Question:
Possible problems due to asthma

I am having a RNY 01-20-03. I have asthma, chronic bronchitis and slight empheysema. I would like to know if there are other alternatives besides general annesthia and if this type of surgery complicates breathing in asthmatics post-op?    — suehorn (posted on November 12, 2002)

November 11, 2002
Prior to my surgery, I had terrible problems with asthma and chronic bronchitis. Mine is all triggered by allergies. I made sure my doctor was aware. I was given an incentive spirometer about 2 weeks prior to surgery and instructed in it's use. I used it faithfully daily before and for about a month after the surgery and had no problems. I laughingly told someone who asked what the "incentive" was--was that it was not to get post-operative pneumonia.
   — Cathy S.

November 11, 2002
I, too, have asthma, and yes you need to be careful about general anesthesia. Here's my advise.....be sure to let your surgeon know, and also find out who is in charge of anesthesia on your surgery day. They (the anesthesia people) will come to talk to you the morning of your surgery and go over any concerns. There is ALWAYS someone from anesthesia with you at all times during your surgery, to monitor you, but you can also request because of your asthma for it to be the chief anesthesiologist. At my hospital, the chief kinda floated around between OR's and he had a team of 2 that stayed with each patient. I knew he was only a matter of seconds away from me, and the 2 techs I had with me were very experienced. As an added bonus, they were both really cute and one held my hand from the minute I left the holding area til the time I was in la la land! ;-) Seriously, he did that to keep me as calm as possible, which they like for you to be before they put you totally under. As long as you make everyone totally aware of your conditions, they will take excellent care of you. Word of warning, if you talk to the chief beforehand and he dismisses your concerns as minor, talk to your surgeon again and I would change anesthesiologists. Best of luck to you, mine went off without a hitch! Renee D
   — Renee D.

November 13, 2002
Crucial to this surgery: stop smokin before, tell doc about all respiratory ailments you have, tell anesthesian when you meet them as well. At least cut down smoking before and you will be able to stop after due to the heavy narcotics you receive for pain. I used to smoke and had terrible mucous trouble, and was not able to hack it up. I also have sleep apnea.
   — Jenny_B

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