What could cause difficulty in breathing and speaking after having surgery?
Patient: I have had 3 prior surgeries and with each procedure I experienced the same frightening problem in recovery.I awoke unable to breath.  I could not speak and my breathing my extremely shallow.  I would describe the sensation as one I would think an extreme asthmatic would experience.  The air slowly returned each time.  I am having surgery again next week and I am terrified.  Can you suggest to me what the cause might be.  Thank you Doctor: Hi,Since this is happening only after surgery,  you may be having more influence by anesthesia or due to muscle relaxant succinylcholine. Do you have any other problem. If not check for pseudocholine esterase level in blood which is responsible for clearing the succinylcholine. If defect then discuss with your doctor for using other drugs for anesthesia. Hope this helps you. Regards