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Stan, I believe some of the anesthesias that are used bind to dopamine receptors. As I recall it can take up to a week to completely clear from the system. Have you discussed this with your neurologist and/or the anesthesiologist. They should have definitive info on this problem. Also are you getting your meds on time. On time on a non-neurology unit is considered to be plus or minus 1 hour of the scheduled time. I don't have to tell you what havoc that can play with PD control. Nurses often get angry when PD patients demand meds on time because often they don't realize how crucial the timing is. Good luck and get well soon. Charlie Stan R. Houston wrote: > > Hi Gang: > > Have a problem and need your feedback. > Last Friday, I had a ruptured disk in my lower back repaired. If you > disregard the fact that my early morning PD pills never kicked in and that I > was a nervous wreck by the time they wheeled me into the OR (first operation > in my life at age 54), everything went smoothly. In fact, I only stayed one > night. No pain after the operation. The surgeon's medical assistant found > this difficult to believe. Four hours after I woke up for surgery, she burst > into my room and breathlessly announced, "Stan, the nurses have morphine for > you!" Great. Let's all meet in my room and get high. Don't forget to invite > the doc. > Here's my problem. Starting Friday when I came out of the anesthetic, I've > experienced one lengthy, agonizing "off" period each day. Lasts from two to > four hours. My usual "off" symptoms are there --- hands stiff, uncontrollable > sweating, can't walk. Also, the muscles in my left foot, leg, hip and lower > back start an up and down rotation of violent, strong contractions and > releases. Since it happens in the "off" state, I'm assuming it's dystonia. > The movements are so strong, I'm concerned about damaging the incision in my > spine, or perhaps hurting my back muscles. Anyone have any ideas why my meds > would suddenly go out for two to fours hours straight every day? (I'm taking > 1 25/100 Sinemet every two hours and 1 50/200 Sinemet CR 4 times a day) Meds > worked great using this schedule before the operation. No dyskinesia, no > difficult or lengthy "offs". Could it be the after-effect of anesthesia? Or > pain killer through my IV Friday and Saturday? Or any other possible > reasons? > Your input, ideas, or suggestions would be greatly welcomed. > Thanks, as always, for you help. > (PS: By the way, my neuro came to see me Friday night in the hospital. Said > he still had me penciled in for a pallidotomy on November 7 if I wanted it. > Just wheel me back to the OR, I told him.) > > Stan Houston 54/6.5 > [log in to unmask] -- CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D. Middleton, WI [log in to unmask]