Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 12/9/2007

Question
I recently went into hospital for a removal of endometriosis and experienced something quite strange. When I received my general aesthetic jab I felt really bizarre and my throat felt like it was closing up, almost a burning, chemical feeling that made choke. It then ran all through my head down my arms and legs and I remember hearing my heart rate rapidly increase. I’ve been under a general before and I’ve had no problems, but as I have a family intolerance to anaesthetics and such alike and it was so painful I thought I should try and find something out. I rang the hospital and they seem to be blowing the situation over, I just want to know what this is. Oh also if this is any help when I woke I had a very low blood pressure and temperature, which has never happened before. Thanks, just looking for closure.. seren

Answer
Hi Sarah
It is difficult to be certain what caused you to feel this way but I would guess there are a few likely possibilities.
The first is the induction agent (the drug that puts you to sleep) propofol. It is a milky coloured agent and it can cause severe pain in your arm as it is injected. It would be unusual for this pain to travel into your neck and throat but it has to be a prime suspect.
Anaesthetists often give a powerful pain killer such as fentanyl just prior to giving the induction agent and this can cause a number of people to feel very unwell. Most find it pleasant but a small number of people feel dizzy, sick and very unwell with it. So again could be to blame.
Finally it is just possible that the anaesthetist was using a muscle relaxant as part of the anaesthetic and that for some reason this started to work before the induction agent took effect. This would lead to a sensation of difficulty breathing and choking. This is also a possibility.
You have had previous uneventful anaesthetics so this should not be an issue in the future but it is worth mentioning what happened to any future anaesthetist so they can ensure you don't feel the same way again.
If the hospital is being unhelpful why not approach the anaesthetic department and ask if the anaesthetist is willing to chat to you about it. Involving management etc often just gets in the way of getting the closure you are looking for.
Finally feel free to contact me further for advice.