Dr. Dorothy Morris PhD., ME/CFS Researcher, Australia. Although this deals with anesthetics for dental work, it might be of interest generally.

Anecdotes abound about PWCs' often difficult recovery from anesthesia. This article tells you what the doctors say and what you need to know before having surgery. By Elisabeth A. Crean. Winter, 2000.

NOTE from Susan Beck: This is an interesting article but you should be aware that it is NOT necessary to ever use ANY gasses at all. The whole surgery can be done with Diprivan. This article assumes that you only use it as an inducer and that you need a "maintenance agent" (gas) which you don't. The gasses suggested may be better than halothane etc. but you still don't need to use them. I have had numerous short and long surgeries using continuous flow diprivan IV anesthetic with Oxygen only to breath. See my article at: Tips for Anesthetics and Hospitalization for People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Susan Beck.

"Anesthesia has adversely affected patients with CFIDS (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis). The reason for this has been found. Recent research* funded by the National CFIDS Foundation, Inc. found that a substance, much like ciguatera toxin, is being produced in the body by a disease process in those with CFIDS/ME/CFS. Dubbed the "ciguatera epitope," this research explains the danger of using any anesthesia that uses the sodium channel at the cellular level. Some anesthesiologists have had success blocking the sodium channel during anesthesia for CFIDS/ME/CFS patients."

Advice on anaesthetics and pain control for those with ME/CFS.

Summary

The patient with M.E., compared with a normal person, requires less anaesthetic and caution with muscle relaxants, e.g. half the dose at onset with careful increments during operation, more painkillers, but caution with sedative analgesics and more time to recover. Day surgery may be inappropriate and the need for home support after discharge must be considered. Local anaesthetics, e.g. in dentistry, dermatology, and accident departments should be adrenaline free.

Recommendations by top CFS and other researchers: Charles W. Lapp, MD, Paul Cheney, MD, Patrick Class, MD, MIchael J. Rosner, MD, Grace Ziem, MD, James McTamney, PhD, Robert Bennett, MD, D. John Doyle, MD, et al.

Compiled by Melissa Kaplan. Pertinent information pullled from various source materials covering such topics as: Acupuncture, Anesthesia, Blood Draws, Drug/Herb/Supplement Interactions, IV Bags, Latex and Vinyl Allergies/Sensitivities, Surgery, Topical Anesthetics, More Information for Anesthesiologists.

by Susan Beck. Revised June 6, 1999.