Special thanks to Norbert for finding this important information. Sadly, if you've found this post, it may already be too late for you or your loved one.

My dad was brain-damaged by anesthesia during one surgery and passed 1.5 years after a second surgery where inhaled anesthesias were used. Think about this. My dad did NOT have AD or dementia-he was working as an Estimator for a Construction Company! A month later, when he returned to work, he could not add 2+2...and LOST HIS JOB! 2.5 yeas after his first surgery he was dead!

A new friend I made on this forum... her father drove himself to the hospital for a procedure, (January 2008) 1 month later he was brought home in diapers and Hospice was called in....2 weeks later...he was dead. People. My father is gone. Her father is gone, she researched anesthesia prior to his passing and found me. Folks, I'm still on this forum, trying to inform. I'm not mental, only trying to save you the SEVERE PAIN that WE went through watching our beloved fathers die! YOU HAVE A CHANCE!

PLEASE TAKE THIS INFORMATION VERY SERIOUSLY AND PROTECT YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES! ASK QUESTIONS!!! GET ANSWERS!

I recently heard of a specific anesthetic that should be avoided by dementia patients. I still cannot remember where I heard it, but I found the following articles on Alzheimers Daily News. I am pretty sure this is the one I heard of.

January 16, 2007
Anesthetic Linked to Alzheimer's Risk
(Source: Forbes) - According to Harvard researchers, the commonly used anesthetic isoflurane (an inhaled anesthetic) can lead to the death of brain cells and the production of Alzheimer's-related amyloid-beta plaque. The study raises questions about the safety of isoflurane.
"Many people, especially the elderly, who have anesthesia suffer from postoperative cognitive dysfunction, scrambling and delirium that can last six hours or two weeks or months," said lead researcher Rudolph Tanzi, a professor at the Massachusetts General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease.
Tanzi believes that isoflurane should be avoided, when possible. "We don't have enough data yet to ban isoflurane," he said. "But I'm convinced enough that I won't let my mother have it. I would advise any family or friends to stay away from isoflurane." "There is a lot of speculation here, and a lot of work needs to be done, but at this point I wouldn't take a chance."
March 12, 2007
Inhaled Anesthetics Accelerate Brain Plaques
(Source: University of Pennsylvania) - Researchers at University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine have discovered that common inhaled anesthetics increase the number of amyloid plaques in the brains of animals.

January 15, 2007
Researchers discovered that the commonly used anesthetic isoflurane results in neuronal cell death, and enhancement of A-beta formation. This provides a direct link between the effects of certain anesthetics and changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's disease.

IMPORTANT-STAY AT TOP OF LIST

ANESTHESIA CAUSES BRAIN DAMAGE!
IMPORTANT!
ISOFLURANE - BIG MEDICINE MURDERED MY FATHER!

READ! If your loved one has had an operation...it may not be AZ if there were no prior symptoms! My daddy was brain-damaged by Isoflurane during an operation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ!!!!!!!!!! If you're loved one is going to have surgery TALK TO YOUR DR! AVOID ISOFLURANE!

Posted November 26, 2008 05:58 AM Hide Post
I think that at this time of year, I need to let everyone know that reads my posts that this past year, on November 1st...to honor my daddy's memory around the time of his passing, I organized a Pirate Treasure Run to benefit LifePath Hospice. It was a motorcycle/car road rally where they followed a treasure map for coins and tickets to win prizes. We had a silent auction, classic car show, live band, and Arts-n-Treasures show! In my efforts to turn a painful time in my life to something glorious for others...I've grown and learned so much. I know that if you want a light at the end of the tunnel, you have to light it. Do things for others. GLORIOUS THINGS! Since it was our first year, we had a great turnout, but me being the eternal optimist...I won't get to hand Hospice the size check I would like in my daddy's name, HOWEVER, we have already set a date for next year, Nov. 7th! So we are hoping for it to be bigger and better!
My entire point to this post is to share the card with you all, that I chose to send to Hospice with daddy's donation. The day before Thanksgiving...it held a very powerful message for me. I hope someone out there can find peace with this...

The Oak Tree

A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the oak tree's leaves away.
Then snapped it's boughs, and pulled it's bark,
until the oak was tired and stark.
But still the oak held it's ground
while other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
"How can you still be standing, Oak?"
The oak tree said, "I know that you
can break each branch of mine in two,
carry every leaf away,
shake my limbs and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
growing stronger since my birth.
You'll never touch them, for you see,
they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure
just how much I could endure.
But now I've found, thanks to you,
I'm much stronger than I ever knew.

Much love to you all! LOVE YOU! I Care!
P.S. If you want to see what I did for Daddy, check it out...http://www.sherriestjames.com/RK_HospicePirateRun/


Sherrie in Oldsmar

Anesthesia causes brain damage...then Dr's "Diagnose" as Alzheimer! BE INFORMED FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! I don't want you to want your LO's died like my daddy in a short year and a half after surgery! This is not AD, people!

SEE MY OTHER POSTS

Sherrie...I don't know why it has taken so long for me to get around to thanking you but here I am thanking you for bringing this topic to my attention. I have lost count of the people in the last year I have told to be aware of the anesthesia being used and educate yourself...all because of you...so this is late but THANK YOU. My sister and daughter have both had recent surgery and went into that surgery better informed because you posted here in honor of your father. I can't bring your father back but every time I discuss anesthesia with anyone I think of scubdiva and her dad...you honor him well!

Scubadiva, no I don't think you're mental. When I was coming back with my Mom via ambulance after another close call the driver looked over at me at one point and said, "You know, your Mom may have some memory trouble after this". "Pardon?" I said/asked. He went on to say that after anaesthesia that people often have some memory trouble. This was a person who worked in the medical system and has seen a lot. I thanked him for the info.

I noticed a steep dive after her several colonoscopies (they put her under to do that). Yep, steep dive.

So yes, I am sure you are onto something there and people have to be careful doing any medical procedure. Find out the risks before hand and find out what products are used. It's almost that you have to become the specialist to tell the specialists what they should be doing. Buyer/Patient beware.

Scubadiva, I too want to say thanks. I have told numerous people about Isoflurane, and nobody takes it lightly. I do have a question for you. My BIL is 55 y.o. and does not have AD or any signs of it. However, this summer, he has to have surgery for colon cancer. My sister has said that it will be a major surgery and that he'll have to have a second one a few months later. So my question is this: Should they watch out for Isoflurane for him? Do you know if it can have affects somewhere down the road, or does it just damage the elderly? Forgive me if this has been addressed already. Thank you again for all the information.

Kirsten, God Bless You! I'm sitting here with tear streaming down because of your message. It can't bring back my beloved father, but you've given me the gift that I've been seeking and that's to warn and hopefully save others the unbelievable agony of watching their loved one deteriorate so quickly. I can't thank YOU enough. YOU ARE A BLESSING to all those you touch.

Summerskies... A university up in MA recently release studies on Isoflurane (unfortunately, there may be others) causing "brain plaques" which in non-medical flowery language is...brain damage. Sad thing is...Isoflurane is used in over 90% of operations. =0( The truth will come out...and it may take a celebrity to do it. I've written all the majors...Oprah, Nightline, 60 minutes...on and on. So some day. Too late for me...but some day. It's a harsh reality that as long as they call it "AD" no one will take it seriously. Especially if the Drs. say, "They must have had 'underlying AD'and the surgery have just triggered it. Seriously! This is why they call it "Practicing Medicine." If they DO know...they are good at protecting other doctors. There's major suits waiting to happen if this comes out. I AM so sorry to hear about your mother's decline in memory. Research for a loved one prior to any surgery and try to get to know the facts, demand to know everything they give them, meds, etc, IN ADVANCE so you can request alternatives to those that get bad press. I only hope and pray that your mom recovers most of what she's lost. =0( I hurt for you...I really do. I can't tell you the hundreds of letters I get..HUNDREDS... the horror stories. I may be mental to put myself in the position to get these, but seriously, if I'm not here telling my story to add to others...NOTHING will ever be done.

Jackie, thank you for spreading the word! Without people like you...we will lose so many more of our precious loved ones because we trusted the "SYSTEM" to care for us and do the right things. It scares me for you because my father underwent colon surgery. DO NOT LET THEM USE ISOFLURANE! Print out this article and take it to the Dr. with you to discuss prior to any surgery! Ask for SAFER, PROVEN alternatives. One's that a side affect is NOT "Temporary memory loss" TRUST ME...it is NOT temporary. The NEXT diagnosis would have be AD!!! They will say "He must have had underlying symptoms" and that's such BS (excuse me...it just upsets me). Just don't buy it. Research everything they will be doing and drugs they use (if you can) Some of the drugs are pretty harsh too, if you read some of the other posts (I have several).

PRINT THIS! TAKE IT WITH YOU!

January 16, 2007
Anesthetic Linked to Alzheimer's Risk
(Source: Forbes) - According to Harvard researchers, the commonly used anesthetic isoflurane (an inhaled anesthetic) can lead to the death of brain cells and the production of Alzheimer's-related amyloid-beta plaque. The study raises questions about the safety of isoflurane.
"Many people, especially the elderly, who have anesthesia suffer from postoperative cognitive dysfunction, scrambling and delirium that can last six hours or two weeks or months," said lead researcher Rudolph Tanzi, a professor at the Massachusetts General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease.
Tanzi believes that isoflurane should be avoided, when possible. "We don't have enough data yet to ban isoflurane," he said. "But I'm convinced enough that I won't let my mother have it. I would advise any family or friends to stay away from isoflurane." "There is a lot of speculation here, and a lot of work needs to be done, but at this point I wouldn't take a chance."
March 12, 2007
Inhaled Anesthetics Accelerate Brain Plaques
(Source: University of Pennsylvania) - Researchers at University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine have discovered that common inhaled anesthetics increase the number of amyloid plaques in the brains of animals.

January 15, 2007
Researchers discovered that the commonly used anesthetic isoflurane results in neuronal cell death, and enhancement of A-beta formation. This provides a direct link between the effects of certain anesthetics and changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's disease.

___________________________

Reported February 7, 2007
Anesthesia and Alzheimer's Link
By Lucy Williams, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A common anesthetic may induce biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Isoflurane (Forane), a general anesthetic inhalant, may cause cell death and generation of an Alzheimer's-associated protein, recent research reveals.

General anesthesia may increase risk for Alzheimer's disease. One biomarker of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of plaques in the brain. Amyloid-beta protein (A-beta) is toxic to brain cells and is a key component in these plaques. Apoptosis, or cell death, is another indicator of cognitive decline. Previous research revealed application of isoflurane to neural cells in a lab led to apoptosis and the generation of A-beta.

"Isoflurane can be one of the most commonly used anesthetics in operation. We use it every day," lead author Zhongcong Xie, M.D., Ph.D., of the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease in Charlestown, Mass., told Ivanhoe.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston applied isoflurane to cultured neural cells in a series of experiments. They reported activation of caspase, an enzyme that contributes to apoptosis. When researchers applied isoflurane to neural cells that express amyloid precursor protein (APP), which aids the formation of A-beta, isoflurane raised levels of A-beta-releasing enzymes.

Study results indicate isoflurane promotes apoptosis and the production of A-beta through specific molecular pathways. Isoflurane may also initiate a process by which A-beta generation and apoptosis interact and magnify one another.

Researchers only used cultured cells in their study. Dr. Xie said while these kinds of lab studies can give scientists a preliminary understanding of how medications affect disease, it's still too early to know if the same reactions would be seen in humans.

"This is alarming, but it's still premature to come to a conclusion," said Dr. Xie. "We need to work hard to have more data to support our hypothesis that isoflurane is toxic and facilitates dementia, or cognitive dysfunction, in humans."

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Zhongcong Xie, M.D., Ph.D.; The Journal of Neuroscience, 2007;27:1247-1254
_________________________

My daddy was only 66. He died in my arms...a year and a half after surgery.

Sherrie,
I have printed your post and will send it to my sister so her husband can be protected. Thank you so much for everything you're doing. And thanks also for responding to MY post. I don't know what it is, but so often when I post at this forum, very few people acknowledge me. I often wonder if I'm saying something wrong. Anyway, thanks again for being such a champion of this cause. Your dad must be so proud of you!

Scubadiva: In the last ten years, my mom had two knees, a shoulder rotator cuff, and a hip replaced due to severe arthritis. She went through terrible effects of the anesthesia, terrible hallucinations for weeks after, and who knows -- and I never felt she came completely back mentally after each operation.

If you can avoid having your aging loved ones go through anesthesia -- do it. Especially if they have the on-set of dementia.

I think what happens, Jackie, most on this forum are caught up in their own grieving process. As we all know...this kind of grief starts years before their loved one is gone. I always envied those that had a LO that went quick or unexpectedly. I watched my dad get lost, lose his job because a month after surgery he couldn't do simple math...he was an Estimator for a paving company for 48 years. Hallucinate...mutter constantly, run around talking to people that weren't there...then forget me, how to walk...then how to eat. Years of suffering.

So don't feel that your words are taken wrong when you're not addressed directly. You're a sweet, sensitive soul and anything you contribute I'm sure is very much appreciated. I just think we all rieve differently and you should never take it personally.

This forum is only one of the ways I try to cope with the loss of my dad...and I try to help others. Sadly, most people find my posts when it's too late and they're angry like me, and looking for answers.

So keep writing, soothing and being you. That's your gift.

Much love and God's blessings to you!

Sherrie

Stargirl...so sorry to hear about your mother. It just breaks my heart.

Anesthesia is too severe for any brain. I've gotten e-mail from 28 and 30 year-olds that have suffered severe memory loss. One woman couldn't remember having her children.

My dad had no AD symptoms at all. It's brain damage. No candy coating it. But definately think twice before subjecting anyone with an AD diagnosis to surgery...unless it's life threatening. AND definately ASK THOSE QUESTIONS for your loved one's prior to surgery AD or NOT!

Thank you Sherrie. Your post literally made my day. I'll try not to be so sensitive.

Jackie, what is your story? You seem like you invest so much energy helping others...why are you on this forum? Forgive me if you've written to another one of my posts...I've received so many e-mails it's not only heartbreaking but it's tough to keep track.

stay at top...IMPORTANT!!

Scubadiva: Thank you for your tireless dedication to this topic. I am horrified and heartbroken by this information.

My mother had knee repair surgery in 2002. When she came out of the surgery, it was like she was a different person. She didn't even look the same. I commented in it to the recovery nurses, but was assured it was just a matter of coming out of surgery and anesthesia. They kept saying how well she had done. (Way too many times and with way too much enthusiasm as I think of it now.) What followed after the surgery was, and still is, a nightmare. Intense pain that brought us back to the ER that night, and months of sleeplessness, anxiety and panic accompanied by a host of meds to address these issues. This a woman who never had a moment of fear in her life (that she showed anyway – strong mothers are like that) and never had a need to take any medication but blood pressure pills. I pressed the orthopedist and her GP about the possibility of anesthesia being the culprit of these behavioral changes, but, as many of you have probably experienced, my concerns were dismissed. And, since I could find no data at the time, I had no proof to back my suspicions. After great difficulty, we obtained the surgery record and it did not appear that anything unusual occurred. The anesthesia is listed as "general". My mother, who was a legal assistant for more than 30 years – in malpractice(!) did not want to pursue the issue. The symptoms subsided and she stopped taking all pyschotropic meds. She continued to work full time for a number of years, but she was never really as sharp as she had been and I have seen a slow, steady cognitive decline. She started taking 5 mg of Aricept in 2008 with some improvement, but has been unable to tolerate the increase to 10mg.

Whether anesthesia is the root cause of these issues in our case I do not know for sure. But I can tell you this – if either of us had thought this could be the outcome, I would have made her drag her bad knee around for the rest of her life before I let her have the surgery with general anesthesia.

My question to you is: Is anything being done to prevent further damage to eldery patients by anesthesia? Any legislation? Class actions? Letter writing campaigns? Has the AMA shown any interest in addressing this? Or are we, as always, our own advocates?

Thanks for letting me add my testimonial to this thread. I would welcome your comments when you have the time.

Hello Kit,

I can't thank you enough for adding your story! I don't know if you looked at prior posts where I added in the scientific research on the Isoflurane anesthetic causing brain-damage (they call it "plaques" but that's too nice a word...it's brain-damage). If you can't find it, I will post it again. I have to add the proof so I'm not just a raving looney. My father is gone, but I'm still here. I must do this to help others not to go through the sheer agony of watching a LO lose their mind. This is my therapy...making others aware. I also have several other posts.

To answer your question...Because it takes celebrities to bring this out to the media...I've written Oprah several times, Nightline, 60 minutes, CNN, BBC...and all the major news agencies...and have not heard from one.

Drugs is a big business. That pays policiticans... lawyers...etc, etc. This is why they keep us a sick nation. There's no money in cures. It's sickening (pun intended).

But I won't give up. I trust in a higher power to bring this to the forefront... and each of you out there that know and care, and want to put a stop to our loved one's dying...SPEAK UP! The Health Care system carelessly diagnoses AD. It's actually a condition that they (Drug Companies) caused, and can now give us drugs to "fix" the damage they caused. Money hand over fist. Make 'em sick...keep 'em sick.

So anyone out there with a story to tell... send it to OPRAH, CNN, Nightline...all the media you can. YOUR STORIES WILL BACK-UP MY OWN and they can't PLEAD IGNORANCE TO SHEER NUMBERS! I've had hundreds e-mails with the same stories since I've started these posts, so I know many of these heartbreaking stories myself.


I will continue to care about all of you out there.

A year and a half after a surgery (my dad)...after your loved one forgets you...how to talk...how to walk...how to eat...and takes their last gasps in your arms...you too will be angry.

There's no healing this deep agonizing hurt except helping others. So here I am...until someone that can be our voice takes notice and brings these blatant acts of murder into the light.

THANK YOU FOR CARING!

scubadiva,
a wonderful lady posted just lately, about this message board giving her "duh" moments that really blessed her. you have just given me one. a couple of years ago my mom had to be put to sleep to have that little camera thing ran through her veins to her heart to take pictures. all was well praise God, just needed another medicine. the day after she came home she had such major memory loss she got hysterical because she couldn't remember anything hardly. we thought it was the ativan they had given her that day at the hopital. now she is looking at 2 knee replacements soon and i am sittting here crying THANKING GOD FOR YOU !! i wrote that name down, and you have more than likely just saved my mom. can i say "GOD BLESS YOU ONE THOUSAND TIMES AND MORE" i truly do!!

Marie...now I'm sitting here with tears running down...

We will never know all the dangers out there, but this is one thing that needs to come out. It's wonderful people like you that share your story that helps us piece together this horrific puzzle.

Talk to the Drs. and surgeons and make sure that they do not use Isoflurance. I know this is proven to cause brain-damage...but I think it also helps to keep her under the least amount possible. Or even if they can do a local that would be better not to put her under at all.

It's a horrible balance of what's necessary to support quality of life...and what one can live with.

Sometimes surgeries are immediate (accidents) and there's no way to give any input on the anesthesia.

After what happened to my dad, I was considering getting a Medic alert necklace listing that as something NOT to use on me in an emergency.

I think these drugs affect us all differently because we are so genetically different. So the testing is difficult.

One woman wrote me about her father driving himself to the hospital for a simple procedure. 1 month later, they brought him home in diapers. He passed 2 weeks later. She found me here, on this forum, while he was still in the hospital...and it wasn't good for me, I relived the horror through her, of watching my daddy die. She, like many others...find this forum when it's too late.

This is only ONE of the hundreds of letters/people that have written me with this same issue. It tears at my heart each and every time. I sit. I cry. I miss my daddy so much. But guess what? When people like you write me...I know there's a reason that I'm here and continue to try to get the word out.

So GOD BLESS YOU...and you're mom in in my prayers. Please keep me posted.

STILL... since you also thought it could have been the ACTIVAN... also forbid them giving that to her. Ask for natural alternatives if they have something. Not sure how pain tolerant your mother is. No one likes to suffer...but I would tolerate pain over losing my mind.

Print out the scientific study story that's in the forum and take it with you to talk to the Dr.

MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR MOTHER!

Hello Scubadiva,
I remember reading your post about isoflurance. Now I'm scared to death because I have to have surgery and my Grandparents,Dads parents, passed away with Alz. and now Mom has Alz. she is going into the last stages. I have to have pre-testing soon. By question is "What do I insist that they use during the surgery"? I do not want to be awake. And how do I insist on a spinal if thats what I want. I'm already prepared for them to look at me like I'm a NUT CASE. Thats OK with me. I am 60 and afraid of early onset dementia. For good reason because my Grandmother on Moms side had dementia at 61 and so did Moms sister. Mom is 83 but showed signs of dementia after a knee replacement at 70. Can someone help me. I'm going to my primary Dr. today so maybe he will be able to tell me. Then again he may say "You worry too much". Well no kidding he hasn't cared for Alz. loved ones for the last 20 years has he?????
Chris

Chris,

you have the right to speak directly to the anesthesia team days prior to your surgery. You simply say, "I do NOT want Isoflurane. I do NOT want to be awake either. Tell me my options."

Thank you Diana for your quick response. I'm not a forceful kind of person unless it concerns Mom or my kids so I'm going in with a change in my personality today and when I do my pretesting. I'll insist. Just that simple.
Thank you much.
Chris

Thank you so much for this info. I'm having surgery Tuesday morning and thanks to you I'm having a spinal and a sedative IV. The anesthesia Dr. was very understanding and told me that a spinal was his choice of anesthesia.
You did a very good thing in memory of your Dad. I want to thank you.
Love, Chris

Daughter #2 PRINT THIS! TAKE IT WITH YOU TO DISCUSS! Theses are scientific facts

January 16, 2007
Anesthetic Linked to Alzheimer's Risk
(Source: Forbes) - According to Harvard researchers, the commonly used anesthetic isoflurane (an inhaled anesthetic) can lead to the death of brain cells and the production of Alzheimer's-related amyloid-beta plaque. The study raises questions about the safety of isoflurane.
"Many people, especially the elderly, who have anesthesia suffer from postoperative cognitive dysfunction, scrambling and delirium that can last six hours or two weeks or months," said lead researcher Rudolph Tanzi, a professor at the Massachusetts General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease.
Tanzi believes that isoflurane should be avoided, when possible. "We don't have enough data yet to ban isoflurane," he said. "But I'm convinced enough that I won't let my mother have it. I would advise any family or friends to stay away from isoflurane." "There is a lot of speculation here, and a lot of work needs to be done, but at this point I wouldn't take a chance."
March 12, 2007
Inhaled Anesthetics Accelerate Brain Plaques
(Source: University of Pennsylvania) - Researchers at University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine have discovered that common inhaled anesthetics increase the number of amyloid plaques in the brains of animals.

January 15, 2007
Researchers discovered that the commonly used anesthetic isoflurane results in neuronal cell death, and enhancement of A-beta formation. This provides a direct link between the effects of certain anesthetics and changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's disease.

___________________________

Reported February 7, 2007
Anesthesia and Alzheimer's Link
By Lucy Williams, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A common anesthetic may induce biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Isoflurane (Forane), a general anesthetic inhalant, may cause cell death and generation of an Alzheimer's-associated protein, recent research reveals.

General anesthesia may increase risk for Alzheimer's disease. One biomarker of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of plaques in the brain. Amyloid-beta protein (A-beta) is toxic to brain cells and is a key component in these plaques. Apoptosis, or cell death, is another indicator of cognitive decline. Previous research revealed application of isoflurane to neural cells in a lab led to apoptosis and the generation of A-beta.

"Isoflurane can be one of the most commonly used anesthetics in operation. We use it every day," lead author Zhongcong Xie, M.D., Ph.D., of the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease in Charlestown, Mass., told Ivanhoe.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston applied isoflurane to cultured neural cells in a series of experiments. They reported activation of caspase, an enzyme that contributes to apoptosis. When researchers applied isoflurane to neural cells that express amyloid precursor protein (APP), which aids the formation of A-beta, isoflurane raised levels of A-beta-releasing enzymes.

Study results indicate isoflurane promotes apoptosis and the production of A-beta through specific molecular pathways. Isoflurane may also initiate a process by which A-beta generation and apoptosis interact and magnify one another.

Researchers only used cultured cells in their study. Dr. Xie said while these kinds of lab studies can give scientists a preliminary understanding of how medications affect disease, it's still too early to know if the same reactions would be seen in humans.

"This is alarming, but it's still premature to come to a conclusion," said Dr. Xie. "We need to work hard to have more data to support our hypothesis that isoflurane is toxic and facilitates dementia, or cognitive dysfunction, in humans."

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Zhongcong Xie, M.D., Ph.D.; The Journal of Neuroscience, 2007;27:1247-1254[/quote]

THANK YOU for being outspoken and not just accepting that they do what's best for you, Chris! Sorry I didn't get back with you, until late. I feel badly about that. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS and PRAYERS, Chris! I'm glad you found this post. I just know you will be fine.

HUGE HUG! Keep us posted during your quick recovery! Prayer is a powerful thing!

God Bless.

Sherrie

Thank you Sherrie I've printed the articles and I'll take them with me on Tuesday. Thank you for caring and "getting the word out" so to speak. I for one certainly listened to you. You may have saved me from EOA or early dementia or whatever they call it these days. All I know is I'm doing all I can to protect myself from ending up like my poor little Mother. She breaks my heart everyday.
Love, Chris

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers too on Tuesday when you have your surgery. You are a model to me to "be your own advocate and insist on protecting yourself".

I am so glad the anesthesiologist was receptive to your concerns. Docs can sometimes be so intimidating and it takes a world of strength to stand up to them – go, girl!

Let us know how you are feeling. Kit

#2 daughter. Thank you for taking the initiative to ask questions to protect yourself. I wish surgery wasn't necessary at all. But we can't always avoid it.

As long as they know you are concerned and very aware, I'm sure you will be fine.

Thank you Kit, for hanging in this thread. Oddly enough, I watched a Bio on Liza Minelli, today. AZ took her father, so I wrote to her. I suppose in the hopes of finding a spokesperson, or voice if you will...to bring this to the public.

I've written to Oprah several times, Nightline, CNN, 60 minutes...just hoping someone will make this information public.

It will come out...some day, but at what a great loss of life and suffering it will be by the time it stops.

Any help I can get from anyone with letter writing and stories...would be greatly appreciated.

=0(

I keep an eye on this thread to stay current with your efforts and any new research.

I have been passing the word to everyone I know – old and young. Across the board, people are very appreciative and very interested. I have been talking about this since my Mom had her surgery, but without research it was just a suspicion on my part. It is very helpful that I can now point to research.

I know my efforts are small – but while we are waiting for someone to help get the word out to a broader audience – it's something. If we all pass on this information, it will make a huge difference. At least people can make informed decisions about anesthesia and discuss their options with their doctors

Have you had ANY responses to your letters? Good or bad? Is anyone publicly objecting to or denying the findings of the research? Or, is it simply still inconclusive and no one is taking a stand one way or the other?

What about the researchers cited in the articles – have they continued the studies since 2007? Have they made any effort to make these findings more nationally known?

Finally, from the cynic in me: Is Isoflurane cheaper to use than other anesthetics? Is it possible that this is why it continues to be used rather than other, possibly safer methods of anesthesia? (Sorry, I always follow the money trail when something that makes no sense continues to occur.)

Keep me up on your efforts and I will keep spreading the word and let you know of any other stories.

Kit

Hi Kit!

I've only received a response from the MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease in Charlestown, that was doing one of the studies released here, thanking them for their efforts. The did write back thanking me and requesting donations to further their research.

I haven't written to Harvard, or the University of Pensnlyvania.

It is commonly known that surgery causes memory loss...or what they tell us...temporary memory loss, and I may agree if my father, or serveral other postee's LOs, were still here to show progress.

I would say that your notion of being the cheapest is spot on. Cheap for them.

I had an anesthesiologist write to one of my posts and they were just horrified that what they could do for a vocation may be killing people. They told me they would research and get back to the post, but they never did.

I've had one or two, try to get me to stop writing, saying that i need to heal...etc. As much as that's true, this IS my therapy. I feel I've helped more than a few, because they've questioned their health care professionals and have become their own, or their loved-one's advocate.

When this does come out...unless they quietly remove some of these drugs for fear of lawsuits, there will be a huge roar. Most people don't know what happened to their LO, but a bell will go off.

I can't bring my daddy back...but I can illicit change. With people like you, Kit, hopefully it won't be much longer. If you find anything else...send it to me, or post it here, please.

Sherrie

Sherrie and all,
I just want to tell you that bringing articles into the hospital with you is going to bring lots of attention to this concern. So any amount of sharing the information will help. Although yes, a nationally recognized spokesperson would make a huge impact, don't wait for that moment to speak up. Thanks to this website, and this thread in particular, I was informed about this very real problem, and advocated for my mom.

My mother fell and broke her hip last month. We came to realize just how ignorant some hospital staff can be when a family member of a patient tries to give them medical information. If they haven't heard it, it doesn't exist. They said things like, "We don't use ether anymore.", and "we don't use isoflurane, we use such and such, so it's not a problem." The point we want to get across is that we do not trust any of the inhaled anesthetics, because they may be related to isoflurane, there is evidence of problems, more studies need to be done, AND WE DO NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE SAFE.

It took us lots of talking and persistance to finally get an anesthesiologist to use a spinal and IV anesthetics. And it was THREE anesthesiologist later! The first two thought they could "convince" us that we were the ignorant ones and were needlessly worried. Their behavior would make a lot of people feel reassured, and/or back down, because after all, they are the be-all, end-all "authority" on the subject of anesthesia. BUT, the third anesthesiologist said she PREFERS to use a spinal and IV on older patients. I took this as meaning she knew the risks, and followed what she believed was right, but could not talk disparagingly about those Docs who did not follow her personal protocol.

Mom did great during and after surgery. She is recovering well, and hopefully will get to move from a rehabilitation center back to her ALF apartment soon.

I am going to do everything I can to inform my family and friends, so they can choose for themselves what they will do when faced with a surgery and anesthesia decision. Isn't that what the medical staff is supposed to do? And isn't that WHY we sign a consent form? That form says we are aware of the risks, and choose to go ahead with the procedure in spite of those.

Courage and peaceful resolve to you,
meeska

I wanted to edit my post, but I couldn't so here is an addendum:
When talking with the first two anesthesiologists, they also tried the "guilt" card on us. They said that turning mom onto her side to give her a spinal would be too painful for her. And with all that pain, she probably could not hold still well enough for a spinal anesthetic to be put into place, and this may cause permanent damage to her spinal column. I thought about this for only a moment. My mother was in a lot of pain, just waiting for them to start the surgery. I think they counted on the guilt of it being "my fault" if mom was put into more pain. This was a stupid argument. If someone is to blame for my mom's pain (which no one was at fault, she just fell), I could've argued THEY were causing mom more pain, for delaying her surgery due to their inability to be flexible. After all, they learned ALL methods of administering anesthesia. I suggested that they give her some of the IV sedative, to relax her, then turn her to put in the spinal. They said they could, reluctantly. And then when the third doc came to talk to us, this is exactly how she explained she would proceed.

I guess my point is, that these medical personnel are only human; they may have kids to get home to, a meeting to get too, are tired from a long days work, and can get impatient when the path isn't the easiest one in their mind. That is what communication is all about, making sure the other person can actually hear your point of view.

meeska

Hello to all,

I'm still coming here every morning to read more on this thread and I want to thank you all for sharing your experiences. Your posts are so well written that I'm sure you have more education than myself. I only have a high school diploma and my vocabulary cannot compare to yours. My point being, I don't think professionals listen to me as much as they would if I could collcet my thoughts better when speaking to them. They give me this "Yeah, Yeah, OK, whatever" look that makes me even madder. Then I can't talk at all when I see that "look".

I'm very upset about this surgery, afraid of what they might find, I mean. I'll hand them the articles and let them speak for me.

I'm going to Moms today to take her summer clothes to her and spend the day. I pray she will have a better day than yesterday. Her short term memory was sooooo bad that she called 15 times for comfort. I was busy doing her clothes for today. She'll be fine now that I think of it, she always is when one of her daughters are with her. I'm trying to keep her in assisted living for as long as we can but she is getting worse. We found a UTI last Thursday and she has meds now for that condition. I'm praying for a good visit. She's so sweet and I love her very much.

Thanks for listening.
Love, Chris

Thank you all,
Love, Chris

I know the other members on this thread who are more familiar with the topic will be able to give you the best advice, but I just wanted to let you know that the way you express yourself and your vocabulary are great. I also wanted to throw my two cents worth in.

If you feel passionate about the anesthesia issue, ignore the"look" and just keep talking until you get your point across and get the results that you feel are right for you. Make them explain it to you until YOU understand it and YOU feel comfortable with the decision.

Which is more important: what some doc thinks of you or your health?

If you really feel they are not listening and are not acting in your best interest – get another doctor – keep going through anesthesiologists until you get what you want. And, I would make sure the surgeon was part of this too. He or she should know your concerns and know what your final decision is.

Sounds like Meeska had the right approach. Good for you, Meeska. You were a true advocate for your Mom. I am not sure if this was the day of the surgery or if you made these arrangements beforehand? In either case, you did the right thing.

I didn't not have the benefit of this research when my mother had her surgery seven years ago, but I had a bad gut feeling about the anesthesia the day of the operation when I met the anesthesiologist. I wish I had pushed harder for more information and had had the courage to listen to my gut and just stop and reschedule until I felt more confident. I never even thought about the anesthesia when we were planning for the surgery. We all now have this valuable information thanks to scubadiva and can make better decisions for our health.

As I said in an earlier post, I will be thinking about you #2 Daughter on Tuesday and look forward to hearing back from you. Kit

SHE IS RIGHT...I KNOW.....KEEP THIS URGENT THREAD GOING...!! THX scubadiva...!

ZOEY M

IM REMEMBERING MORE OF WHAT HAPPENED THAT HORRIBLE DAY AT THE EYE CLINIC.....MOM WAS LONG OVERDUE IN COMING [[OUT OF RECOVERY]] AND NOW IM PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER....SHE WAS THERE AT 11:30 FOR HER SURGERY......WHY WAS SHE THE LAST ONE TO LEAVE...? SHE TOLD THEM SHE COULD STILL FEEL WHATEVER THEY WERE DOING TO HER...THE PAIN, THE PAIN.....SHE TOLD ME.....I CAN ALMOST HEAR THE DR......MORE ANESTHESIA NOW! ! ! !
IT HURTS...IT HURTS....MORE, NOW !!! WHY DID MY MOM LEAVE WHEN THE CENTER'S LIGHTS WERE OUT, LAST PATIENT IS AT 4PM FOR THE DAY....IT WAS 7:30....THIS IS INDEED AN U R G E N T TOPIC, AND IM WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL ME BACK WHILE I TYPE THIS....THEY MAY BE ON TO ME....BUT I DON'T CARE....I KNOW MY MOM AND I KNOW THAT SHE WAS NEVER THE SAME AFTER THAT...ZOEY M

[quote]AND IM WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL ME BACK WHILE I TYPE THIS....THEY MAY BE ON TO ME....BUT I DON'T CARE...[/quote]

ZOEY,
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Meeksa, Kit, Chris, Zoey, plus so many others of you out there that are following these threads...God bless each of you for sharing your stories and becoming powerful advocates for youselves and your loved ones!

Be strong, Chris. Take a friend with you if you feel intimidated, but you should not back down!

You're PAYING THEM to take care of you! They are working FOR you. Medicine isn't an exact science-that's why they call it PRACTICING medicine! Unfortunately, they are still learning as they go.

Meeksa, your post brought tears of joy to my eyes. You are amazing! It took courage to do what you did and the anesthesiologist that did the threatening should get a nasty reprimand. It just shows your kind spirit thinking about them being fatigued...etc., however, there's no excuse for such cruelty and scare tactics. I would not have been as kind as you.

So far, it seems, I've heard of more luck with the spinals. True, I'm finding that the inhaled anesthesias that are the most damaging. Even got more than five reports on the twilight sleep being damaging, I think those are IV? or shot? I'm not sure.

My entire purpose for these posts is to warn, inform, and hopefully save people the agonizing grief of watching a LO die. I've often thought how lucky people were when a LO died suddenly, as odd as that sounds. But people who haven't cared for a LO that's suffered brain-damage (No sugar-coating it! That's what all dementia diseases are...brain-damage), would not understand what prolonged agony is.

My ex-mother-in-law had scolded me severely for scaring her brother before he went in for surgery. She wouldn't tell him. Now...his condition has declined rapidly. All I could do is look at her when she told me. It was too late.

I know that my daddy wants me to heal and this is my way of healing. I have a story to tell. Or rather, I feel the need to avenge my daddy's death somehow. He was taken from me too soon. I know God has a plan, but I think man interferes with that too.

Chris, I'm very lucky to have all these individuals, just like you, smart, caring people, posting to this forum. It takes courage to speak your mind and to speak up to be heard. My posts are all-over-the-place-crazy, and even incoherent and illiterate at times, but this is my therapy, my way of grieving, my way of trying to save others from this hurt.

Chris, "hang tough" for your mother. Stick to your guns. I know you will. She sounds like a fantastic lady. WE ARE THINKING AND PRAYING FOR YOU. I feel badly that you're afraid after finding these posts, however, I am relieved that you found this in time.

Meeksa, please keep us posted on your mother's condition. It sounds like she's progressing wonderfully, and I'm thrilled!

I always post a brief recount of why I started all my threads here.

My father was 65 at the time and an estimator for a paving company for 48 years. He was very healthy, active, and had NO AZ, or "underlying symptoms" (Drs favorite "out"). He had prostate-reduction surgery. After the surgery...he couldn't do simple math. He worsened weekly. Would get lost going to work, and eventually lost his job, which sent him into an agonizing depression. My dad was a proud man. Within a SHORT YEAR AND A HALF, he forgot how to care for himself, forgot me, how to speak correctly, hallucinated, forgot how to walk, how to eat...and died in my arms.

I'm still here for therapy and because I'm angry at a system that's supposed to save lives, and is now taking them. In my eyes they murdered my father in the worst, most horrific way. This sounds bad, but I wish the good Lord would have taken him on the operating table. The time following is filled with horrific, excrutiatingly painful memories that I just can't shake.

These these posts may be frightening...take them to heart. Be an advocate for yourselves and your loved ones. This information may or may not come out, but it could also make these harmful drugs disappear.

I want more CURES! NOW!

As I've said before with the big drug companies...there's no money in CURES...only "TREATMENTS". Drug companies want to keep us a sick nation...and that thought is frightening and heartbreaking. I don't recall hearing of AZ rampant in third-world countries, not like it is here.

I would like to close on a happy note. The only thing that helps lessen the grip of grief IS helping others. This is why I'm still here. I started a Charity benefit in my father's name last year. If you want to read more about my sweet daddy...click on "Who is Ray Kitchens". http://www.sherriestjames.com/RK_HospicePirateRun/

Much love and caring to all of you reading this!

IT MEANS [[[THEY'RE NOT TALKING]]]....FINALLY A DR. FROM THE EYE CLINIC CALLED ME YESTERDAY, SHE WAS MORE INTERESTED IN WHY I WAS ASKING ABOUT WHAT ANESTHESIA WAS USED, THAN TO ANSWER MY DIRECT QUESTION OF...WHAT ANESTHESIA WAS USED FOR MY MOTHERS CATERACT REMOVAL......I TOLD HER I NEEDED THE SAME SURGERY SOON ON MY LEFT EYE (thats why the CAPS)...AND I COULD HAVE AN ALERGIC (haha) REACTION TO THE ANESTHESIA....RELUCTANTLY SHE SAID....WE USE AN IV AND ADMINISTER A DRIP/? ? FOR THIS PROCEDURE.
ALL I KNOW IS MOM HAS BEEN ''DIFFERENT'' SINCE THAT PROCEDURE AND WHO KNOWS.....I DO KNOW SHE SHOULD HAVE LEFT WITHIN 3HRS OR SO.....AND MOM WAS THE LAST PATIENT TO LEAVE THE RECOVERY AREA AT AROUND 8:30 PM....NO ONE ELSE WAS THERE, WHY DIDN'T IT DAWN ON ME....IM SO FURIOUS WITH MYSELF.....I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER THE DR'S NAME WHO DID THE SURGERY....I HAVE 2 C 2 DR'S TODAY....WILL CK IT OUT TOMARROW IN PERSON. MY OPINION.....I THINK SHE WAS MORE AWAKE THAN THEY WANTED AND THEY PUT A MASK ON HER.....TO PUT IT MILDLY.....AS A LAST RESORT TO QUIET HER, WHY WOULD A 2 HR PROCEDURE TAKE 9 HRS.???
I THINK WE CAN DRAW OUR OWN CONCLUSIONS.

KEEP THIS THREAD ALIVE....ZOEY M

Scubadiva:

I know just what you mean about "frightening" people, especially when they might be about to go through surgery. I weigh carefully how I pass on this information, but I still do.

I have been lucky that the people I have been telling about this issue are not having surgery right now, and can just keep this info in the back of their minds for the future.

But, in the end, I would rather risk frightening a friend and have them never speak to me again than not tell them.

If I can just get them to discuss the potential risks with their doctor/anesthesiologist I have done something, and have hopefully prevented another nightmare.

Keep us posted on any new info about spinals and IV "twilight" drugs (Versed, I would guess) as a preferable (maybe) anesthesia method.

Not to be glib in such a serious discussion, but I am at the point that if I ever have to have surgery again, I will ask for a bullet to bite on and tough it out.

Zoey:

Please do not be so angry with yourself about your mother's surgery. Not a day goes by that I don't beat myself up for not having done something the day my Mom had her surgery when I had a bad gut feeling, or for not having done research prior to the surgery. But, I didn't know anything about the increased dangers of anesthesia in seniors, we had known the doctor forever and we thought we were in good hands. Please, I will try to let myself off the hook a little, if you will.

And, if you feel there could be some resolution to your concerns about your mother's surgery, request the medical records and have them reviewed by an attorney or other professional who specializes in medical procedure questions. If something out of the ordinary happened it should be in the surgery notes and at least you will know for sure.

As to your own surgery, Scubadiva is right, think of yourself as a valuable, paying customer. If you are not satisfied with the answers from the doctor who is performing your eye surgery, or suspect he or she is not telling you everything - get another doctor. They are everywhere. You will find one that you feel confident in.

Kit

Hi Zoey,
May I ask when your Mom had the surgery?
I would also request the records.

Hello to all,

I'm back home and doing great!!! The spinal went well and I was ask "WHY"? I handed the Dr. my printout and he said "OK Just curious". The surgeon wasn't happy because it took a few trys because my spine is crooked. It threw his schedule off by a few minutes !!!!!! I just threw him a dirty look and he shut up. I felt impowered friends and I want to thank you. I woke up feeling great. No sickness at all and I was alert!!! He found no cancer that he could see but did a biopsy anyway. So I'm good to go as far as I know. Now if I could just go pee without burning I'll be great. LOL This will pass soon they say.
I want to thank you all for your help. It means so much to me.
Love,Chris

Chris, what joyous news! I thought about you during the day and hoped everything was going okay.

No cancer and no inhaled gas – and you made a doctor late for his golf game - it was a good day.

Congratulations! Kit

YES MAEBEE...IT WAS ABOUT 4 YRS AGO....MOM CRASHED IN 2006....,SHE WAS QUIRKY BEFORE THIS PROCEDURE BUT NOT PARANOID, DELUSIONAL, ETC. RIGHT AFTER THAT TIME IS WHEN SHE CALLED 911, I JUST HAPPENED TO BE OVER THERE TO TAKE HER SOME SUPPER.....THE POLICE WERE ALREADY THERE AND GOT ME TO THE SIDE, MAAM, THIS IS THE 9TH CALL WE'VE GOT IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS FROM THIS ADDRESS.....SHE THOUGHT THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS WAS LOOKING AT HER THRU THE HEAT VENTS.....AND SWORE THAT WHEN SHE WAS IN BATHROOM, THEY WERE TOO....SHE SAID THEY FOLLOWED HER FROM ROOM TO ROOM.....THEN THE TAPING OF THE DRAPES, AND PINNING SHEETS UP TO THE ALREADY COVERED WINDOWS...AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS I MISSED, THE FINAL STRAW WAS THE WAS SLEEPING ON THE SOFA AND SHE WENT TO THE BATHROOM AND THE GUY FROM UPSTAIRS MUST HAVE COME IN AND KNOCKED HER OUT THATS WHEN SHE PASSED OUT WITH HEARTBEATS OF 200 P/MIN AND RUSHED TO E/R. I GUESS I WAS JUST NOT WANTING TO DEAL WITH THIS, IN DENIAL I GUESS, BUT I CAN TELL YOU THIS....THIS WOULD BOTHER ME SO MUCH THAT SEVERAL NIGHTS AT 3AM I WOULD AWAKE AND DRIVE OVER TO MOMS, JUST TO SEE IF THAT COUPLE WAS UP OR HAVING A PARTY OR WHATEVER, THE APT. WAS DARK......WHAT WAS I THINKING...THEN IS WHEN I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN HELP FOR HER....I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS OLD AGE.....! ZOEY M

CHRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO THRILLED!!!!!! GOOD FOR YOU!!!! See! YOU DID IT! That Dr....grrr.

They know they can intimidate you because they have full power. SO GLAD YOU SHOWED HIM THE PRINTOUT!!!!

His reaction was just..."oh." That really ticks me off, but I hope he kept it and shared it!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Prayer works, my friend! NO CANCER IN THE BIOPSY...I KNOW IT!

MUCH LOVE!

Zoey, my father would hallucinate and be paranoid that people were taking the house away from him. He would be out in the yard arguing with them. It really hurt me that after the operation his lifetime fears seemed to take over his hallucinations. =0( Is she in assisted living?

Much love to all of you!!

#2 Daughter:

I was wondering how you are doing after your surgery. Let us know. Kit

Chris...how are you doing!!!??? Let us know. We worry!