Question:
Will they cancel surgery if i have a cold?
I an 1 week and 1 day away from surgery and Have a nasty bronchial cold. Will they postpone my surgery? And If they do do I have to go through the approval process again? — Kelly T. (posted on October 28, 2002)
October 28, 2002
Surgery should be cancelled. Breathing is extremely important in your
recovery and having any kind of bronchitis could lead to pneumonia. Discuss
this with your surgeon and the anesthesiologist. Your approval is still
good even if they postpone your procedure.
— Sue A.
October 28, 2002
You most likely will not have to go through the approval process. Most
insurances have an approval window that lasts for so long once they give
you approval. I had up to 6 months to get the surgery once I was approved.
As far as your cold...inform your surgeon and they will make the decision.
You could recover greatly in a week, and be fine for surgery. But still
tell the doctor and dont risk it. Would you want to get on an airplane
whose engine was breaking down? It just isnt worth it. GOOD LUCK (Open RNY
7/23/02 -74 lbs)
— Shawnie S.
October 28, 2002
See a doctor TODAY and get anti biotics NOW! I always get fluid in my lungs
after surgery. I try, but can't deep breath very well and fluid comes. I
can not imagine going into surgery with bronchitus. Believe me, you do NOT
want to have surgery IF you still have it. Just get to the docs today and
get on anti biotics NOW. There is a good chance that with the medicine you
will be over it in time.
— Danmark
October 28, 2002
I have a friend who had surgery while she was ill and they went on with it.
They said that as long as all the discharge coming from her nose was clear,
then it was OK. If it is green or colored, that means there is a virus and
they woudl have rescheduled. Talk to your doctor about it and get on some
medication.
— sammygirlwpc
October 28, 2002
Kelly: I am in the same boat. I called my PCP and got Zithromax, a short
course antibiotic you take for 5 days instead of the normal 10. Started
taking it yesterday and I am already feeling better. I suggest you do the
same ASAP!
— Ellen M.
October 28, 2002
Ellen, I was trying to remember the name "Zithromax".
That stuff is the greatest!
— Danmark
October 29, 2002
I have been on antibodics since last Monday just finishing them tommorrow.
The fluid in my lungs is clear and I feel fine. It is just this stuff in
my lungs and the occasional coughing. Do you think it will be okay?
— Kelly T.
October 29, 2002
Does anyone have any advice?
— Kelly T.
October 29, 2002
Kelly..I had the exact same problem. My lungs were clear, but I had the
coughing. I went through surgery just as planned. But I do have to say that
the coughing reaked havic on me post-op. I had no real pain from my lap
RNY, but on day 3, I pulled a muscle in my abs from coughing and it hurt so
bad to cough, get out of the bed and just move around in general. This
soreness lasted about 2 weeks! Be VERY careful. Best of luck to
you!....Karen (lap RNY-5 1/2 wks post-op, down 56 pounds)
— karmiausnic
October 30, 2002
Yes, more than likely if you show up the day of surgery with a cold, they
will cancel you. Get to your doctor quick and get on a fast acting
antibiotic (I've often seen Z-Pak prescribed). Once you get them, call
your surgeon's office and let them know you are on them. They may have you
come in a day or two before to have some blood drawn and maybe a chest
xray. Don't think you can wait until the day of surgery to tell them,
because it would be such a let down to get there and get cancelled. Get it
taken care of now!
— Lynette B.
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