Not certain if you noticed the date but Stacis surgery was in Feb. Usually for any surgery one is adivsed noting no water, food or cigs for atleast 12 hrs prior to surgery. I completley understand that its calming, The reason is anestesia is very complex.
Although we're told not to smoke at least two weeks before surgery, I believe it's said more for insurance purposes..
Since 1990, I've had four surgeries, and each time smoked all the way to the hospitals' front door. For those of us who smoke, it's a source of relaxation..I am a chicken when it comes to doctors, let alone hospitals, so smoking was a sort of relaxation technique.
BTW, I'm not telling anyone to smoke before surgery...I'm only revealing what I did, thank God, I'm still here on earth. :)
I don't know if Staci comes to this site, but if so, how did everything go? Toni
Thank you. I feel a little better now. I am having a total abdominal hysterectomy and oopherectomy.
Hi There,
Sorry you are going through this. I had a total hyst/bso/appy in Oct 2008. I too smoked and I did fine. They do like you to cut down prior to surgery as to not have pulmonary complications post anesthesia. Do you have any pulmonary complications from smoking? COPD, Bronchitis? Do you have asthma? These types of things just put you at a higher risk post anesthesia. Doesn't mean you will have problems, just be up front with the anesthesia folks, telling them how much you smoke etc...That way they will be prepared and take all precautions. As far as the pain medication goes, there are plenty of meds available stronger than vicodin to get your post op pain under control. Again, be honest with how much you are taking on a day to day basis. They will just need to give you stronger meds. Not a big deal. I am a recovery room nurse and I see this all the time. Please dont let this surgeon discourage you. You will do great. I promise.
Are you having a laparoscopy (scope) or a laparotomy (larger incision) for your surgery?
Just wondering.
Take care and let me know if you have any questions I can answer. God bless
Laney
many peole smoke up to surgeryday its not advisable because of annestesia. As far as pain meds if your body is accustomed to vicodin..You need to be aware theres several pain med a bit stronger,,,,Percocet, Dilaudid,Norco, diluaidi is a good one,Percoet is a step above vicodin there is no rason your pain cant be controlled of corse You may not mix any of the med I mentioned with vicodin ask your dr.