A Life-Threatening Anaphylactic Reaction During Surgery
At the onset of my surgical procedure, I experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction to anesthesia I had never previously encountered. The onset was alarmingly swift, occurring within a minute and escalating to a life-threatening level. Medical staff urgently performed CPR, and according to the physician, it required the collective efforts of 20 individuals in the operating room to bring me back to consciousness. What was initially planned as a three-hour procedure turned into a dramatic 10-hour ordeal, awakening intubated with a catheter, two IVs, and a central line placed in my neck. My medical history includes Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition, for which I adhere to a regimen involving multiple medications, including 40mg of Humira weekly, low-dose naltrexone daily, 200mg of Lyrica, along with a short-term course of 40mg of prednisone and 180mg of Allegra. Remarkably, I had not experienced such an extreme reaction before, aside from some minor skin irritations due to adhesives, which have always been manageable. I had never faced any issues with breathing or heart function prior to this.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 2:40:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your distressing experience during surgery. A severe anaphylactic reaction can be both frightening and traumatic. It's important to address both the physical aftermath and the emotional impact of such an event.
Key Points
- Anaphylactic Reaction: This tells us your body had a significant hypersensitivity to the anesthesia, leading to a life-threatening response.
- Emotional Impact: Experiencing a life-threatening event can lead to anxiety, PTSD, depression, or stress-related responses.
- Consulting Specialists: Consider the importance of following up with your healthcare providers for both allergy testing and mental health support.
Explanation
Anaphylaxis can occur without prior warning, even if you've had previous exposure to a medication or substance. The severity and speed of your reaction suggest a serious allergy that will need careful consideration in your future medical care. Additionally, the psychological effects of such a traumatic event can manifest in various ways, from anxiety about future medical situations to emotional distress. It’s completely normal to feel unsettled after such an event.
Next Steps
-
Follow-Up Care:
- Schedule an appointment with an allergist to explore potential allergies to anesthesia or medications used during your surgery. This is crucial for your safety in future procedures.
- Talk with your primary care provider about your experience to ensure all aspects of your health, including your Crohn’s disease and medications, are being appropriately managed.
-
Mental Health Support:
- Consider connecting with a mental health professional who specializes in trauma or anxiety. This might include therapy or counseling to help process the event and cope with any anxiety that arises, especially related to future medical situations.
- Support groups can also be beneficial, allowing you to share your experience with others who may have faced similar situations.
-
Self-Care Strategies:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to help manage stress and anxiety in the days to come.
- Maintain a routine that includes physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep to support your overall well-being.
Know that it is completely natural to feel overwhelmed after such an experience. It’s important to prioritously take care of both your physical health and mental well-being. If you find that your symptoms of anxiety or distress do not improve, seeking additional mental health support is vital. Take this one step at a time, and know that there is help available to guide you through this.
Related Questions
Understanding Low Libido and Testosterone Levels
As a 19-year-old male, standing 188 cm tall and weighing 88 kg, I have been grappling with a reduced interest in sexual activity for an extended period. Recently, this dissatisfaction has intensified, causing me significant concern. I worried that my testosterone levels might be low, prompting me to undergo testing. The results revealed a level of 9.3 ng/mL, indicating that testosterone is not the source of my struggles. Despite this, I find myself lacking attraction or desire. Is this a common experience? I can't shake the feeling that something might be amiss with my health or well-being.
Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed
I'm at a loss for what to do. As a 21-year-old woman, I’ve been unwell for an extended period. My symptoms include persistent headaches, dizziness, and a constant feeling of nausea. Various parts of my body experience sudden bursts of pain, but these episodes are brief, only lasting a few seconds before they fade away. Despite this, I find myself continuously on edge, anxiously anticipating what discomfort might strike next. My overall condition is dreadful; it feels as though I'm perpetually wound up inside. Even though I'm fatigued, restful sleep eludes me, leaving me in a state of chronic tension. A nagging fear keeps creeping in—what if something catastrophic is happening to my health? The thought of visiting a doctor makes me even more anxious. I feel utterly hopeless, both physically and mentally. The potential diagnoses racing through my mind, like leukemia or a brain tumor, terrify me. I sometimes entertain the notion that I might not be around much longer. In this overwhelming sense of despair, I wonder if I’d rather escape it all than confront the unknown. I just wish someone could provide me with clarity or support.
Navigating Challenges with an Unhelpful Doctor
At 58 years of age, I have been dealing with various physical challenges since childhood. My early years involved treatment for being pigeon-toed, which required me to wear braces. Throughout my life, I have consistently experienced pain in my legs. During my teenage years, I began to notice my hip dislocating frequently but managed to reposition it myself without ever consulting a physician. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with a 24-degree curve of scoliosis, which specialists deemed insufficient for intervention. My foot structure is flat, and I also suffer from hammertoes. Standing at 5’4”, I wear a size 11 shoe — a rather challenging fit. Entering my thirties introduced new complications, including nerve pain within my feet and legs, accompanied by intense muscle spasms. At times, my hip would slip out of joint, requiring my partner's assistance to realign it. Muscle spasms commenced in my calves and feet but extended to my ankles and shins in my fifties. I have been experiencing similar nerve issues in my hands and wrists as well. A decade ago, I underwent nerve conduction studies for both my legs and hands, revealing significant nerve damage. Unfortunately, I lost my health insurance for a substantial period during the past ten years. An MRI I had back then was performed to rule out Multiple Sclerosis. Currently, I am being treated by the same neurologist for Myasthenia Gravis. Recently, I took a direct-to-consumer DNA test that suggested a potential risk for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and I am also identified as a carrier of Retinitis Pigmentosa. When I approached my neurologist regarding the CMT findings and presented my test results, he was dismissive and condescending. He claimed that one must have a distinctly shaped foot to suffer from CMT and said that because I could sense vibrations in my big toe, my nerves must be functioning correctly. His remarks left me speechless and frustrated, especially considering they contradict information from the National Institutes of Health and do not align with current treatment protocols for Myasthenia Gravis. I am contemplating a consultation with a neuromuscular specialist, but I have reservations. I fear that transferring my medical records could include subjective assessments about my character that aren’t entirely accurate. Additionally, I worry that if I encounter difficulties communicating with the new doctor, I may exhaust my options for care. I am seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation effectively. Any suggestions would be immensely appreciated.
Understanding Post-Sexual Discomfort: A Personal Inquiry
At times, following intimacy, I notice minor pangs or a dull ache originating from within, appearing a day or two post-encounter. While the sensations are not intense and I can bear them, they do capture my attention quite a bit. Have you experienced something similar? What could this signify? Is it generally considered acceptable, or should I be alarmed? I am curious to know if others go through this and whether it’s deemed normal.
Navigating Unease After Disclosing My Sexuality to My Doctor
To provide some context, I’m a 33-year-old woman living with Cystic Fibrosis, which means I have frequent interactions with healthcare providers. I recently started seeing a new primary care physician, whom I’ve known since November. She is relatively young, likely around my age, and I genuinely find her to be quite competent. I do have a CF center and team, but it’s located a couple of hours from my home, which complicates things. I apologize in advance; this may be lengthy. Now to the crux of the matter. A few days ago, I visited my doctor for a follow-up regarding some issues with my blood pressure. During this appointment, I also mentioned that I had been experiencing sharp and increasingly intense pain in my lower left abdomen for over a month. Given my history with Cystic Fibrosis, I expressed my concerns that this could be a case of Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome (DIOS), although the sensation felt somewhat different from past episodes. My doctor suggested we start with an X-ray, and if that didn’t pinpoint the issue, we would then proceed with an ultrasound. This approach seemed reasonable to me. Then, she inquired whether there was any possibility of my being pregnant. I chuckled and replied, “Not a chance.” She pressed, asking, “Are you sure?” To which I jokingly retorted, “Unless it’s the baby Jesus, I’m definitely not pregnant.” She laughed lightly and asked, “So, are you refusing a pregnancy test?” I clarified that I didn’t mind taking the test; it just felt unnecessary given my situation. She nodded, indicating that it was just protocol to ensure we covered all bases. As I attempted to lighten the mood, I said, “I understand, but I’m gay, so pregnancy isn’t a concern for me.” At that moment, the atmosphere shifted. Her expression changed noticeably, and she seemed flustered as she stammered over her words. Her response was awkward, as she clumsily continued to assure me that regardless of my sexual activity, the pregnancy test was still necessary. I attempted to reassure her that I understood. She then quickly wrapped up our conversation, standing up abruptly and giving the impression that she wanted to exit the room as soon as possible. While her actions were not overtly negative, the transformation in her body language and demeanor was striking; it was evident that her comfort level had shifted. I don’t typically disclose my sexual orientation with every healthcare provider I see, but this wasn’t the first time I had shared that I’m gay. However, her reaction was unlike anything I had previously encountered, and it left me feeling somewhat uneasy. Now, I’m uncertain about how to move forward. If she harbors discomfort with the LGBTQ+ community, then I wouldn’t feel safe continuing as her patient. Yet, it’s important to note that she didn’t explicitly say anything prejudicial; her change in demeanor was the primary source of my concern. I’d like to think she was simply preoccupied with her next patient, but I doubt that explanation adequately captures the situation. Should I confront her about my feelings during our next appointment, or might that open a can of worms—especially if her reaction had nothing to do with my orientation? Is it prudent to assume she has an issue with LGBTQ+ individuals and start searching for another doctor? Or, should I try to brush off this discomfort and trust that it won’t affect my medical care? I would really appreciate any insights or advice on this matter. Thank you!