Lightheaded days after anesthesia

Runrcrb
Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
edited August 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I have now had general anesthesia four times in the past two years. After the third surgery I threw up once the next day. Otherwise no obvious issues. Until now. I had outpatient surgery on Monday, about two hours long. Was home by noon, took my last narcotic pain med that night. Have been recovering around the house, eating, drinking plenty of water, short walks around the block, advil on Tuesday and no other pain meds, and generally doing very little.

I am lightheaded and have been since Wednesday. Not so much that I cannot do anything but enough to call the doctor’s office. My surgical sites are fine, no signs of infection, etc. Other than this thing called breast cancer I am healthy-normal blood pressure, resting heart rate of 60 or less, resonable weight, regular exercise etc.

Any thoughts on the lightheadedness and when it will clear up? I'm guessing a side effect of general anesthesia - just hoping it clears up soon.


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Comments

  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited August 2018

    Definitely a side effect of anesthesia. It takes on average 1-2 days of recovery for every hour of surgery. Keep yourself hydrated and rest often. It will pass.

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  • ljm33
    ljm33 Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2018

    I agree. Stay hydrated. I had three surgeries under anesthesia in 4 months. After my last one (last Wednesday) I was lightheaded for days. I still feel dizzy at times and really really tired. My nurse suggested Gatorade to restore electrolytes and I think that's helped.

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited August 2018

    Thanks ladies. I will add some electrolyte replenishment to my fluids.

    It’s the side effects of treatment that are so tiring


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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2018

    Make sure you are hydrating, and consider eating a low-fat non-dairy diet that is high in fiber - this reasoning is that fat slows down the liver's ability to clear the drugs from your system, and fiber speeds it up. Taking a milk thistle supplementmay also assist the liver with clearing the drugs out more easily.

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited August 2018

    Thanks SpecialK. Will add some fiber. Electrolyte drink helped too.

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