Question:
Has anyone been sick with a cold and still have surgery?

I go tomorrow to do all my pre-op tests. My surgery is Jan 16th. I've started to run a low grade fever and my throat is begining to be sore. I'm worried that when I go tomorrow, they might say I will have to re-schedule surgery.    — barfiep01 (posted on January 9, 2007)

January 9, 2007
Patricia, I would not recommend having the surgery done when you are sick. You are going to be putting your body through a very serious surgery, and anything that might add to that burden on your body would best be avoided. I know that it seems like just another thing in the way of getting this done, but you have to remember, this is a very long road. You have certainly been working to get this done for a very long time, and if you have to delay another week to make sure your surgery goes by with the fewest complications, then it would probably be best. Discussing this with your surgeon would be a good idea too. Good luck and best wishes. Chris
   — CChappell

January 9, 2007
I had a stomach virus the night before surgery so i got postponed 1 week...big deal I ahd it done. If you ahve a cold you increase your already high risk of post op pneumonia. You absolutely must be healthy as this surgery is risky due to our obesity you dont need to add a preventable risk on top of that. Feel better... and relax... it will get done!
   — SteffieBear15

January 10, 2007
I started getting a sore throat 3 days before my surgery. My dr prescribed a 3 day regime of a Zithromax tab, I believe.It was an antibiotic and I was ok for the surgery when scheduled.
   — geneswife

January 11, 2007
i went in for my surgery and the nurse heard some "gurgling in my lungs..surgery was cancelled even though i felt fine
   — james D.

January 12, 2007
I understand your concerns! I was in a pickle because they had already pushed my surgery back (original date was scheduled for Jan 4) and I was rescheduled for yesterday. I got a cold (sore throat, no fever, nasal congestion, and some coughing) literally the night before the surgery on Wednesday. I just had my surgery yesterday though without a problem but I did not take any medications to alleviate my symptoms and again - I didn't have a fever. I also didn't say anythin to them though that may not be the wisest thing to do. I don't have any medical conditions though outside of hyperlipidemia and am 27 years old. If I could have waited to have the surgery I would have but I have to go back to classes on Tuesday. I didn't look sick but I knew I wasn't up to snuff. Now, one day after surgery, do I have pneumonia? No. However, I am also making sure I deep breath and cough and bring everything up. It hurts like hell because deep breathing hurts right now (everything hurts and is sore) but I do it. It hurts to blow my nose and I can't take any medication because it may interact with the hydrocodone I am taking for pain. I wouldn't recommend doing it if you're sick but you've got until the 16th and it could clear up in that time. You might as well wait and see.
   — reighne