Question for the smokers

[Anna-maria74]

Everybody already knows this but my surgery is on Monday! When I went for my pre-op check I told the nurse I was intending to give up smoking a week before the surgery. She told me that was a bad idea because sucess rate giving up at a time of stress is very low and it could do more harm than good. She told me to cut down to 10 a day which I have done. Since then I have read a wealth of literature that says you must give up smoking before the op now I am a bit concerned about the advice I have been given.

Also what did those having laparotomy do in respect of 5 days with no cigs? did anyone take patches or give up as a result! Bet no-one else smokes so I dont get a response :(

Anna x

[scoutshadow]

Before I had my first lap 16 years ago I smoked.  As far as I can remember no-one mentioned anything about giving up before the surgery - though I wasn't a heavy smoker (about 8 daily).  I can honestly say that during my stay in hospital, I was more worried about my pain relief than the fags and I didn't use nic replacements (not sure if they existed then LOL).

Not sure if this helps - though I did read on a hysterctomy forum about things to bring into hospital and one woman mentioned the nicotine chewing gum - which incidentially I think is a bad idea - you might get more pains from the gas if you chew gum.

You will be fine and honestly your mind will be on other things.

This might be a good time to give up! (Ignore me I used to hate it when people said that - especially ex smokers!)

[Anna-maria74]

HA HA HA HA you know it! Hubby gave up smoking 3 months ago and living with the sanctamoniuos g*t is driving me round the twist. That dissaproving glance I can cope with from my nan but not from him grrrrrrrrrrr. Well if you were smoking 8 and im down to 10 that shouldnt be to bad. I think I will take the gum though if I cant use it I cant use it wont hurt to take it with me.

I am not looking forward to sitting there farting endlessly though in front of a ward full of people tut. Apparently there are a lot of single rooms free but I think I might be best of with company?

Anna x

[red dingoes]

good luck! hope u get well soon

[scoutshadow]

Yes private room or ward that is tricky.

My first op was in the Portland (very swish).  2nd at the Royal Free and went straight to a room post op because of infection risk, but 16 days on my own was lonely even though I had loads of visitors.  Now for my gall bladder removal I was in a ward and it was lovely to chat with the other gals in there and swap stories - you get a lot of support and kindness. (I have also had two miscarriages and the support on the first ward at RF was fantastic, the second was a get me out of here quick - different hospital).  

Sooo well I don't know - you may relish the privacy so if they offer a room I'd take it.  You could be moved out after three days or so, if you feel you need it in which case you can have the best of both worlds.

Oh and you could ask for a subliminal stop smoking message while under - just a thought they did this with me regarding scars during the second op as I did have a scar phobia.  It worked!

[dairelle]

If you like to read.  I am a reading a book called "Alan Carrs Easy Way to Quit Smoking".  All the things you already know but I have been told that when you finish the book you will just put the cigarette down.  It will give you something to do in the hospital at least.

In all honesty though, the last thing I wanted after bladder surgery was a smoke.  I was a little nausious with anyone smoking around me for the first week.  Good Luck with your surgery and smoke free time!

[Anna-maria74]

Thank you where did you get the book from it sounds like a must have to me! I am so stupid I packed my psychology book and then remembered I wouldnt be able to hold it (its the size of war and peice)

I am going to tell someone to say you dont need a cig just as I am coming around Ursula! Sounds like a really good idea actually.

Anna x

[dairelle]

I live in Canada and was able to get the book at our local book store.  I don't know if you have a "Chapters" or something where you are.  The author wrote it years ago and offers help in clinics in the U.S. Canada, and the U.K.  So, I imagine you should be able to find it.  I wish I could send you my copy...I think all you can do to quit can help. I have to prewarn you though that he can ramble a little.  If it doesn't help you quit maybe it will help put you to sleep. haha

[Anna-maria74]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I have my husband for that :b I am going to try and get hold of a copy thankyou very much!

Anna x

[ShawnP]

I am a smoker, a light one, but still a smoker.  During stressful times one always wants to puff away, but somehow when I've had surgery and doing my recovery period, I've never desired one and usually quit for long periods of time.  Some how I manage to forget that all when I am out a party with friends and margaritas........then the old me pops back.  I think you will be able to handle it.

Shawn

[wubbie3]

I think the main reason that they discourage smoking or try to get you to lower the amount you smoke is that smokers have a higher risk of blood clots, and there's always the risk of blood clots with any surgery.
I got the whole lecture before and after surgery, all before I could tell them I didn't smoke!
~Marianne

[LindaF]

Good time to stop. You don't want to go through this friggin' scare later on again with other forms of possible cancer. Plus you'll go nuts when I have you to America - you can't smoke anywhere it seems :)

L.