to the anestic my body went in to spasmin ...
  A: Without details, it would be impossible to figure out what happened to you. I would need to know ...
Hi!9/10/2007
  Q: How long did it take you to become what you already are? What's your salary? Is it hard? What ...
  A: It takes 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of med school and 4 yrs of residency training to becaome an ...
aware during intubation9/9/2007
  Q: I was recently intubated following an episode of several seizures. I was able to tell them I didn't ...
  A: Once a patient is intubated, they should be sedated (unless there is a specific reason not to). But ...
aware during intubation9/9/2007
  Q: I was recently intubated following an episode of several seizures. I was able to tell them I didn't ...
  A: The issue of self determination is a tricky one. If he is your doctor and knows your wishes, then he ...
getting a late start9/8/2007
  Q: I'm a 30 yr old looking to change professions i got into my current job with out having to go to ...
  A: You can't shave any time. You need 4 yrs college, 4 yrs med school and 4 yrs resiedncy. I know of ...
Nardil and umbilical hernia repair9/8/2007
  Q: My husband takes Nardil and must have an umbilical hernia repaired. We are concerned about the ...
  A: He should do whatever his anesthesiologist requests. The case can be done under local or regional ...
Drastic hair color change after anesthesia9/5/2007
  Q: I had a brow lift this morning (15 hrs) ago. I was instructed to use a product ...
  A: To be honest, I cannot find anything in the literature regarding Hibiclens and hair color (which is ...
Ref: Arm tattoo , Anesthetic9/4/2007
  Q: Ronald, I'm having a chinese alphabets tattoo done on my right arm & the tattoo artist uses ...
  A: I don't see that it will make any difference other than you will have less pain with the local ...
I need some help please9/1/2007
  Q: Well I'm a Junior in High school and I decided it's time to start to plan on my career. I want to ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
child dentist8/30/2007
  Q: I have a daughter of 9 years old with cerebral palsy, the dentist have scheduled to have anesthesia. ...
  A: Depending on what kind of procedure they are doing, they obviously require general anesthesia. Since ...
Spinal for c section and tingling and numbness in feet and legs8/29/2007
  Q: "Hello. I really hope you can help me. I had a spinal for my c-section on Friday 17 August. On ...
  A: If this is getting progressively worse you should go to an emergency room ASAP for evaluation. IF ...
Nardil (MAO Inhibitor) and Anesthesia8/28/2007
  Q: Levy, I've been on Nardil (MAO Inhibitor) for several years, and will need to have some corrective ...
  A: My first suggestion would be to go to a University hospital setting where the surgeons and ...
Nardil (MAO Inhibitor) and Anesthesia8/28/2007
  Q: Levy, I've been on Nardil (MAO Inhibitor) for several years, and will need to have some corrective ...
  A: Any anesthesiologist can give you an anesthetic that will be safe while on Nardil. Also depending on ...
colleges to pursue a career in anesthesiology8/26/2007
  Q: what are some good colleges to go to if i want to become an anesthesiologist? and in my first four ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Anesthesiology Residency8/25/2007
  Q: What would you feel were the top 20 anesthesiology residency programs in the country? I am ...
  A: This is a question that no one can honestly answer. First of all we all know our own programs but ...
Anesthesia Side Effects8/24/2007
  Q: My mom has had some bad reactions to anesthesia in the past. She is now in bad need of knee surgery ...
  A: What do you mean by a bad reaction? In general, anesthesia in itself does not cuase memory related ...
Rashes8/22/2007
  Q: my son had tooth extraction last friday under general anesthesia.Sinse saturday afternoon he ...
  A: No. This is not anesthesia related but it is more likely related to medications he was put on after ...
anesthesiology8/22/2007
  Q: I'm a sophomore in High school and I really want to major in anesthesiology when I'm in college. ...
  A: You don't major in anesthesiology in college. In fact it's not even offered there. To become an ...
Is it really worth it ?!!?8/21/2007
  Q: By reading some of the other questions you said to become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of ...
  A: Only you know if it is worth it to you. The average student graduates college at 21, medical school ...
PLEASE REPLY8/20/2007
  Q: I am about to become a sophomore at Bronx high school of science. My parent want me to decide what I ...
  A: How much would I make (average/estimate)after I am done with my residency/graduated? I don't know ...
PLEASE REPLY8/20/2007
  Q: I am about to become a sophomore at Bronx high school of science. My parent want me to decide what I ...
  A: Second of all if I take a class like AP Biology (and get good grades [5/5 on ap test]) do I have to ...
PLEASE REPLY8/19/2007
  Q: I am about to become a sophomore at Bronx high school of science. My parent want me to decide what I ...
  A: Here are some answers: Those first 4 years are you doing a bachelor. Yes. You are doing a ...
Painful8/19/2007
  Q: I had sinus surgery on Monday morning and since then my uvula is swollen and the bottom 1/3 is ...
  A: The problem is most likely due to intubation (depending on how the tube was sitting in the back of ...
Michigan Colleges8/15/2007
  Q: What is the best college in Michigan for anesthesiology, or some of the good ones? And if not ...
  A: You don't go to a college for anesthesiology. This is a specialty AFTER medical school. As for good ...
anesthesia8/13/2007
  Q: I am 56 and in good health except I had a mastectomy last year for left sided breast cancer stage 1. ...
  A: Most of the studies linking the two have more to do with how certain anesthetics (like isoforane) ...
anesthesia and latex sensitivity and p4508/13/2007
  Q: Is there a safe anesthetic to use on someone who would like to schedule an abdominoplasty that has a ...
  A: Yes there is. We deal with latex allergies all the time. As far as the gluten allergies and p450, it ...
How to become an anesthesiologist8/11/2007
  Q: Dr.Levy I am going to be beging my senior year of high school in a couple of weeks. I have ...
  A: I realize you have lots of questions but this is the last time I can answer them First,I was ...
How to become an anesthesiologist8/10/2007
  Q: Dr.Levy I am going to be beging my senior year of high school in a couple of weeks. I have ...
  A: You are full of questions... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> While in high school what courses did you take? Same ...
How to become an anesthesiologist8/10/2007
  Q: Dr.Levy I am going to be beging my senior year of high school in a couple of weeks. I have ...
  A: That's alot of questions. I'll try to answer as best I can. >>>>>>>> I was wondering what college ...
Anesthesiology8/10/2007
  Q: I am currently a high school student. I was wondering what exams I would need to complete to become ...
  A: These are two totally different questions. In college there are required courses you need to take ...
MAC8/8/2007
  Q: I need to have surgery to replace cartilage between my thumb and wrist. I have a bad Aortic valve, ...
  A: For the hand surgery we can definitely do it under local, regional or MAC. The shoulder surgery, ...
colonoscopy / while taking subutex8/7/2007
  Q: Iam having a colonoscopy done Wed the 8th day of Aug and I am on the medication called subutex I was ...
  A: Generally, for colonoscopy we use an anxiolytic (like Valium) and rarely use narcotics. You should ...
good annd bad8/5/2007
  Q: What would you say is the best part and worst part of your job is?
  A: The best part is being able to make people comfortable during stressful times (surgery) and the ...
Anesthesiology8/2/2007
  Q: Ronald, I've just began college, so I have many questions that I hope become answered, before I ...
  A: But what are the pre-requisites for medical school and anesthesiology? You need organic and ...
Anesthesiology8/2/2007
  Q: I am a current High School student looking to become an Anesthesiologist and I was wondering what is ...
  A: There is no best medical school. To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of ...
Anesthesiology8/1/2007
  Q: I am currently a Junior in High School. What do you feel would be the best schools to pursue in ...
  A: There is no best school. To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical ...
anesthesia8/1/2007
  Q: I am 56 and in good health except I had a mastectomy last year for left sided breast cancer stage 1. ...
  A: I have never heard of Alzheimer like changes from anesthesia and I can only tell you to take what ...
reactions to anesthesia8/1/2007
  Q: can your speech be affected by anesthesia?
  A: It depends on what you mean by affected? You can certainly be hoarse for a few days if you've been ...
Getting into Medical School7/30/2007
  Q: Levy. Thanks for your time. I am 35 yo with a B.S in mechanical engineer and currently own my own ...
  A: 1)What can I do to improve my chances to get into a Houston Medical school? Take all the required ...
Anesthesia7/28/2007
  Q: I am having surgey and I take phentermine , I will have anesthesia given to me at the time of ...
  A: There are no specific risks as long as your anesthesiologist is aware that you are taking this ...
what courses7/27/2007
  Q: im currently a freshman at utsa and i would like to know what courses i should take to become an ...
  A: In college you only need to take the prerequisite courses for medical school. You guidance office ...
Disc Herniation and Delivery7/26/2007
  Q: I had an MRI positive for large paracentral disc herniation at L5-S1 and am four months pregnant. ...
  A: While an epidural is not strictly contraindicated, most anesthesiologists would likely not do an ...
Epidural7/24/2007
  Q: I had a baby by c-section in April. Within the past few week I wake up with upper/mid back pain. ...
  A: It is not likely due to the epidural (it is too far out from the procedure and epidurals are placed ...
Unexplained Rash on lower leg7/23/2007
  Q: I developed a strange rash on my lower leg last year. I've went to a dermatologist and after ...
  A: I have never heard of any association between rashes and anesthesia (other than allergic but these ...
Not In Honors Class7/23/2007
  Q: My name is Sara and I am currently a sophomore in high school, but I have recently sparked a ...
  A: You've got a long way to go before worrying about that. Taking any of the science courses in high ...
spinal anesthesia7/21/2007
  Q: Levy, I am a 31 year old woman who had spinal anesthesia one month ago for a knee scope. A student ...
  A: The student is an anesthesiology resident and even the attending often has trouble getting it on the ...
accelerated programs7/16/2007
  Q: i, I am a high school senior interested in being an anesthesiologist, but i don't like the prospect ...
  A: There are some 6-yr combined college-medical school programs still in existence. I don't recommend ...
holidays7/16/2007
  Q: Are you required to work holidays, like christmas thanksgiving and new year?
  A: I don't have to work every holiday but, as with all hospital employees (be they doctors or cafeteria ...
SPINA BIFIDA/SCOLIOSIS7/15/2007
  Q: I HOPE THIS MAKES SENSE TO YOU!!.I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SCOLIOSIS IN 1993 AND SPINA BIFIDA OCULATE IN ...
  A: It is possible that during the epidural/spinal that you received (which caused the pain) the needle ...
anesthesiology work hours7/14/2007
  Q: I'm a high school student and I'm also interested in anesthesiology. I've heard of the 80 hour work ...
  A: During your residency (and this is true for all specialties), you are not allowed to work more that ...
Malignant Hyprethermia7/13/2007
  Q: My daughter has to have surgery soon and my husband has a family history of MH (his brother), how ...
  A: You didn't mention if her previous surgeries were all total intravenous aneshtetics or gas ...
Fullfilment of Career7/12/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, I'm a 3rd year medical student and trying to decide what I really want to later specialize ...
  A: The best way to find out is to get into the action. During your 3rd year you get good exposure to ...
midazolam7/11/2007
  Q: I have a question about the way a patient would behave during conscious sedation. I have read ...
  A: In general, Midazolam makes you relaxed but it is not a truth serum (there is no such thing) and it ...
anethesioloy7/10/2007
  Q: I am currently an high school student going into my senior year and i wanted to know what would be a ...
  A: There is no college for anesthesiology and no college offers courses specific for anesthesia. You ...
What should be my focus in med school?7/8/2007
  Q: I'm currently a sophomore undergrad majoring in Biomedical sciences and my goal is to become an ...
  A: In med school there is no specific field of studies. All med school is the same. The only difference ...
Anesthesiology schooling7/5/2007
  Q: I am soon going to be a senior in High school, I have planned on and it has been my dream and hopes ...
  A: Nope. here is no college of anesthesia. If you want to be an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of ...
different anesthesias7/5/2007
  Q: what is the difference between a spinal and an epidural. I am going to have knee surgery and prefer ...
  A: A spinal put the anesthetic directly into the spinal canal. It is more reliable, quicker, smaller ...
Post-surgical anesthesia effects7/3/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, I had a total hysterectomy on May 15, followed by a root canal a week later. After the ...
  A: You have several issues. Let me try to address some of them. The numbness is likely related to the ...
nurse anesthetist vs. anesthesiologist6/28/2007
  Q: My name is Leah, and I am going to be a senior in High School. I am currently in a tech prep ...
  A: The main difference is one follows a nursing path and the other a physician path. Both require 4 yrs ...
I.v Sedation6/28/2007
  Q: I'm a bit worried because i have a hole in my molar and I'm only 12.Abd the dentists said it needs ...
  A: The purpose of the IV sedation is so that you won't be scared or have pain. They will still give you ...
Combining years6/27/2007
  Q: Good Evening Dr. Ronald Levy, I am now a Sophmore in high school and I am very intersted in ...
  A: There are still a few universities that offer a 6-yr medical school program but I don't know ...
allergies with a cough6/26/2007
  Q: I am having my wisdom tooth pulled tomorrow and my allergies are bothering me and i have a cough ...
  A: If it is a cold (fever, chills, white count, etc) thenthey will likely postpone the procedure for 2 ...
meralgia paresthetica - ansthetic during delivery6/25/2007
  Q: I am pregnant, obese and have meralgia paresthetica. 3 years ago I delivered a baby boy via ...
  A: It's not necessarily contraindicated to do a regional anesthetic although most anesthesiologist will ...
hello6/25/2007
  Q: Levy, i'm an uprising sophomore and i'm trying my hardest to prepare for college and do everything ...
  A: There are no specific classes other than the prerequisite course in college. As far as high school, ...
general anesthesiology6/22/2007
  Q: Does the anesthesiologist really stop your heart when you have general anesthesiology?
  A: Absolutely not. The only time that happens in during open heart surgery (but then you are on a heart ...
Nardil and surgery followup6/20/2007
  Q: Am I to assume that this would apply to an epidural as well. Are you open to contact from medical ...
  A: It would be difficult (and maybe inappropriate) for me to consult with the physician there. If he is ...
Nardil and surgery6/17/2007
  Q: My husband has been on Nardil for over 25 years. He has an inguinal hernia. His anesthesiologist ...
  A: I don't know where this other doctor trained but while your husband is certainly at a higher risk ...
anesthesia for colonoscopy6/16/2007
  Q: Could you tell me what type of anesthesia is used during a colonoscopy that I had yesterday morning. ...
  A: You probably had yourself in a panic. The other medicine was likely Versed (Midazolam) which is for ...
anesthesia and resp.muscle weakness6/15/2007
  Q: I am 42 yrs old and have been dx'ed with a myopathy with proximal and respiratory muscle weakness. I ...
  A: There really are no medicines that would reduce the risk of prolonged intubation. The biggest ...
NARDIL and anesthesia, followup of 11/13/20056/15/2007
  Q: Could an epideral be used as the pain killer and a sedative used to control panic? If so, ...
  A: Your question is vague. Why do the case under an epidural. The problem is not surgical expertise but ...
afraid of anestesia with second c-section6/13/2007
  Q: my first c-section was in 2002. i am having a repeat c-section in 2 weeks. years after my first ...
  A: The possibility certainly exists and you should get checked for it at your earliest convienience. On ...
Anesthesia choices6/13/2007
  Q: I will be having my gall bladder out in a few weeks. I do not want to be given Versed or any ...
  A: Demerol and Versed are 2 different classes of drugs. Demerol is a pain reliever and generally not ...
Anesteshia Side Effects6/8/2007
  Q: Well recently, I had surgery. 2, actually. A very extensive one where my wisdom teeth were taken out ...
  A: The shivering is normal (and it has nothing to do with being cold). Anesthesia affects your ...
post surgery bloating6/8/2007
  Q: I just had umbillical hernia surgery and I am so bloated from the gases building up from being put ...
  A: I doubt it's the gases from being put under (unless the case took a very long time). Depending on ...
career in Anesthesiology6/7/2007
  Q: I'm planning to become an Anesthesiology. I am 15 and in 10th grade of High school. I'm doing duel ...
  A: You can major in anything you want in college as long as you take the prerequisite courses in ...
Anesthesia for Children6/6/2007
  Q: My son is going to get operated on next week for a reflux condition from his kidney down to his ...
  A: Your child is not very young (by anesthesia standards) and has a VERY small risk from anesthesia or ...
Sore throat after anaesthesia6/5/2007
  Q: I had minimally invasive cervical multi-facet nerve ablation last week and have had an extremely ...
  A: You will need the endotracheal tube but you might ask the anesthesiologist to use a smaller size. ...
Sore throat after anaesthesia6/4/2007
  Q: I had minimally invasive cervical multi-facet nerve ablation last week and have had an extremely ...
  A: You don't mention what kind of anesthesia you had but if it was general endotracheal, then that ...
Unsteady leags after surgery6/3/2007
  Q: My 13 yrs old daughter underwent jaw surgery last Wednesday. They jaw looks fine and she is already ...
  A: My suggestion would be to consult a neurologist to have her examined. It is unlikely coincidental ...
reflexes5/31/2007
  Q: Pete
  A: You can have spinal reflexes (as these are a local loop independent of the brain) but you do not ...
Coughing when smoking5/27/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, Hi, I know this is not your specialty, but this website, great as it is, does not have ...
  A: You are correct (in part). Imagine the first time you try something REALLY sour. That first bite is ...
Effect of antibiotic on general anesthesia5/26/2007
  Q: I'm taking the antibiotic Clarithromycin (500mg of Biaxin twice a day to be precise)for a sore ...
  A: It is not contraindicated but you should certainly let your anesthesiologist know that you are on ...
Am I allergic to anesthesia?5/24/2007
  Q: I had my gall bladder removed 2 weeks ago by laproscopic surgery. In recovery, I remember a little ...
  A: One case at a time... Why was your friend with you in the OR...This normally not allowed? Was he ...
Schooling for Anesthesiology5/22/2007
  Q: Levy, I am currently majoring in music, but due to recent events music may not be a suitable path ...
  A: As long as you take all the required premed courses and meet all the other requirements, there is no ...
anesthesiology5/17/2007
  Q: im interested in anesthesiology and am wondering what the best college to go to is? and what a ...
  A: It's not just college. It's 4 yrs college, 4 yrs medical school and then 4 yrs of anesthesiology ...
Epidural with sedation5/16/2007
  Q: Is it possible to have an epidural for a TAH-BSO or LAVH instead of general anes.? If so, are there ...
  A: It is certainly possible to do the procedure under epidural but the more important question is why ...
what is the BEST college, med school, and residency program for anesthesiology?5/16/2007
  Q: what is the BEST college, med school, and residency program for anesthesiology?
  A: There is no BEST anything. Different schools have different positives and negatives. I cannot say ...
anesthesiologist questions.5/15/2007
  Q: i have some questions about anesthesiology and would like them to be answered. please 1) most ...
  A: 1) most regrets of becoming an anesthesiologist? None. I enjoy what I am doing. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2) ...
Sedation PLUS Paralytics?5/14/2007
  Q: What are the primary advantages of sux administration (i.e. paralyzing the patient) over simply ...
  A: Gag relex is not the problem. That goes away with anesthesia. The problem is paralysis of the vocal ...
Sevoflorine5/14/2007
  Q: I am doing a research paper at my college, and there is not a lot of information on-line. Can you ...
  A: The easiest thing to do is give you a link to the prescribing information. Basically, Sevofluorane ...
HELP ME BECOME A ANESTESIOLOGIST5/10/2007
  Q: TN AREA THAT COULD HELP ME BECOME AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST WHAT R THE REQUIRED CLASSES I NEED TO TAKE
  A: You have to first get into college. I don't know schools in Nashville but any 4 yr college should be ...
awake during intubation for anesthesia5/10/2007
  Q: I had dental surgery with general anesthesia last year. When I awoke, I was informed that I was ...
  A: You will have an awake fiberoptic intubation. What this means is the they will intubate you under ...
what do anesthesiologists do exactly?5/10/2007
  Q: i am an eighth grader at south point middle school in Ohio. i am doing a project on which we had to ...
  A: What we do is provide anesthesia and pain relief during medical procedures as well as monitoring ...
sux and pseudocholinesterase deficiency5/9/2007
  Q: If a dose of 200 mg. of sux is given to a person for a general anesthetic and a dose of 100 mg. of ...
  A: That's kind of like asking if i shoot you once and kill you does shooting you twice kill you twice ...
Phentermine & General Anesthesia5/7/2007
  Q: I'm scheduled for laproscopic surgery tomorrow (ovary and fallopian tube removed & D&C) and have ...
  A: While there have been no specific studies related to anesthesia and phentermine, there is still a ...
anesthetic general is it safe twice with ten days gap5/6/2007
  Q: my doctor has said he is going 2 split the procedure in 2 operations. perform one part and then 10 ...
  A: There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. As far as safety, they are probably equal ...
Epidural Back Pain Years Later5/4/2007
  Q: Before I gave birth to my first child who is now 11, I recall another woman in L&D warned me about ...
  A: I would strongly doubt that the epidural is responsible for this as there is no medical, ...
anesthesia and paxil5/4/2007
  Q: My daughter is on Paxil and is having surgery next week. I know there is some controversy about ...
  A: There have been occasional reports of cardiac arrythmias with Paxil and anesthesia but these are ...
Dental IV sedation5/3/2007
  Q: I've had IV sedation 3 times by 3 different oral surgeons and had different experiences. 1. No ...
  A: ACtually nothing. Assuming all three gave you appropriate doses, your situation is not unusual. The ...
Epidural and lower back tingling5/1/2007
  Q: I got an epidural for the birth of my son in November of 2006. The anesthesiologist missed the first ...
  A: I would doubt it since you would have noticed it everytime you got up from bed, etc. since you use ...
fluid squirted out of shot being put in IV4/29/2007
  Q: Some years back, I was having a D&C to find out if I was starting into menopause or if there was ...
  A: It probably was not demerol but it could have been any number of other drugs. In all cases, it was ...
fluid squirted out of shot being put in IV4/28/2007
  Q: Some years back, I was having a D&C to find out if I was starting into menopause or if there was ...
  A: I am a little confused because you can't do a D&C on just Demerol. You need either a regional or a ...
paramedic student intubated my husband?4/26/2007
  Q: When my husband was waiting to have surgery several different people came in to talk to him, his two ...
  A: First, to alleviate your worries, the paramedic was ABSOLUTELY supervised as he did it and we have ...
what do they give you before surgery4/26/2007
  Q: My husband had surgery yesterday and the doctor had told me that they would give him something to ...
  A: They didn't "knock him out" but they probably gave him Versed and Fentanyl. Versed is like Valium ...
how to get started4/26/2007
  Q: I'm 22 I have not taken any collage courses. I do have my high school diploma but my grades were ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
allergy4/24/2007
  Q: My 4 yr old's dentist will not use anesthesia on her for dental work because she has a soy allergy. ...
  A: Other than Propofol, I am not aware of any anesthetics that have allergies with soy products. If ...
school questions4/20/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, thank you for your time. I have a few questions. I will be finishing up from an online ...
  A: You have a long way to go until you can start anesthesiology. You need 4 years of college and 4 ...
Residency and premedical course4/20/2007
  Q: In the 4 years one takes of residency, to become an anesthesiologist, how much does one earn? Is it ...
  A: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In the 4 years one takes of residency, to become an anesthesiologist, how much ...
some questions4/18/2007
  Q: Levy, I am a Sophomore in High School, and I am looking into Anesthesiology and my career in life. ...
  A: >>>>>>>> what are the starting hours to be expected? In residency you can expect to work ...
spine pain4/18/2007
  Q: I had a c-section a few months ago, and it seems like the place on my spine where the spinal ...
  A: It generally shouldn't last this long. The injection site might be sore for a while but your back ...
Pseudocholinesterase Deficiency - More Info4/11/2007
  Q: I have been tested and confirmed for a pseudocholinesterase deficiency. My mother stopped breathing ...
  A: If you're having the procedure under local, then there is nothing to worry about but you should ...
the risks of SUX4/11/2007
  Q: A relative recently became comatose after an allergic reaction to SUX (succinyl choline) ...
  A: The complication you mention (malignant hyperthermia??) is probably rare than that but SUX has some ...
T,U,R.P. LASER SURGERY4/10/2007
  Q: I AM 70 YEARS OF AGE AND HAD THE TURPS SURGERY ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND MY UROLOGIST ADVISED ME TO HAVE ...
  A: Generally these are done under spinal anesthesia but without knowing your medical history, it is ...
crna4/9/2007
  Q: In ohio is it legal for a crna to administer an epidural with no doctor in the room? I asked her ...
  A: I don't know Ohio law specifically but in general, as long as the CRNA is under the supervision of ...
anesthetic4/5/2007
  Q: My husband is 68 and will have a prostate seed implant in several weeks. His doctor said he will be ...
  A: They could give him any of 4 or 5 different anesthetics. They would probably use Propofol and ...
IV morphine4/2/2007
  Q: I'm hoping you can help me understand the half-life or cumulative affect of the morphine. Trauma ...
  A: First of all, I think your doses are wrong as the normal parenteral dose for an adult is 0.8 to 10 ...
hi im a junior in high school and i want to be an anesthesiologist3/28/2007
  Q: I would like to become an anesthesiologist and i was wondering whether you could answer some ...
  A: Here are the answers: 1. how many years it takes? 4 yrs college, 4 yrs med school, 4 yrs residency ...
Anesthesiology3/28/2007
  Q: I'm a junior and I'm thinking about becoming an anesthesiologist and was wondering how many years of ...
  A: You need 4 yrs college, 4 yrs medical school and 4 yrs anesthesiology training (although you get ...
Getting on the right course to become an Anesthesiologist3/27/2007
  Q: My name is Shekita. I wanna become an anesthesiolgist so bad, LOL, I am currently attending a 2 yr ...
  A: You must complete a 4 yr college (with the required prerequisites) in order to get into medical ...
General verses local/ regional3/27/2007
  Q: levy I underwent open fundoplication 3 years ago. I had many complications from this surgery. I do ...
  A: You can certainly do the procedure under regional anesthesia (spinal) but not under local. The ...
Amnestics3/22/2007
  Q: I understand that some anesthetics, or maybe all of them, are amnestic. Are these medications ever ...
  A: For most people, the OR is a scary place and they don't want remember anything about it. Ye, ...
Amnestics3/22/2007
  Q: I understand that some anesthetics, or maybe all of them, are amnestic. Are these medications ever ...
  A: Not all drugs are amnestic but this is a desired effect of the ones that are. The ideal anesthetic ...
no veins3/22/2007
  Q: i have no veins...from drug use in the past....how will you put me under?
  A: There are always veins. There are some that you can't get that we can (such as your internal jugular ...
Anesthesiology3/21/2007
  Q: I'm an 8th grader, but I've been seriously thinking about becoming an anesthesiologist. I'm about ...
  A: You're still very early in your career to be making specific plans because you still have 16 years ...
MDA Career3/21/2007
  Q: Levy, I have been interested in a career as an MDA for many a years now but am a bit concerned ...
  A: I don't think that CRNAs will replace MDAs in the OR. While they may be a major force in some of the ...
Back pain at epidural site.3/19/2007
  Q: I had my son four months ago and since then have had a point of soreness/pain where the epidural ...
  A: The localized back pain is probably due to the epidural insertion and should go away relatively ...
MDA Career3/19/2007
  Q: Levy, I have been interested in a career as an MDA for many a years now but am a bit concerned ...
  A: As with the MD vs nurse practictioner debate, there will always be a need for MDAs. I think that ...
i whant to learn more about anethesiology3/13/2007
  Q: i whanted to knnow how i can get started to go in to medical school? shuch as to be a ...
  A: You have a long way to go! To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical ...
General Anesthesia3/12/2007
  Q: I underwent a brest augmentation using general anesthesia about 2 months ago. I later found out, at ...
  A: The first question is "Did you have it under local or general anesthesia". Most anesthesiologists ...
dental anesthesiology3/5/2007
  Q: My name is Misty and I am a dentist who has been in practice for several years. I have always wanted ...
  A: That's alot of questions. Let me tell you what I know and I think I can clear up your concerns. ...
DO vs. MD3/4/2007
  Q: Does it matter if I am an Anesthesiologist with an M.D. or D.O. and why is it there are few D.O. ...
  A: To me it doesn't matter but to many people it does. Most people still don't understand what a DO is. ...
Epidural Nerve Damage2/22/2007
  Q: I had an epidural in October 2006 with the birth of my first child. Since her birth, I have had very ...
  A: If you said just feet, I might say yes but it is unlikely that it would affect your hands. I would ...
Spinal Tap2/22/2007
  Q: I was wondering if you could tell me how far up the back should the spinal tap should be inserted ...
  A: If you had breathing problems during the c-section, then I moght be able to ascribe it to the spinal ...
anesthesia2/20/2007
  Q: My niece had a bone marrow biopsy and was given some kind of anesthesia where she didn't remember ...
  A: Not all cases require general anesthesia...some just require mild or heavy sedation. Examples might ...
Headaches2/19/2007
  Q: I have a question about the long term symptoms of anesthesia. I recently had a salpingectomy on ...
  A: It is not clear..were you pregnant at the time of surgery? IF so, I am surprised that neither your ...
spinals and anesthesia2/18/2007
  Q: My husband is on Cardizem CD 360MG (one daily) Lisinipril- HCTZ 20-12.5 (once daily) and ...
  A: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> What I wanted to know was with the meds he is taking, what kind of general ...
spinals and anesthesia2/18/2007
  Q: My husband is going to have a prostate seed implant and his radialogist usually does this with a ...
  A: If you've ever had an epidural for childbirth, it's almost the same but actually easier and with a ...
anesthesia2/17/2007
  Q: How would I inquire about what type of doctor is legally allowed to administrate anesthesia. What I ...
  A: If the doctor is in a hospital, the hospital determines privileges. If he is in his own office, ...
What to take2/13/2007
  Q: How do I know what Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus classes i need to take because I've looked ...
  A: There are no specific courses that you need to take. You are required to take 2 semesters of ...
career report for school2/12/2007
  Q: levy im a freshmen student doing a career report and im planning on becoming anesthesiologist do ...
  A: >>>>>>>>>>>>> how many years of experience do you have? I have been in practice 10 years ...
becoming an anesthesiologist2/10/2007
  Q: I have always been interested in science and when i was young i wanted to be a doctor... I did well ...
  A: Having a BSN will allow you to pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ...
spinal block and narrowed verterbra2/10/2007
  Q: I have been advised I need arthroscopic surgery on my knee for a torn meniscus. The surgeon ...
  A: While spinal stenosis may make a spinal technically more difficult to perform, it can still be done. ...
Age2/9/2007
  Q: Dr. Levy, Is there an age of which you may consider it not to be forthcoming to become an ...
  A: That is a personal decision. We don't have an age limit (my roommate in medical school was 43). You ...
question2/7/2007
  Q: What type of courses would i have to take to become an anesthetist, what would my major/minor be?I ...
  A: I don't know what the requirements are for CRNA's. If you are interested in becoming an MDA I can ...
question2/5/2007
  Q: I want to go into anesthesiology, but don't know whether I should become an anesthesiologist or ...
  A: If you mean by anesthetist, certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) the difference is significant. and ...
High blood pressure & anesthesia1/31/2007
  Q: I had heard that there were medications that can be given during surgery to lower your blood ...
  A: There are medicines and we do use them all the time but you are still at increased risk if your ...
crna to anesthesiologist1/31/2007
  Q: I was wondering if it's possible for a crna to become an anesthesiologist by continuing his ...
  A: They are two separate tracks. One requires nursing school and the other medical school. So if you ...
Memory Loss1/30/2007
  Q: Can you expand a bit on the point you made about the memory loss and the long convalescence? How are ...
  A: I'll preface this by saying that all I'm saying is speculation (having not examined your mother). ...
High blood pressure & anesthesia1/29/2007
  Q: I am having outpatient surgery soon (hysterscopy, D/C & polypectomy). I have had general and MACK ...
  A: First of all, you will have a general anesthetic for this procedure as MAC (Monitored Anesthesia ...
Memory Loss1/29/2007
  Q: My mother is 88 years old and last month had emergency surgery for an incarcerated hernia. She just ...
  A: Anesthesia is not a cause of long term memory loss. We give certain drugs that can give you amnesia ...
Anesthesiologist1/27/2007
  Q: What would be a good college to attend to study Anesthesiology? Is there any other information I ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Versed sedation1/25/2007
  Q: I was told by the dr. before a colonoscopy screening that with sedation I would be in for a 20 ...
  A: I can't explain why the nurse did what she did. What I can tell you is that Versed is an amnestic ...
ether1/20/2007
  Q: How much diethyl ether is necessary to render a human unconscious? Is prolonged exposure necessary ...
  A: As we don't use ether any more (and haven't since the early 60's), I have no idea how much is ...
breathing respirator1/19/2007
  Q: Is there a limited amount of time that a person can have a breathing tub in before becoming ...
  A: There is no time limit. It depends on their underlying respiratory function. Patient with bad lung ...
Anesthesiology1/16/2007
  Q: My son is currently a second year Med student and I asked him what specialty is he leaning to. He ...
  A: First of all, it may not be as glamorous as surgeon but it is likely more important (or at least as ...
Versed and Fentanyl1/14/2007
  Q: Please help me. I am so very scared to go under when i get my wisdom teeth extracted. I have anxiety ...
  A: There is nothing to worry about. It is unlikely that you are allergic to either medicine. The Versed ...
Doc's in BIG hurry?!?1/9/2007
  Q: An orthopaedic wrote a script for me Which says "ESI X 3 DX: ...
  A: epidural steroid injections, three times. Diagnosis: herniated nucleus pulposus between Lumbar ...
Safety of dental anesthesia?1/9/2007
  Q: I am planning to have oral surgery for dental implant in a few months and would like your opinion ...
  A: I have had implant surgery in a dental office and it is safe but it is not safer that a hospital ...
Anesthesiology career1/8/2007
  Q: .. What high school courses should i take junior and senior yr.?? The type of anesthesiology i'm ...
  A: Here are your answers: What high school courses should i take junior and senior yr.?? Anything ...
Anesthesia and Amnesia1/8/2007
  Q: I suffered a severe health crisis a year ago....torsed ovary...by the time I reached the hospital I ...
  A: More than likely the hypotension (and not the anesthesia) caused the long term amnesia. Anesthesia ...
Choosing my Anesthesiology Program1/7/2007
  Q: Where can I get a list of Anesthesiology Programs by rank?
  A: I don't know that such a list exists (rank by what...research dollars...faculty...etc). You might ...
Anesthesiology1/7/2007
  Q: how math is needed for a career in anesthesiology? what's the starting yearly salary and how much ...
  A: We use it all the time to calculate drug dosages, blood loss, volume replacement, etc. The starting ...
knee surgery while using Nardil1/6/2007
  Q: I need to undergo knee surgery to replace my ACL and repair other damage to my knee. I have used ...
  A: Knee surgery such as yours can be done under regional (spinal or epidural) or general. In any of the ...
Schooling1/5/2007
  Q: I am currently a senior in high school and am in the process of narrowing down my selection of ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
recovery in the elderly?1/5/2007
  Q: I work in an acute care gero-psych unit. I've heard so many family members complain that their ...
  A: Most of the psychoses are related to the hospital stay and not the anesthesia. There is no link that ...
College.1/5/2007
  Q: I am a junior in high school and i am starting to look into colleges to aply to.I was wondering what ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Recovering from anest. after shoulder surgery.1/3/2007
  Q: I'm in Houston, and recently underwent my 2nd shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, I'm 37 and in ...
  A: It's entirely possible depending on what type of anesthesia you got, how long it lasted, blood loss, ...
Too Much Anesthesia?1/3/2007
  Q: My 16 month old son had minor reconstructive surgery on his penis (hypospadia). His surgery was ...
  A: Let's start from the end and work backwards. The shaking, etc. was probably febrile seizures. They ...
asking a questiion1/3/2007
  Q: HOW MUCH DOES anesthesiologist make
  A: It depends on a lot of factors including where you live, what type of practice (private vs ...
Complication after sedation12/30/2006
  Q: I'm going for a gastroscopy and colonoscopy in mid Jan. I believe they'll lightly or heavily sedate ...
  A: It sounds like a cardiologist needs to interrogate your pacemaker and make sure it is functioning ...
MAO Inhibitor12/25/2006
  Q: I have been on an MAO Inhibitor (Nardil) for over twenty years and my doctor told me that if I ever ...
  A: Whatever anesthetic they would give you (and there are several options), knowing that you were on ...
getting sick from anesthesia12/23/2006
  Q: I've had anesthesia seven times, and have become quite sick after most of the surgeries. I've been ...
  A: Regarding waking up during carpal tunnel surgery, was this under general anesthesia? These ...
Back12/19/2006
  Q: Is there anything such as fluid leakage coming from your spine. Back in my young years I had a ...
  A: The 2 episodes are not related. In the original incident you had what is called a spinal headache ...
long term icu psychosis12/17/2006
  Q: My grandmother recently went into the hospital, due to a urinary tract infection. She had to be sent ...
  A: What you are describing is commonly called ICU psychosis. People who are in an ICU spend days where ...
Epidurals12/16/2006
  Q: I'm pregnant with my first child. I have spina bifida with a lesion about L4/5. Would most ...
  A: I would tend to suggest you go to a teaching hospital. While any anesthesiologist can perform the ...
What is the mechanism of nociassociation?12/14/2006
  Q: >Personally, I have never heard the term before nor has it >ever been a factor in anesthesia that I ...
  A: As I said before, what you describe does not happen under general anesthesia (at least not to the ...
Methamphetamines12/13/2006
  Q: I have been using methamphetamines for the past 2 months and have still eaten, and slept most ...
  A: Generally we like at least 2 weeks to a month but it is up to the anesthesiologist if he/she is ...
Sedation and Anesthetization12/13/2006
  Q: It certainly helped me to understand why I failed the patient as his advocate. I don't want to ...
  A: Let me attack you questions one at a time: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the patient never lost consciousness, as ...
What is the mechanism of nociassociation?12/13/2006
  Q: How does nociassociation work? Why isn't the term in common use? ...
  A: Personally, I have never heard the term before nor has it ever been a factor in anesthesia that I am ...
getting into anesthesiology12/12/2006
  Q: I am currently a surgery intern in Pittsburgh. I initially tried to get into anesthesiology but I ...
  A: I would first suggest talking to the Anesthesia program director at your current hospital because ...
Anesthesia12/11/2006
  Q: The patient had brain trauma injury and although he was still breathing on his own, he was ...
  A: The patient was intubated to protect his airway since he was unconscious. One thing is to sedate a ...
Allergy to Dye12/10/2006
  Q: "I am considering getting some kind of help with the pain. I have severe neck and lumbar pain from ...
  A: Pain shots are done unedr local anesthesia so there is no problem from your shellfish allergy. But ...
numb lip after surgery12/10/2006
  Q: There was a water filled blister on the inside of the lip 3 days after the surgery,it popped and now ...
  A: It is possible that the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) caused the problem if it was compressing your ...
Anesthestetics & Sedation During Pregnancy12/7/2006
  Q: I am scheduled to have surgery on my wrist in a week, and would like to know if you would forsee any ...
  A: Depending on the surgery, they can do a Bier block, local, regional or general. The less you have ...
anesthesiologist advisor12/7/2006
  Q: good morning Mr. Levy, my name is kimchi. If you could recall, i have emailed before about my ...
  A: I did receive it and I will try to reply before the end of the week. It is a very comprehensive list ...
Being Kept on Respirator after surgery12/5/2006
  Q: During prep for back surgery and general anesthesia, there was difficulty in inserting a breathing ...
  A: There are 2 issues here. The first is: What was the problem with the intubation. If the airway was ...
Anesthetics during Pregnancy12/4/2006
  Q: I just scheduled an appointment to have a few (3-4) moles removed. (Unfortunately, melanoma runs in ...
  A: There is no problem with local anesthesia, so anything they use should be fine. Usually the only ...
becoming an anesthesiologist12/2/2006
  Q: im a junior at Medical Lake High School taking advanced placement classes, taking chemistry with an ...
  A: There are no best schools or courses. Basically, to become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of ...
epidural12/1/2006
  Q: I had a pulmonary embolism 1 month after giving birth to my first child. Now, I'm worried about the ...
  A: If you are on those medications, the anesthesiologists will NOT put an epidural in. If, on the ...
anesthesiologist12/1/2006
  Q: My name id DAMIE. I was just wondering how demanding the job of an anethesiologist is. Would you ...
  A: As are all jobs in medicine, anesthesiology is demanding both of time and stress. As a mother you ...
Career in Anesthesiology11/30/2006
  Q: I am a senior in high school and I am pursuing a career in a medical field, possibly anesthesiology. ...
  A: Obviously high school GPA has an effect on which college you get into, but in general, it's your ...
Pre-anesthesia Interview11/27/2006
  Q: Not a question, but additional information: the visit from the "in a hurry" doctor did take place on ...
  A: Not that it justifies anything but this guy will unfortunately learn that the #1 reason people sue ...
Pre-anesthesia Interview11/27/2006
  Q: About 20 years ago, prior to my cholecystectomy (open), the anesthesiologist interviewed me upon ...
  A: Unfortunately you came across an anesthesiologist who either was too busy or wasn't interested in ...
nerve damage after an epidural for childbirth11/26/2006
  Q: I was scheduled for a c-section delivery for my second pregnancy at age 28. Before then, i never had ...
  A: I can't say if it's from the epidural or from your last pregnancy (you don't say if you had any back ...
Anaesthetic Risks11/24/2006
  Q: Some patients are prone to suffering adverse reactions from anaesthesia...do u know of any drugs ...
  A: Nobody is prone to anesthestic reactions. There are several situations where certain drugs are not ...
anesthesia11/24/2006
  Q: Yesterday I had minor surgery under general anesthesia. It is now about 32 hours post surgery and ...
  A: It's not an allergic reaction but it probably is a reaction. If I assume you had general anesthesia ...
Anesthesiology's appeal?11/22/2006
  Q: In your opinion, what makes anesthesiology a more appealing medical specialty than others? If you ...
  A: It's not more appealing than any other. It purely depends on your personal interests. What I find ...
epidural only for myomectomy11/22/2006
  Q: I'm an opera singer with a large, intramural fibroid that needs to be removed via an open abdominal ...
  A: Most surgeons should not have a problem doing it under epidural (we do c-sections that way). The ...
Schooling Question11/22/2006
  Q: Okay, I completely understand, now. Thank you! In turn, my question would be.. When the field of ...
  A: Academic excellence always helps, but we also look for other things that show an interest in ...
MD or DO11/22/2006
  Q: im a sophmore in high school in need of help to pursue my career as an aesthesiologist. here are a ...
  A: 2 main differences, 1) DOs learn manipulation in addition to the allopathic stuff MDs learn and 2) ...
anesthesiologist college courses11/21/2006
  Q: My son is in his first year of college and he has decided to go into a medical field. ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
Schooling Question11/21/2006
  Q: My question is about going through medical school. I know things make it seem as though ...
  A: I don't think there is any intelligence gap between anesthesiologist and other specialties. You need ...
Breast reduction/psvt and anesthesia11/20/2006
  Q: I am a 25 yro female about to undergo a breast reduction surgery and I have recently had an EP study ...
  A: Obviously you are at increased risk compared to an otherwise healthy person, but that doesn't mean ...
becoming an anesthesiologist11/19/2006
  Q: this is cass again just a few more questions if you could. thanks 1. Coast of Schooling ...
  A: 1. Coast of Schooling >$80,000 2. Retirement Plans 3. Insurance 4. Healthcare / Dental care ...
becoming an anesthesiologist11/19/2006
  Q: my name is cass and I'm a senior in high school. i am currently doing a research paper on the career ...
  A: 1. What are your heath benefits or/and your insurance policy. Same as for any other job. It ...
Hello11/17/2006
  Q: My name is Ryan and I reside in the state of Kentucky. I am a dual licensed funeral director and ...
  A: I don't know how much credit you can get for the courses you have already taken. That would depend ...
schooling11/17/2006
  Q: How much schooling do you have to take in order to be a good anesthesiologist? I would look it up, ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
part time jobs during medical school training11/16/2006
  Q: If i go to college for anesthesiology, is there a way i can work part time as a nurse or any other ...
  A: You don't go to college for anesthesia. You go to college, then medical school and then anesthesia ...
questions on education11/15/2006
  Q: I'm a senior in Highschool, and have just recently decided on a career path in anesthesiology, I ...
  A: Not having advanced courses in high school does not affect your chances of getting into anesthesia ...
Anesthesia and surgery11/14/2006
  Q: I am having surgery this Thursday. I seem to have developed a cold this past Sunday (from my ...
  A: That will be up to the anesthesiologist and surgeon and depends on what kind of surgery. If the ...
Just Curious11/14/2006
  Q: you said that in order to be an Anesthesiologist you need 4 years of residency training. What ...
  A: Internship is the first year of residency and is really a misnomer now. It used to be that you did ...
undergraduate degrees for anesthesiology11/14/2006
  Q: my names is james and i am a senior in high school. i recently shadowed an anesthesiologist at a ...
  A: Physiology is a good choice but you are not limited to majors in the biological specialties. These ...
Examples of math11/13/2006
  Q: I would like to know what three ways math is used on a regular basis for anesthesiology. Thank you, ...
  A: 1) It's used to calculate drug dosages, 2) it's used to determine body fluid deficits and blood and ...
Anesthesiology11/12/2006
  Q: I'm a junior in high school and I was wondering if you could tell me about all of the schooling you ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist you need 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of medical school and 4 yrs of ...
TURP anasthesia11/12/2006
  Q: I've already gotten a copy of my records from the first 2 TURP surgeries at the first hospital to ...
  A: If a spinal didn't work, an epidural is less likely as it works indirectly. I would try a spinal ...
TURP anasthesia11/11/2006
  Q: I was sedated but managed to let them know that as resectioning began IT HURT ALOT! They then ...
  A: Frankly I am surprised that it didn't work twice! If they performed a good spinal (return of CSF, ...
anesthesiologist advisor11/11/2006
  Q: I am a sophomore at Mt. Hebron High School, currently taking an Independent Resource G/T course, ...
  A: I would be happy to answer your questions via email but I would not like to give out an address or ...
salary for anesthesiologists11/11/2006
  Q: also the maximum salary, and how often they can expect a raise or promotion. Thank you, Brandee
  A: All salaries, raises and promotions are variable depending on where you work. It is not like in a ...
math courses for anesthesiologists11/11/2006
  Q: ... I would also like to know if there are any incentives to acquire more education or training. ...
  A: The only required math courses (to get into any medical school) is Calculus. All other course are ...
College for Anesthesiology11/10/2006
  Q: I am a student preparing for college. I'm interested in the field of Anesthesiology. I would like to ...
  A: You can get into medical school from any college (if you work hard and do well in your courses). ...
anesthesiology careers.11/7/2006
  Q: I'm doing a research project for my Speech class and we're currently on surveys. Can you tell me ...
  A: There is no degree in Anesthesiology. It is a specialty of medicine. After you complete your ...
anesthesiology11/3/2006
  Q: How many years does it take to complete everything in anesthesiology and what kind of marks do you ...
  A: To become an anesthesiologist