Having surgery while recovering from a cold

[vocrehablady]

Hi everyone. This is my first time on a forum so I may be kind of slow at this.

I am having pulmonary valve replacement next week, on 3/20. I was scheduled to have the surgery on 2/20 but it was postponed because I had caught the flu two weeks before. I'm avoiding all public places so I won't catch any type of cold. But I still have to meet clients and be around coworkers. So far I have been lucky but I have another week to go. Has anyone had surgery while you had a cold or respiratory infection? I don't want it to be postponed again, as I was told on 1/25 that I should have it in two or three weeks.

 

[CThrock]

Hi and Welcome to this forum. You will enjoy the information and the people
it gets you through alot of rough spots.
I was not sick at all for my surgery but I did wear a mask when I was around other people to prevent me from getting anything. Just a suggestion you can use. I still do that sometimes if I'm around people that are really sick. Don't need any extra bug. Hope that helps and welcome once again.

 

[Wi-HarleyGuy]

Hi vocrehablady,

Like you, I am also very new to this forum having just joined it yesterday. I am just overwhelmed by the amount of information that is offered and shared by so many kind and wonderful people who "have been there".
In answer to your question, I'm sure your surgeon will be hesitant to do the procedure if you have a cold or are recovering from upper respiratory infection.

For a few weeks before my surgery I carried a small bottle of hand sanitizer, (like Purell) with me wherever I went. I would immediately use it after shaking hands, touching shopping carts and railings, and I also avoided large groups of people. I am not certain if doing this helped me or not, but I was "cold free" on the day of the surgery.

The very best of luck to you & keep in touch

 

[pamela]

The last thing you need is a respiratory infection, viral or bacterial. Please let your anesthetist know if you have a cold.

Try Cold FX and hyperdose Vitamin C and other antioxidants. These won't hurt you, you'll simply excrete them as you would any other excess dietary intake.

 

[Ross]

Hi everyone. This is my first time on a forum so I may be kind of slow at this.

I am having pulmonary valve replacement next week, on 3/20. I was scheduled to have the surgery on 2/20 but it was postponed because I had caught the flu two weeks before. I'm avoiding all public places so I won't catch any type of cold. But I still have to meet clients and be around coworkers. So far I have been lucky but I have another week to go. Has anyone had surgery while you had a cold or respiratory infection? I don't want it to be postponed again, as I was told on 1/25 that I should have it in two or three weeks.

If you have any type of infection, CALL IT OFF. I understand the frustration, but this isn't something to go through being sick from the get go.

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome- you've received a lot of good advice and I hope you stay healthy this time. I put you on the calendar, so it is "official" now! Best Wishes.

 

[Superbob]

I can just echo the good advice you've already received. My surgery three years ago was right in middle of cold/flu season, and I had a month's postponement. It was frustrating but you don't want to do into surgery with a respiratory infection. All you can do is do the best you can to avoid contact with folks who are sick.

All best wishes to you. We'll look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Jkm7]

About a week prior to my Feb. 28 surgery I had a small sore throat and it put me in a tizzy. I was extremely fortunate it went away and I got no cold. There is no way my surgeon or anesthesiologist would have performed the surgery if I'd had a cold. Lung situations are common with OHS and starting with a cold is a bad idea. Collapsed lungs; fluid; respiratory difficulties. All of these can occur.

Hope you remain well and can proceed with your surgery. I fully understand your angst having just 'been there' myself. It is the worst cold/flu season we have had in our area in years.

Good luck.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR community. Sorry for the circumstances but glad you found us. I ditto the advice already given. Let them know so that the risks can be assessed before proceeding with the surgery. Better to be safe than sorry. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[BackDoc]

The last thing you need is a respiratory infection, viral or bacterial. Please let your anesthetist know if you have a cold.

Try Cold FX and hyperdose Vitamin C and other antioxidants. These won't hurt you, you'll simply excrete them as you would any other excess dietary intake.

I am sure the above advice was well meaning, but please stop taking all vitamins, herbs (Cold FX is a ginsing herbal product), and other nutritional supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Some may react in a negative manner during or immediately after the procdure.

 

[Curtsmum]

Hope you can stay germ free, best of luck with the surgery.

 

[vocrehablady]

Hi, lady, I work in voc rehab also. Good luck with your surgery!

Well, small world. I work in Missouri. What state do you work in? Do you work for the state or private insurance?