Anesthesiologist Questions Muscle pain

Nausea after general anesthesia.

After my surgery with general anesthesia, I experienced muscle aches where the anesthesia was inserted and nausea shortly after I came to. Is this okay after anesthesia to experience these symptoms?

1 Answer

Nausea is one of the most common if not the most common side effect after general anesthesia. It is important for your recovery if you were to receive a general anesthetic in the future. In terms of overall health, no, it will not impact your livelihood in the long run. It will make it inconvenient for you, however, in terms of being discharged from the recovery unit, be sure to let your anesthesia provider know how you reacted in case you require a general anesthetic in the future. In terms of your muscle aches, one particular medicine is known to cause this reaction. Be sure to inquire if you received this drug (succinylcholine). If so, that is a very common side effect and it is safe. However, if you did not receive that medicine, be sure to find out which medicines you did receive for that is an uncommon side effect for the other medicine(s) you would receive during a general anesthetic.
Hope this helps.