Unexpected Disturbance After Medical Procedure
I recently experienced a perplexing incident while in the hospital. After undergoing a laparoscopic sterilization, which went smoothly and allowed me to walk and shower independently, I encountered a troubling event. While being transferred from the ICU in a wheelchair, I was administered my prescribed Quetiapine, a medication that functions as an antidepressant and promotes sleep, alongside an injection for blood thinning. Although I normally have a fear of needles, I had never reacted this way before. Less than a minute after the injection, I suddenly lost consciousness for approximately twenty seconds. When I regained awareness, I found myself unintentionally striking the nurse's arm. The medical staff mentioned that it appeared I was experiencing an epileptic-like episode, despite my lack of a known epilepsy diagnosis. Strangely, I turned blue during this episode, yet I have no recollection of the event or the moments leading up to it. To me, it felt as though I had merely drifted off to sleep and was trapped in a nightmare about a troubling encounter. I'm reaching out not for a diagnosis but rather to express my bewilderment over the situation and potential causes. I felt quite remorseful and kept apologizing to the nurse whenever I spotted her, as I didn't intend for any of it to happen.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 7:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your experience; it sounds very unsettling, and it's completely understandable to feel bewildered after such an incident. Let's break down your situation and explore what might have happened.
Key Points
- Loss of Consciousness: The episode you described, where you lost consciousness and exhibited unusual behavior, could be attributed to several factors, possibly including a reaction to medication or an underlying issue.
- Possible Causes: Multiple possibilities include a medication reaction (Quetiapine and blood thinners), low blood pressure, or transient neurological events. The blue coloration suggests that there may have been a brief period of reduced oxygen supply, which can happen with loss of consciousness.
- Need for Monitoring: While it’s natural to feel remorse about your reaction, it’s important to understand that medical events can be unpredictable, especially in a hospital setting.
Explanation
After your laparoscopic sterilization and while receiving medications, your body may have experienced a temporary disturbance in blood flow or a reaction to the medications. Quetiapine, for instance, can affect blood pressure and sedation levels, especially following anesthesia or surgical procedures. The blue color you mentioned could indicate a brief period of inadequate oxygenation due to loss of consciousness.
Next Steps
- Stay Engaged with Your Care: Discuss your experience with your healthcare provider. Sharing your feelings and this incident is crucial for your care team to monitor any potential side effects from your medications or evaluate for other causes.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to any recurrent episodes of dizziness, fainting, or unusual behaviors. Keeping a symptom diary can help clarify any patterns.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about Quetiapine and how it can affect individuals, particularly in combination with other medications. This knowledge may help you feel more in control.
- Emotional Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional about how this experience affected you emotionally. Feeling remorse is natural, but it's important to process these feelings in a healthy way.
You did not intend for the incident to happen, and it sounds like it was beyond your control. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to seek more information or clarification from your medical team.
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