Tuck It In: Death by anesthesia
Join me as I search my soul for direction regarding my latest pursuit: A tummy tuck. Will I go through with it? Will I "Tuck It In?" Keep reading. Keep coming back. And you'll find out.March 29, 2008
Florida high school senior Stephanie Kuleba just died after a fatal reaction to general anesthesia during breast augmentation surgery. Malignant hyperthermia (MH) appears to be the cause. It's a genetic metabolic condition triggered by some inhaled anesthetics and the depolarizing muscle relaxant Succinylcholine.
For a short time, before I dug into the nitty gritty of this condition, I couldn't help but worry that I'd die from this very same problem should I submit to the general anesthesia required for a tummy tuck surgery. My mom was worried too. We both feel better now -- now that it seems not very likely this will be issue for me.
I've had several uneventful surgeries involving general anesthesia in my life, which predicts I am mostly not at risk for MH. It's not for certain. It would just be pretty surprising if it did happen. I'm also not all that young -- young adults and children are most at risk -- and I plan to add this subject to my pre-op question list so I can make sure I don't receive the anesthetics that trigger this life-threatening illness.
There is always something to worry about when it comes to surgery -- any surgery -- which makes it clear I still have some thinking to do.
NOTE: Abdominoplasty is recommended for those whose skin and muscle cannot recover on their own as a result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, aging, heredity, or prior surgery. It is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. For more information about this surgery, click here.
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Summer Slimdown Guide: Calorie-free foods (or close to it)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-30-2008 @ 8:53AM
marcie0305 said...
Hi Jacki - I have been following your posts about this. Just curious, have you considered or researched this type of treatment to try before surgery?
http://www.slimwrap.com
I have no clue, I was just wondering if you knew or heard of this "alternative".
Thanks!
~Marcie
http://feedingblackmail.blogspot.com
Reply
3-30-2008 @ 8:59AM
Jacki said...
Marcie,
Yes, I actually wrote post about it. My problem, though, is excess skin, and so I don't think wrapping it tight will make it go away. I may lose a few inches in other places but I'm pretty content with my other places. It's just the tummy . . .
Thanks for following my story!
Jacki
Reply
3-30-2008 @ 10:11PM
marcie0305 said...
Ah, I see it now - back in February. Thanks! Much luck with your decision!
~Marcie
http://feedingblackmail.blogspot.com
Reply
4-02-2008 @ 4:15PM
Mellen said...
I didn't think that Stephanie Kuleba died from breast augmentation surgery. I was informed that she was having a non-life threatening defect with her breasts corrected, something with areolas and inverted nipples, I believe. I may be misinformed but I've heard this version many times on different websites and news programs.
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