Routine Medical procedures while on tx

I know, I'm obsessing.

Will someone please hold my hand?

But, is it ok to have other medical procedures, eg, dental work, colonoscopies, etc., while on tx, or should one wait.

(I'm hoping the consensus is wait so at least I can justify avoiding the colonoscopy part.)  :)

Also, DP, wherever you are, I've been reading your recent posts and it sounds like you're getting hit from all sides.  (We started tx the same day).  

Just wanted to let you know I'm sending you happy thoughts.

[wyntre9]

It's my primary who wants me to go and he's been suggesting it for several years just as a routine procedure but I just never seem able to find the time.

Well, that's one thing I now have lots of.  :)
So I was trying to cheer myself up by listing some of the positive effects of being on tx and . . .

Getting a colonoscopy was one of them???  hahahah

Just kidding.  I'm very very sick.  :)

[chcnme]

The Big C lol :)  I agree - don't do any "routine" procedures that aren't necessary (and the Big C right now  - unless your GI doc has said "we need to do the Big C)  can definitely wait.  Dental?  Regular cleaning you should be fine.  If it's more invasive, they'll give you AB's  (no, they're not kin to Big C's - they're AntiBiotics :)  

I hope you feel better soon.  I know it's bound to be tough as h*** doing this treatment and going through what you're going through and feeling there is no end. Hang in there.  There IS an end in sight!

[dperry10]

I am here, in and out of today and yesterday.. I slept all day yesterday and could not sleep last nite.  today I napped for maybe  30 mins.  But wanted to sleep more, but want to sleep tonite.  I will see how I feel in the morning before deciding if I am going to go to work or not.  I did eat tonite a small amount , and managed to keep it down.. with ginger ale.  I took a nice hot bath to warm me up. I have been freezing all day...  I hope you are doing better than I am.  

D :(

[sallyo]

I found that most procedures could be done while on treatment if needed.  The main reluctance to do things was low platelets and/or risk of infection.  Therefore anything that could wait was held off. Once when I was hospitalized I was given platelets before a necessary procedure.  As far as infection risk I suppose extra care would have to be given to not contaminate and I know at least with the dentist, I am required to take antibiotics prior to my appointment.

[dperry10]

I had my moments today, where I just felt so bad, that I just cried.. am tired of feeling this way.. everything is so taxing on me.  Having a hard time just typing .  My arms feel so heavy

[ladybug52]

I don't know about you, but there is no way possible I could drink that fizzy Fleet stuff and go for a colonoscopy right now. I feel sick at the thought of it. I would certainly back away from any procedure unless it was an emergency.
Bug

[Imagine]

Good try Wyntre, trying to get out of the colonoscopy procedure I see. As far as this particuliar routine medical procedure (although there is nothing routine about it) if it is elective maybe you could take a bye for now depending on your medical history/condition but if Doc wants you to get one even though you may get a concensus here (the one you would like to hear :))you should probably get one.

[wyntre9]

sallyo and LB,

Thanks for the advice.  I was thinking I could use the present 'down' time to haul myself into the body shop for tune-ups and maintenance stuff I've been putting off, but I'm relieved you both suggest waiting.

I've never had the Big-C and I'n definitely not looking forward to it.

Yay!  Reprieve.

DP, I feel so bad for you.  I remember when we were both posting about starting tx and I was so concerned about my job and you seemed to feel it might not be a problem for you, tx and working.

I know myself well enough to realize that, hey, I could barely drag myself to the job half the time before tx and I couldn't imagine surviving if I forced myself into work on meds.

Maybe your body really needs the rest and time to heal, adjust to meds, without the added burden of job stress.

Of course, that throws the financial monkey wrench into the equation and then ya gotta balance that as well.

It ain't easy.  But, for what it's worth, there's NO WAY I could treat right now and work.  Maybe in a couple of months, if my body adjusts to the meds.  For now, I've resigned myself to poverty and trying to take care of my health.

All the best and try not to push yourself too hard.

[LindyK]

I had an abcessed tooth extracted 2 weeks into tx.  Antibiotics before and after the extraction.   Everything went fine.  I was worried too and asked everyone here a lot of questions!  As you go along it is important to watch for low platelets and WBC for risk of infection as sallyo mentioned.

This has been my only experience with a procedure.  Hopefully no more until after treatment.  I am scheduled for more dental work but not invasive like the extraction.

[Lady E]

Wintyre: I had a follow up colonoscopy scheduled while on tx, but we postponed it because of my low platelet issues. I did have a cavity filled at the dentist too (had novicaine) and didn't have any problems.

Dperry..I'm sorry you were feeling so bad yesterday (I just saw your post)..I hope today finds you feeling better Hon.

Back to the grind for me today..but the real treat is that I have a massage scheduled for after work..I can't wait. :)
-E

[NYgirl]

Take my advice - nothing helps with the constant being cold than getting an ELECTRIC BLANKET.  I wish I had gotten mine sooner - but I kept fighting against it for some reason. DUMMY! It's MAGIC All of a sudden I don't have to sleep with ten blankets on and STILL be cold!

Especially for treatment weekends which I call the day after the "Day of Rest" and even if I was feeling PERFECT I would still stay in bed and get REST for this poor body (which after 70 weeks is cracked).  Some cookies, the remote for the tv and the electric blanket - perfection!

:)

[fishdoc]

My son removed a very small "ugly spot" from my forehead....used epi for bleeding, etc.  I bled like a stuck pig for 15 minutes....he said normally there is little to know blood......so anything involving cutting....I would avoid.

[Lady E]

I just got myself an electric throw blanket. Only about $30 at WallyWorld.
This blanket is like my NBF here in Maine..I love it!