Blaming Anesthesia: What the Mica Miller Story Leaves Out

A listener says her mom has come out of general anesthesia twice saying she wasn't herself for weeks afterward, and now with a facelift on the calendar, the whole family wants to know whether to worry. Jackie O'Brien and Dr. Christopher Chang discuss what actually happens to your mind after anesthesia, and why the honest answer is almost never as scary as it sounds. The question lands the same week two real cases dominate the headlines: a Massachusetts judge declares a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy trial after the jury deadlocks over a postpartum psychosis defense, and Netflix's Death of the Pastor's Wife revisits Mica Miller's death and her husband's claim that a breast augmentation and a bad reaction to anesthesia changed who she was. Jackie and Dr. Chang talk through what post-op cognitive dysfunction really is, why telling your surgical team about a rough wake-up years ago changes your plan for the better, and the conversation they have when something about a companion in the exam room feels off. NPR, With jury deadlocked, judge declares a mistrial in Lindsay Clancy's case https://www.npr.org/2026/09/04/nx-s1-... Netflix, Death of the Pastor's Wife https://www.netflix.com/title/81989322 Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:25 The Lindsay Clancy mistrial, explained 01:06 Do headlines change consult conversations? 02:05 Why documentation saves you in the OR 03:36 The anonymous question: "not herself for weeks" 05:27 What post-op cognitive dysfunction actually is 06:59 Built for outpatient, not hospital, anesthesia 08:46 Revisiting Clancy after the mistrial 13:04 Inside Netflix's Death of the Pastor's Wife 18:31 When a companion in the room feels wrong HOSTS Jackie O'Brien RN, BSN, CNOR Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she's exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home. Christopher Chang, MD Plastic Surgeon Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country. Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient's preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results. About Secret Services In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you'll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they're willing to tell you. Links Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang https://www.congressionalplasticsurge... Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram   / dcplasticsurgeon     / congressionalplasticsurgery   And on TikTok   / congressionalpsurgery   Host: Christopher Chang, MD Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa Engineering: Chris Mann Theme music: Harry's Perfume - Harry Edvino Cover Art: Dan Childs Secret Services is a production of The Axis: https://www.theaxis.io/