Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
22 Yr Old, Had Anesthesia Given For Minor Procedure, Feeling Fatigued, Blurred Vision, Dream Like State. Anesthesia Problem ?
Question: About 3 months ago I had a fairly minor procedure that required anesthesia. Since then, I have felt a little "disconnected," (like I'm "floating" and a little separated from reality), vision slightly blurred, random bouts of very severe fatigue during the day, and generally feeling like I'm not myself. Its like I’m drifting, and in a constant dream-like state, which is frustrating considering I was previously passionate about living life and aggressively pursuing my dreams. Suddenly I’m happy to just… settle.
After a lot of research, I have learned that a lot of other people have experienced the same thing. One particular claim from a medical message board said that every hour you were administered anesthesia= the number of months patients will experience these symptoms. I would be ecstatic if there is even a chance that this will wear off (albeit gradually)? Basically, I want to know when I can start to feel back to normal? I also need validation that I'm not crazy and that it’s all not in my head. I can’t accept that t 22 this is how I will live the rest of my life.
After a lot of research, I have learned that a lot of other people have experienced the same thing. One particular claim from a medical message board said that every hour you were administered anesthesia= the number of months patients will experience these symptoms. I would be ecstatic if there is even a chance that this will wear off (albeit gradually)? Basically, I want to know when I can start to feel back to normal? I also need validation that I'm not crazy and that it’s all not in my head. I can’t accept that t 22 this is how I will live the rest of my life.
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 22 year old female.
• History of minor procedure under anaesthesia 3 months back.
• Complaints of: derealisation, excessive fatigue, blurred vision and dream like state for 3 month after anaesthesia.
In some anaesthetic procedures patient can experience dissociative state or have out of body experience. It is commonly seen with Ketamine. But these symptoms last in few days. No anaesthetist drug persists in body after few days of its administration.
In your case, symptoms are persisting for 3 months. So cause for these symptoms is not direct effect of anaesthetist drug.
Usually any surgical procedure and anaesthesia act as a stressor for body which can lead to development for psychological symptoms as you have developed. Your symptoms appear to related from depersonalisation-derealisation syndrome. Excessive fatigue and blurred vision can occur because of anxiety associated with these symptoms.
Following measures will help you in management:
• First do not worry as your problem is not permanent. In many cases suffering tends to reduce with time.
• Psychiatrist consultation: He will help you through detailed assessment, counselling and supportive therapy.
• Drug treatment: May needed if anxiety and sleep problem are present.
• Aerobic exercise 30 min a day.
• Structuring of routine life.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Regards,
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 22 year old female.
• History of minor procedure under anaesthesia 3 months back.
• Complaints of: derealisation, excessive fatigue, blurred vision and dream like state for 3 month after anaesthesia.
In some anaesthetic procedures patient can experience dissociative state or have out of body experience. It is commonly seen with Ketamine. But these symptoms last in few days. No anaesthetist drug persists in body after few days of its administration.
In your case, symptoms are persisting for 3 months. So cause for these symptoms is not direct effect of anaesthetist drug.
Usually any surgical procedure and anaesthesia act as a stressor for body which can lead to development for psychological symptoms as you have developed. Your symptoms appear to related from depersonalisation-derealisation syndrome. Excessive fatigue and blurred vision can occur because of anxiety associated with these symptoms.
Following measures will help you in management:
• First do not worry as your problem is not permanent. In many cases suffering tends to reduce with time.
• Psychiatrist consultation: He will help you through detailed assessment, counselling and supportive therapy.
• Drug treatment: May needed if anxiety and sleep problem are present.
• Aerobic exercise 30 min a day.
• Structuring of routine life.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Jyoti Patil
Hi Dr. Mittal,
Thanks for your advice. I did a little more research into "depersonalisation-derealisation syndrome" and it was scary how that seemed to match my overall mental state.
I guess my follow up question is figuring out whether it is "depersonalisation" or "derealisation" because they are both different, but realated. I feel ditached from reality, passive about pursuing life, my emotions have been blunted and I'm kind of "floating" through life. But, its really not noticable to anyone but myself. And I generally dont have much anxiety. I just feel very detached from everything.
What do you recommend as far as an informal diagnosis? What should I do for treatment? I hate this and want to feel normal again.
Thanks for your advice. I did a little more research into "depersonalisation-derealisation syndrome" and it was scary how that seemed to match my overall mental state.
I guess my follow up question is figuring out whether it is "depersonalisation" or "derealisation" because they are both different, but realated. I feel ditached from reality, passive about pursuing life, my emotions have been blunted and I'm kind of "floating" through life. But, its really not noticable to anyone but myself. And I generally dont have much anxiety. I just feel very detached from everything.
What do you recommend as far as an informal diagnosis? What should I do for treatment? I hate this and want to feel normal again.
Hello again,
It is self rewarding that I am able to help in your suffering.
Depersonalisation-derealisation syndrome are related condition. Their treatment is also same. It is difficult, but not necessary to differentiate them which is possible only during physical and mental status examination.
Treatment guideline is same as I advised in last reply:
• First do not worry as your problem is not permanent. In many cases suffering tends to reduce with time.
• Psychiatrist consultation: He will help you through detailed assessment, counselling and supportive therapy.
• Drug treatment: May needed if anxiety and sleep problem are present.
• Aerobic exercise 30 min a day.
• Structuring of routine life.
Wish you good health,
Regards
It is self rewarding that I am able to help in your suffering.
Depersonalisation-derealisation syndrome are related condition. Their treatment is also same. It is difficult, but not necessary to differentiate them which is possible only during physical and mental status examination.
Treatment guideline is same as I advised in last reply:
• First do not worry as your problem is not permanent. In many cases suffering tends to reduce with time.
• Psychiatrist consultation: He will help you through detailed assessment, counselling and supportive therapy.
• Drug treatment: May needed if anxiety and sleep problem are present.
• Aerobic exercise 30 min a day.
• Structuring of routine life.
Wish you good health,
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
