Question:
My surgery is a few days away and I have gotton this horrible cold....

and soar throat. Is there any way they can delay my surgery because of this? I'm so scared they'll tell me they have to delay it. What do you think?    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 11, 2002)

February 11, 2002
I had slight congestion, not really a cold, maybe due from sinuses, but I told them, they checked my lungs, etc... Make sure you tell them how you feel/symptoms. The hard part is done,ie, your approved! Whats a week or two more IF you do have to rescedule? Chances are all will work out. Good luck, and be healthy! Cheers...
   — Marie A.

February 11, 2002
Do you have a fever? I woke up the day of my surgery feeling very hot, didn't think anything of it...got to the hospital, my lungs were fine, everything was fine....except for my temp (who would have thought?) My surgery was cancelled (I think it was the most upset I've ever been in my life) but, rescheduled for 2 weeks later, they wanted to make sure my fever went away. I must say, looking back, the best decision was made, I haven't had a single problem since surgery (could have gone the other way if I had surgery that day.) If your surgery gets cancelled (and I hope it does not) just remember that the surgeon knows what he is doing, and by postpoining the surgery, it could be saving your life (like I feel it was in my case.) Good Luck!!!!
   — [Anonymous]

February 11, 2002
Same thing happened to me. RUN to the drugstore and get some Zicam and use it exactly as directed. It nipped my cold in the bud, and everything was fine. If you are sick with a fever (or sometimes even without one) they may cancel your surgery. Also -- I am a firm believer in Vitamin C in large doses. And of course, mega fluids. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! (Whatever you do, don't lie about your symptoms when the time comes... your doctor has your best interests at heart.) JK, RN
   — Joya K.

February 11, 2002
You should call your surgeons office and talk to them about it. It would be horrible to do the bowel prep and then have them cancel it when you get to the hospital. Since you have a few days they may find someone to switch days with you. I think you will be at risk of developing pneumonia if you have a cold plus it will make it hard to do breathing treatments.
   — Candace F.

February 11, 2002
my friend who had surgery last tuesday went through this dilema she called the surgeons office and they said as long as she didnt have a fever she would be ok for surgery...well she went through it and had alot of problems and was in icu for 2 days on the ventilator(the machine that breaths for you aka life support)her surgery was last tuesday and she still remains in the hospital--i know we are all anxious to start our new lives but really think it over! whatever you decide best wishes
   — TRULUV2329

February 11, 2002
I got sick 5 days before surgery and they cancelled on me. I was upset at first, but then I realized it may have saved my life. I had a virus or something that stayed with me for two weeks, no matter what I could not shake it. I can't even imagine recovering from it while recovering from major abdominal surgery. Think about weakened immune system, lack of strength, not to mention anesthesia. The first thing I did was call my surgeon immediately because I thought maybe he would give me antibiotics in order to get me well enough to get me in the O.R. But I also thought, if we do have to delay, the sooner I call, the sooner the date for my delayed surgery. Your doc has your best health in mind so trust him/her. Hope you get well soon.
   — kyle S.

February 11, 2002
I know that you wouldn't want your surgery date changed for anything, BUT you have to realize just how major this is and believe me, when you are out of surgery it is sooooo painful to move let alone cough. I coughed maybe twice after surgery and it was very painful. I don't know if you are having open or lap but the doctor will do what is right for you. I never expected the pain that I was in afterwards. Good luck.
   — Dawn H.