Question:
I am scheduled for surgery in two days. I have developed a bad cold. Reschedule?
My surgery date is 8/13. It is 8/11 and I have a bad cold with cough and some sinus congestion. Will this cause me to have to reschedule my surgery? How long can I wait to see how I am feeling before letting my surgeon know? I am so bummed out. Any help? — maureen K. (posted on August 11, 2002)
August 10, 2002
I don't see any way you can have the surgery at this time. It would be
'very dangerous' to have it now. Heck, it's hard enough doing the deep
breathing after surgery to prevent pnemonia. With the cold, you would
already have a head start. You should tell your surgeon IMMEDIATELY! Who
knows, perhaps someone who is sheduled (say in Sept) can take your slot and
you can take theirs? Just a thought.
— Danmark
August 10, 2002
I agree with Daniel---my instructions said that if I was to get ill to
call my surgeon immediately---
— Linda L.
August 10, 2002
Call your doctor for his advise first thing monday! I had surgery June 11th
of this year, I developed a cold and hoarseness about 2 days prior to
surgery. I had everything all arranged and planned and being a nurse
decided to handle it myself and not tell anyone. Not a very good plan- I
totally lost my voice after surgery due to further throat irritation(so I
could not even voice my needs), I had lots of trouble with mucous and
coughing(ouch that hurts!) and found it difficult to use my incentive
spirometer because my chest was congested. It all worked out o.k. but it
was a very dangerous and stupid thing for me to do.
— Pam W.
August 10, 2002
You poor dear. It amazes me what we MO will do to get this surgery. I
admit it, I want it so bad I would be taking megga doses of vitimac C and
pretending I was feeling oh so much better. I think you should call your
doctor. Maybe since you are just coming down with it they can give you
something. If not, I am sure they can find a way to swap you with someone
else. After all, you can't be the only one who had to change their date. I
wish you luck, and just for the record. I would not be above sitting next
to someone in the waiting room who is scheduled for a week or so out and
caughing all over them! LOL - just kidding. G.W.S.
— Pam G.
August 11, 2002
Call your surgeon, it may not be a big deal. I had an ear infection and am
on antibotics and I am fine for mine on Thursday. I also, my friend has
surgery in April and has a head cold/sinus infection and they didn't
postpone either. Call your doctor, don't stress anymore till you talk to
him....Stressing will only make you worry and prevent recovery sooner.
— heathercross
August 11, 2002
I had a cold the week before my surgery. As soon as I got sick I called my
surgeon's nurse to tell her. She told me that as long as the drainage
wasn't "green and goopy" and I wasn't running a fever that I
should be fine. I was just having sinus drainage and coughing from that.
Let your surgeon know ASAP. If worse comes to worse, you may just have to
try to switch dates with someone who is having surgery soon after you.
Good luck and I hope you feel better! =)
— Tanya B.
August 11, 2002
Hi, I noticed that you live in Illinois. Is it possible you are suffering
from allergies (hayfever)? Here in KY ,which is the allergy capitol of the
world, there is a lot of similarity when it comes to comparing the two.
I'm sure you know best from your symptoms. I personally see no problem in
proceeding with the surgery if you are running no fever unless you are
having some chest congestion. Chest congestion may make pneumonia easier
to form and thrive. You didn't mention it, so I assume it isn't a problem.
Wait until the morning of surgery, it may be completely gone by then. Get
you some Sudafed (unless your doctor says no) and some vicks vapo rub and
get that stuff draining so you will dry up. God Bless, and Good Luck.
— Tina B.
August 11, 2002
I had surgery (not WLS) several years ago and developed a terrrible head
cold with stuffed sinuses and sore throat. I was on the gurney crying in
misery when the anesthesiologist came by and asked what was wrong. I told
him that I couldn't breathe (and also that I was scared and depressed)and
he said, "No problem- I can fix all of that!" and he did-with one
little shot. If I were you I would go for my surgery and see what the
professionals recommend. Good luck!!!
— Rebecca T.
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