Question:
I was in an car accident last week, and I my surgery is scheduled for the 29th.

I have been to the doctors two times and each time the x-rays have shown that I am havign major muscle spasms in my neck. I am going again tomorrow to see if they have gotten any better (I don't feel like it has gotten better). If the x-rays still show muscle spasms then I have to start physical therapy. Will this delay my surgery . I'm afraid to tell the doctor dealing with my back or the surgeon what's going on because I have been waiting a year for this surgery. I will just die if its canceled.    — Christine A. (posted on October 18, 2001)

October 18, 2001
hi ... You should tell your doc. Keep in mind that people who have this done are in pain anyway some can't even walk, I don't think it will delay you just mention it. Good Luck :O)
   — Sheila E.

October 18, 2001
Hi. I deal with these kinds of injuries all the time. You should be fine for surgery. Be careful about the medications you'll be using for the pain. Yes you do need to tell your doctor (both docs). Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

October 18, 2001
I can certainly understand your concern. I fought my insurance company for nine months. Oh I do understand! However you must understand, that the Bypass is (in my opinion) "extremly painful". (I had the Open RNY). When I woke up in the hospital, honestly, my first thought was "My God! What have I done?!" It was awful and the first nine days was a living hell. Now I realise everyone is different. However what I am getting at is, YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH PAIN WITHOUT HAVING YOUR CAR RELATED INJURIES TO ADD WITH IT. It's not fair, and again I do understand your disappointment with all the waiting. BUT YOU MUST LET YOUR SURGEON KNOW! And do it because it MAY be dangerous NOT to let them know!. And it MAY NOT make any difference anyway. But if you don't tell them, you may get hurt more when they move your around during your surgery! They NEED to know what health problems you have so they can make sure you are safe and that THEY don't hurt you more. If by some chance you have to cancel your surgery, they may be able to get you re-sheduled quicker. I have'nt had a day free of pain since May 17, 1982 when a %$%$# rear ended me. So I know about neck pain!. But you need to know the Bypass is no picnic and for some of us, it is really painful and others are ether lying about it, had the LAP (which is easier) or have a higher pain tolerence. In any case I hope you will email me to let me know what happens. I really would like to know. Good luck!
   — Danmark

October 19, 2001
You MUST tell your surgeon and your anesthesiologist. List any medicines you are taking, any herbal remedies, and any over the counter drugs. This is crucial! Best wishes!
   — Cindy H.

October 19, 2001
Can I ask you something? Why would ANYONE be afraid to tell either doctor about the medical situation at hand? Do you understand that major surgery is a risk no matter what kind of major surgery it is. Everything that you can arm your surgeon with before going in is important. If its postspond, then so be it. I'd rather be safe and wait then have terrible complications and if worst cause a permanent irreversable condition. TELL YOUR DOCTORS. Losing weight isnt worth losing your already ailing health or worst. Be kind to you and HONEST with your doctors for christ sakes ;0)
   — Gwen M.

October 19, 2001
I don't think that this will delay your surgery. I look at the pain factor a little differently than a previous poster. While you are in the hospital, you will be given some very effective pain meds. I don't believe you will even notice your neck pain. By the time you are no longer taking the pain meds for surgery, your neck pain will be much improved! I do have a word of caution-be careful with any meds you are being given now for your neck. Taking meds like ibuprofen may delay your surgery. THAT is why it is important to tell your neck doc that you are having surgery so that he can prescribe something that won't cancel your surgery. After you have been given these meds, double check with your surgeon. Be sure that he will operate if you are taking the prescribed meds. I hope you feel better soon. Shelley
   — Shelley.

October 19, 2001
oops! I forgot to add that your anesthesiologist should also know, so that he will not hyperextend your neck while you are being intubated before surgery. No need to further injure your neck. Shelley
   — Shelley.

September 29, 2002
I was in a horrible car accident 6 weeks pre-op. The first thing I told my surgeon was that I was in an accident, I was taking the folling meds, and had these accident-related problems. They need to know ANY medical problems you're having. My accident injuries included muscle sprains and strains in my neck and back and vertigo from the whiplash. None of this has affected my surgery, which will happen in 2 days. However, I did have to stop taking my accident pain meds 2 weeks prior to surgery, but the doctor offered to prescribe something that doesn't interefer with surgery. Please, for your own safety, tell your doctor! Good luck!
   — Denise T.