Question:
I found out a couple months ago that I have COPD.

Could this affect my having surgery. It's a mild case but none the less it's still COPD. I'm scheduled for surgery on 3/14/03. I have sleep apnea and have used a cpap machine for 7 years but now it's with oxygen and I also now use a nebulizer with albuterol and atrovent. I'm kind of afraid now to have this surgery. Any advice? Thanks, Claire    — gramof3 (posted on March 6, 2003)

March 5, 2003
Hi, I think that this surgery would make the COPD eaisier to live with. I know it would be scarey to have the surgery with this desease-but well worth it. Not only will the weight loss decrease the amount of work you body will have to do, but it will also allow you to exercise and hopefully re-condition your lungs. They have to work so hard right now. COPD can be an awful thing if I person does not take care of themselves. If you smoke or are exposed to second hand smoke that is something that needs to stop right now- It will make the disease progress rapidly. Good luck with what you decide to do- If it were me- I would go for it- you are young and have many years ahead of you- so why not live them to the fullest?
   — Jan S.

March 5, 2003
At the time of surgery (1/13/03) I had COPD and Asthma (among other comorbs such as hypertension, Diabetes, etc). I was taking about 14 meds per day to keep up with it all. I was on a Nebulizer twice a day with Albuterol and Atrovent, plus a rescue inhaler of Albuterol when needed. The pulmonologist had me try Advair about 2 months before surgery and it made a huge difference in how I felt and how I was breathing. I knew weight loss was the key to living a long healthy life with less meds and breathing better than ever, and so far, its true! I am only on Advair twice a day now. No Nebulizer and no recue inhaler since surgery!! COPD didn't prevent me from having surgery but in many ways, my breathing problems helped me decide this was something I had to do for me. Good luck to you.
   — thumpiez