Question:
I'm 72 hours from surgery and I just got a cold. Will my surgery be cancelled?

I'm taking 3000 milligrams of vitiman C and staying inside. Don't know what else to do. What are the risks if I don't say anything to the doctor?    — Katherine A. (posted on December 7, 2002)

December 7, 2002
I had walking Pnemonia(sp?) 3 days before surgery and I was still o.k. I did take my medication for it and told my WL surgeon, I was good to go...Make sure you go to the doctor to make sure it is a cold, not something else. Best wishes!
   — Patricia R.

December 7, 2002
I worked in the pre-op area of surgery for over three years, and the anesthesiologist often cancelled surgeries because of a stuffy nose. The call is often made by them, rather than the acting surgeon. Start eating chicken soup! Good luck! :0)
   — sheron H.

December 7, 2002
I had a terrible cold when I went in for surgery. Very stuffy, couldnt breath from my nose. My lungs were clear. No real congestion at all. It did not postpone my surgery. Everything went fine. In fact, I was more uncomfortable with my cold symptoms then I was with my surgery recovery. As long as your lungs are clear all should go as planned.
   — skymaxjr

December 7, 2002
Get to your doctor immediately and see if you need antibiotics. I work in pre-op and I know from experience if you show up sick, it is very likely your surgery will be cancelled....not because we are mean, but because it would be a health risk to your life. If you get on some antibiotics still be sure to tell your surgeon and they'll probably check your CBC to see if there's any sign of infection. They'll look down your throat, listen to your lungs and may even get a chest x-ray. Just remember, they don't get paid if they send you home, so they won't send you home unless there's a very good reason not to do your surgery. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.