How long does it take for the anesthesia to be completely metabolized from my body?
February 11, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Babette Köhler
Dear doctor,
my name is Valentina Stricker and I underwent surgery under general anesthesia two days ago. Since then, I have been feeling tired, groggy, and have trouble concentrating. I am worried that the anesthesia has not fully cleared from my body yet and I wonder how long it will take for me to fully recover.
I have heard that the duration of anesthesia clearance depends on various factors, such as my age, weight, physical condition, and the type of anesthesia used on me. I am 35 years old, weigh 65 kg, and have been healthy so far. The surgery lasted about two hours and general anesthesia was used.
I would like to know if it is normal for me to still feel groggy and how long it usually takes for the anesthesia to be completely cleared from my body. Is there anything I can do to speed up the clearance process or to alleviate my symptoms?
Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Valentina Stricker
Dear Mrs. Stricker,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in anesthesia matters. It is understandable that you are concerned about the persistent symptoms you are experiencing after your surgery under general anesthesia. Indeed, postoperative side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, and concentration problems can occur after a general anesthesia.
The duration of the anesthesia clearance can indeed depend on various factors, as you have already mentioned. Your age, weight, health condition, and the type of anesthesia all play a role. At 35 years old and weighing 65 kg, you are in a relatively normal range in terms of these factors. Since you have been healthy so far, your body should be able to clear the anesthesia relatively quickly.
The fact that the surgery lasted two hours is another important point. The longer a surgery lasts, the longer it may take for the anesthesia to be completely cleared. However, the clearance process should generally be completed within 24 hours after the operation.
It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to anesthesia, so recovery may vary. However, if you continue to feel heavily drowsy and have concentration problems, I would recommend consulting your treating physician. He can check your health condition and take further action if necessary.
To speed up the clearance process and alleviate your symptoms, there are some things you can do yourself. It is important to drink enough water to support your body in eliminating the anesthesia. Rest and get enough sleep to give your body time to recover. Light exercise, such as walks, can also be helpful in stimulating circulation and speeding up the clearance process.
Overall, you should not worry too much. Most patients fully recover within a few days after surgery under general anesthesia. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen over a longer period of time, do not hesitate to seek professional medical help.
I hope my response has answered your questions and I am available at any time for further information. I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best on your path to recovery.
Best regards,
Babette Köhler
