general anaesthesia

[PurpleParis]

My normally fit and healthy 24 year old daughter had a general anaesthetic today to have a tooth removed, as she is exceptionally nervous. Cried her way into theatre thinking she wouldn't wake up....she did! My problem now is....she has just called me and said that some twelve hours after the op, that her left leg feels 'tight'. I am more than aware of DVT and I believe that this can happen after an anaesthetic, is there any possibility that she could have one? I haven't mentioned this to her as I don't want to worry her unnecessarily. Could/should she wait until morning to see if it's still the same?

[Buenchico]

If you want to read up on the subject, see here:
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Prevention-of- Deep-Vein-Thrombosis.htm

However I'd simply ring NHS Direct to see what they say:
0845 4647

Chris

[PurpleParis]

Thank you Chris, I think the problem is also that she is windng herself up, aswell!

[Ice.Maiden]

If a general anaesthetic's given in hospital, blood samples are taken first and anaesthetists check everything out.
If your daughter just had sedation - which can sometimes make you fall to sleep temporarily, then I still think that your daughter'll be OK. I have to have this all the time if I need invasive dental work doing, and actually, it's one of the best ways for nervous patients or those who don't take to local anaesthetics well.
Have a word with NHS Direct if you're worried. I'm sure everything'll be fine though.

[Sqad]

No it is EXTREMELY unlikely that she has a DVT.

My advice ...wait until the morning.

[daffy654]

I'm with sqad on this one,it is extremely unlikely to be a DVT if your daughter is normally fit and healthy.

[PurpleParis]

Thank you all for your input...I asked her to wait till this morning and that if there was any swelling or heat or coldness from the leg she should contact the doctor. She has called this morning and said that although the leg still seems a little 'tight' it is better and no swelling etc.

[Sqad]

Thanks for the feedback purple, wish more posters had you ideas.

[gizmo-101]

It sounds like she could have slight nerve damage. Well not damage as such, when you are anaethetised you are obviosley unable to move, in your sleep you automatically move thus pressure does not remain in the same area which would cause nerve damage. In theatre patients are usually padded in problem areas, such as heels, hips, arms etc. Any area that will be in contact with a surface is usually padded to protect the area. As she was just in to remove teeth the chances of permenant damage are slim. Her leg might be tight for a few days, but she should be fine. If it does continue, she needs to seek medical help.
Hope she is feeling better.