Side effects of general anaesthetic

I had my BA on Monday morning and felt fine the rest of the day, apart from feeling a bit light-headed, which I assume was the anaesthetic in my system. Since I got home on Tuesday I have been suffering from bloating, which I understand is pretty normal after GA. My appetite has also reduced since the op, which will hopefully have an impact on my waistline! I also still have the light-headedness, but I now also have a nasty bitter taste in my mouth which has been getting steadily worse over the past 48 hours. And the inside of my mouth tastes all furry. I think I feel thirsty/dehydrated but it could just be the lack of saliva in my mouth. 

More worryingly, my vision has also been affected. I had never had a problem focussing on things close (reading, computer) but now things are blurry and moving my eyes around increases the light-headedness. Things in the distance are ok still.

Since coming home, the only drugs I have taken are paracetamol, no antibiotics. I was given anti-nausea drugs for the op.

Anyone else had these sort of side effects from general anaesthetic?

I work in drug safety for a pharma company and I would always advise consumers to speak to their dr about any suspected side effects, esp the vision symptoms you describe. It's likely the GA is out of your body now and I don't think these are typical side effects of a GA or paracetamol but if it were me I would definitely go and see a dr or nurse to get my bp checked out. I'm sure it's all fine, but I'd still want to be checked and it on record. Make sure you stay hydrated too, it's really important you keep your fluid intake high. The bloating is normal, most painkillers will cause constipation x

hi there have been a few girls on here had the same problems with vision and I was one, can be very scary, I still think that you should call the card that you were given in the wee pack that you got when you left the hospital

Drink lots and lots of fluids too and that will help

I dont do well at all under a GA and I have been asked to look into the sedation for the next op as they really did struggle to wake me last time so much so they had called my husband and asked him to make his way to Manchester for our house, nearly a 5 hour drive away that night instead of waiting til the following morning

hope you feel better real soon xx

The GA leaves your system around 48hrs after. The bloating, reduced appetite sounds normal, but if you are dizzy, light headed, blurry, I would definitely call your clinic and speak to someone. Do you have a temperature/fever/feel fluey at all? If so, definitely get on the phone, as it could be signs of infection.

Hope everything is ok, let us know how you get on.

Thanks for your comments.

I don't have a temperature or any flu-like symptoms.

Tinkerbell - thank you for your comments, it's good to know it's not just me. I did actually google it and it seems that it tends to clear up in a week or two, for most people. It isn't really a big problem if I know it'll sort itself out. But I will go to my GP or ring the clinic if it's no better on Monday.

Trying to drink lots of fluids and walking more as I think these will help.

When I've had it before I just felt sleepy and floaty, I really liked having a GA, the sleepiness meant I wasn't restless and got a day of good rest following my op. 
I would say I felt a bit light headed.

i had my ba on sunday it left me feeling bit dizy light headed like i was floaty like on another planet its a normal thing apparently xx

how are you feeling today xx

rhy_fach wrote:But I will go to my GP or ring the clinic if it's no better on Monday.

 

I'd personally call your clinic rather than your GP if the problem continues Rhy. It's very important that 'your clinic' are accountable should the problem persists. 

If you don't call the clinic and 'request this be written in your notes' then there will never be any evidence you suffered at all should it worsen and you need further treatment. 

ANY concerns any of us have should always be seen by their surgeon, or call their clinic and have these concerns noted. It will always be your notes that are referred to in trying to help the clinic come to decisions if you ever need to claim on aftercare and trust me....if it's not there....it never happened! 

Really hoping you're feeling much better now Rhy xx

I am always dizzy for 24-48 hours after GA but then it goes so would definitely get it checked out if it lasts

Sorry for not responding sooner, been a bit busy! None of those symptoms lasted long, all gone by Saturday. Thanks for your concern.