If anybody has problems with anesthesia

@sturner62, Years ago I had surgery for a torn cartilage in my knee and they did a spinal tap instead of general anesthesia. I still remember the discussion with the anesthesiologist about the risks involved. I didn't have neuropathy at the time. That was in my mid 30s. My idiopathic small fiber neuropathy developed gradually over the next 30 years and I've had a knee replacement and a bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery in the past 5 years both with general anesthesia with no issues or impacts to my neuropathy although they did discuss possible impacts prior to the surgeries. Are you able to discuss your concerns and possible alternatives with your doctor or surgeon?

Yes, I’m in the process of trying to do that right now. One of them is on vacation.

I am an RN with over 30 yrs of PACU ( Recovery Room) experience, plus, I have had tons of surgeries and have never personally heard of anesthesia having any affect on neuropathy!

Perhaps ask the anesthesiologist if s/he could give you only propofol?
Meeting with the anesthesiologist beforehand is a must, imo. Life changing for me. Turned out I cannot tolerate any gases, versed, etc, and that all drugs used stay in my system about 10X longer than the normal. An anesthesiologist studied me and concluded that I should only ever have propofol and that the drs need to know beforehand how little I require, and carefully monitor me and my breathing during the surgery. Good luck with your procedure.

Thank you for the info

Good to know thank you

Hello @1mepnurse. You will notice I have removed a duplicate post that included medical advice per the Community Guidelines: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

Per the American Society of Anesthesiologists, nerve injuries are a well-recognized complication of anesthesia, making it best for each person to address their unique concerns with a trained medical professional. Thank you for your understanding.

Truly..well perhaps I learned something. Can this damage come from more like spinal anesthesia? I need to read up on this subject, cause can not figure how it could b from Gen Anesthesia.
Thanks for informing me!

I have been sedated about 8 times since my PN, half long surgeries, the other small duration things like cataracts, routine EGD/Colonoscopy, dental etc. I make sure I’m very alert and prepared for the discussion with the anesthesiologist before each event, to be clear of my conditions, past anesthesia complications, and present concerns. Like another response, I’m slow recovering and don’t want to be an increased fall risk from dopiness any longer than needed afterward. I certainly don’t want my PN to get worse from it. I am happy to say my PN is no worse off now than it was before any if the sedations, but please talk to your anesthesiologist immediately before surgery to make it clear.

I’m always nervous before a procedure including novocaine for dental procedures. My neuropathy flared in January after I had a tooth pulled which I attributed to inflammation. I spoke to the oral surgeon prior to my implant surgery about concerns but did ok. I just had a colonoscopy and did fine with the anesthesia as well. Talk to the doctor, meditate/relax as best you can prior and I’m wishing you the best. Btw I had most of my thyroid removed surgically and then radioactive iodine finished it off. This was years before neuropathy hit, however. Sending healing to you.