Can fatigue persist long after anesthesia?
"I underwent surgery about six months ago that lasted around five hours. I recovered from anesthesia quickly, becoming alert and aware of my surroundings soon after. But even now, I feel off—tiring easily and struggling to maintain my full energy throughout the day like before. I'm 40 years old. How long can anesthesia effects really last?" — B.R., Rotterdam
GP Ingrid Kuiper: In my years of practice, I've seen that most patients feel tired and less focused briefly after anesthesia, which is completely normal. Older anesthetics used to linger in the body longer, but today's medications clear rapidly, making prolonged fatigue unlikely from the drugs alone.
Far more often, the surgery itself is the culprit—such as major procedures like heart or lung transplants, where extended recovery is expected. Your letter doesn't specify the operation, but in my clinic, I always investigate other potential causes first, including psychological factors that can significantly impact energy levels. I assess surgery-related effects and refer to specialists when needed for thorough evaluation.
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