This physician performed my anesthesia during my open heart surgery.when taken off the perfusion pump and electrically shocked to restore cardiac function I was awakened and fully aware of the last 2 hrs of surgery although still paralyzed. As a result I was completely aware,conscious,and FELT the remainder of the surgery without recognition of their error.After the sure terror of the surgery I was then transferred to the ICU where I fought the ET tube for another 2.5 hrs.Although I remained in SHOCK afterwards,my wife told them of their error when I was accused of lying or "just dreaming"Until I told them specifics of the surgery ie,meds given,complications encountered etc. Years after this incident I still have nightmares,insomnia,and refuse elective surgeries that have been recommended afraid of what might happen.Legal action was never taken due to my morals and profession, but investigate your anesthesiologist prior to surgery.Did I mention,I'm a doctor!

Submitted April 7, 2014