My husband just recently (10/31/11) had a below the knee amputation due to a wound on his foot from a fall. He s diabetic AND a heart patient (triple bypass in 2003, stapf (? sp) infection with it ultimately resulting in sturnam removal). He came out of the anesthesia fine. . .knew who people were & could communicate well. He was in excrutiating pain (he has a high pain tolerance) so a PCA pump was put in (Methadone). He became extremely confused at this point and the PCA pump was discontinued. He s now been on oral meds (Lortab & Oxycodone) since Wednesday (11/2) afternoon, but is still VERY confused. The night before last it was determined that his hemoglobin was low & blood needed to be given. He still remained very confused yesterday. Another blood transfusion took place last night, but again he s still confused. Any suggestions?
Hi, The most common cause of post surgery confusion is either electrolyte derangement or surgical trauma. Surgical mental trauma will settle by itself. However, electrolyte derangement should be taken care urgently. Thank you. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.