Any Suggestions on how to AVOID infection after surgery?

My surgery has officially been scheduled for June 16th, 10...well 9 days from today! More than anything I am scared about Anesthesia!? But after that I am, ofcourse, worried about an infection after the surgery.

Does anyone have any tips/suggestions on things I can do to avoid an infection after surgery? I've been reading about taking viamins and to stop, or at least TRY to stop smoking *sigh* and things like that... I havent read much about swimming, laying in a pool afterwards which is something I'd love to do with my time... If you have any pointers I'm very open to hear any and all responces--I'm literally sleepless in mississippi.

[selmaS]

HI..well once u r home be sure not to be touching the scar for one and I wouldn't allow pool water at it either.....not sure what teh chemicals would do....but do use the pool for relaxing and exercise.....

I was told to stop all meds even vitamins so many days prior to my surgery.....vitamin C does help with healing...so ask ur dr about the dosage that may help u.

To quit smoking will be a great boast to ur overall health not just aid with ur chiari symptoms and healing...so that is a must!!!

The only other way to avoid infection is to be sure u get a clean bandage while in the hospital....some may say leave it on until the staples/stitches r removed, but do ask for a clean bandage b4 u leave.....and have someone watch how to apply a clean one as well.....keeping the area clean is the best way to avoid infection.

I totally understand the sleeplessness...it seems to come in cycles......

"selma"

[*Stormy*]

Same here I was told to stop all my meds (except thyroid) about a week in advance.

Selma has given you all the good tips...just remember to follow what your NS says..I wasn't allowed to shower my hair until I hit the 1 week mark. Gross I know, but I guess they didn't want to soften the incision.

One tip for before...try to eat really well and get a lot of rest...if you do this then your body will have a lot more energy to fight anything off.

The anesthesia is fine don't worry ...I think I got to 3 or so and I was in la la land!!

Carolyn

[jvilletina2]

I was infected with a serious strain of bacterial meningitis, but it was from the OR. No one is taking responsibility and we have decided not to sue.
My husband heard our surgeon screaming at the hospital director that he'd stop performing surgeries at this hospital etc. (he still works there!)Now my dr.s perfect "no infections' record is gone too.
No one investigated where the infection came from: air vent, non sterile instruments, skin ...
It was an absolute nightmare on top of the surgery and my recovery time was much longer. But, I survived!!
I feel like I got the 1 in a million bad luck case. There was nothing I could have done differently to prevent it.
So, put that worry in the "I can't control it" basket and know that since I got it, you probabaly won't!