I've got a very mild case of PCS that really only manifests when I'm exhausted, I've held my breath for too long, or I've had a few sips of alcohol. The aftereffects from the latter two seem to linger for a few days before dissipating again.

I'd like to get my eardrum repaired, but I'm concerned about the effects of general anaesthetic. I'm worried that it would trigger a decompensation, but if the decompensation would only last for a few days, it would be worth it.

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

Circles,

I understand your concern.

What form of anesthesia does the doctor want to use?

Intravenous anesthesia is safest. Some anesthesiologists are beginning to use EEG to monitor anesthesia levels.

Do the research. Talk with the anesthesiologist. Keep asking questions until you get the understanding you need. Usually, length of anesthesia can be a big factor in side effects.

I know that I am susceptible to anesthesia. I have only had intravenous from what I can tell from records, but each time I have felt dazed for days to weeks after. But my concussion history is extensive.

From how you describe your decomps, it sounds like you have a sensitive brain.

The last time I had the surgery (it failed), the anesthesia was intravenous. I was actually dazed for a week, though at the time I had never had a concussion!

I'll talk to the surgeon tomorrow, as I'm seeing her for an ear infection anyway. My primary care physician was convinced that everyone recovers from concussions after two weeks, so I hope that sentiment isn't too widespread in the medical community.

Circles,

I would be looking for a new Primary Care Physician. She has no idea about concussions. What else is she ignorant about? She sounds like the quota docs I had to deal with in California.

definition
quota doc: a doctor who got into med school because the med school needed to fill affirmative action quotas.

Please besides seeing a doctor for the ear. See about seeing some one
for your concussion even though its post now.

Its possible that you could have somethings done so that when you are
starting to feel the symptoms that could work to make it better.

I have been working with more than one doctor on mine.

Donna