Should I postpone?

I'd appreciate any thoughts on having surgery next Tuesday.

I developed bronchitis about 10 days ago.  I went for my pre-op (cxr, etc.) and checked out fine.  Went to PCP on Weds, and she said  -- viral, wait it out.  Monday I returned to PCP (who is now on a Mission trip) and was given antibiotic, prednisone, rhinocort etc.  Called Surgeons office, and they asked it I wanted to delay surgery.  Then suggested I contact the pulmonologist on the program, who has not yet called back. 

Now, I don't mind the 2wks of liquid diet, I'm actually used to it now.  But I'm uncertain how to handle.  I'm still coughing pretty deeply, and even if I get well by Sat, (last day of antibiotic),...should I really go through with major surgery?  

What would you do?

Mary

Mary, now this is just me but I would not have put up with just talking to the staff at the Kane Center. I would have insisted on a call back from the doctor to touch base with him. I am the pushy sort.

At this point you can wait for tomorrow to call back to the pulmo's office and say that you have not had a call back  . . .

If you are coughing as deep as you say you are it might be best to wait. It really hurts to cough a tiny bit after surgery but if you have having real deap coughing that is a different thing.

Yes, I'm going to push hard tomorrow.  First, I'm going to see if I can delay surgery to later in the week to buy time -- there is no way I can do the clear liquids and be evaluated at the same time on Monday.  Antibiotics dont finish till Sat night.  So a delay will buy me some time to resolve.  The toughest part is thinking about restarting the liquid diet if we delay too long.  but I don't want to stay liquid indefinately.  And my stomach is quite upset with all these pills shaking around inside.

My sense is that nobody wants to make the call.  So I think I may have to make the decision.   I asked Kane's office if they had a medical director, but couldn't get past the operator. 

I'm tired and rambling.  More on this tomorrow.
Mary

Cancelled Aug 3. Working on the reschedule. Pulmonologist will call back today. Feeling a lot better than last night.
Mary

Mary, this is only a little bump in the road. It will be much better with you being fully recovered from your cough. Coughing is not easy after surgery let alone having a very deep chest and belly cough. The new date will be here before you know it.

 Mary

I know it must be disappointing to cancel the surgery but I think you did the right thing.  This is MAJOR surgery and you want your body in good shape when you have the surgery.  Problems breathing and coughing could only lead to complications that you do not want.  There is no point in adding risks.  I know this was a hard decision to make, but dont let it stop you from getting rescheduled.  Get back on the phone and work out a new date!   Hang in there!  Hugs.