12 days til surgery and now sick

Feel2Young2B40 · March 13, 2005

Hi all! I have a question - My surgery is on 3/25 and I woke up Thursday morning not feeling well. It's gone down hill since then and now I've got a doosy of a cold. Coughing, stuffed head, etc. I see my surgeon on 3/17 and I'm wondering if he sees me ill if he'll want to postpone surgery. I'm drinking lots of liquids and resting (makes me nuts because I'd like to be out walking in all of the great weather we're having this weekend! 80 degrees today and sunny!). Of course I'm assuming I'll still be sick by Thursday but everyone I've known that's come down with this cold is sick for 10-14 days.

Also, I've been taking echinachea(sp?) and I wonder if I should stop since I'm having my lab tests on 3/21. What do you think?

BigT · March 13, 2005

I would stop all herbs at least 2-3 days,preferably 1 week, before any blood tests or surguries. Some can thin blood or can affect clotting or elevate white cell counts.

If you feeling up to a walk I would do it. Gentle exercise (slow walking) when sick can increase the metabolism, helping recovery. But keep it shorter than normal, and do not push at all.

T

paula · March 13, 2005

Im not sure about echinachea, but adding to what Big T said, I would stop taking this and consult your local herb specialist. Also, vit. C is great for healing, and thats something safe you can take throughout the surgery.

As anxious as we all are to have this procedure, you certainly would not want to put your body through extra stress with being sick.

If your doctor thinks you are ok, then go for it, but if he wants to postpone it, then I would accept that as Divine Will....

Good luck!

Iluvharleys · March 13, 2005

You still have plenty of time to be over your cold before surgery. Maybe your doctor can give you something for it if you call him. If it does get cancelled, just remember it will still happen, just a little later.

HarleyNana · March 13, 2005

I was told to stop taking everything except prescrip 10 days prior to surgery. Hope you're better soon.

sharon · March 14, 2005

The same thing happenned to me - and I still had a cough when I got the surgery. Unless you are seriously ill I wouldn't worry too much about the cold. Also this could be a little psychosomatic (I was thinking that when I got my cold 1 week before surgery) - you may have that little devil in the back of your mind "oh my god we won't be able to pig out anymore!". Just drink lots of hot stuff, get tons of rest and you will be as good as gold for the surgery.

Feel2Young2B40 · March 14, 2005

Hi! I sat in the sun all day yesterday and today soaking up all the Vitamin D I could. Took a short walk and feel better this evening.

I thank everyone for your great advice and I'm sure everything will be fine. I haven't taken anymore echinechea(sp?) and popping the Halls Defense Vitamin C like candy. Unfortunately I don't think it's is self induced, as my husband came down with a wicked cold 2 days before me. I was teasing him that he got me sick on purpose! No, he's been great through this, very helpful and supportive. Thanks again! Laura

Jammin & Losin · March 14, 2005

Glad to hear your feeling better. I 'm sure you will be back up to your best by surgery time. Good luck and Still sending well wishes your way!!

Nykee · March 14, 2005

I had the flu the week before I went in..

I was still sick when I went

Everything was fine for me.

vinesqueen · March 16, 2005

important to stop the herbs and herbal suppliments, because there is not a good body of knowledge yet on the effects of herbs.

I was in the ER days before my surgery, and everything still worked out. Be sure to call your sergeon to give her a heads up.

I'llsucceed · March 16, 2005

Thank goodness your feeling better & just in time!! You still have a week left so keep yourself healthy & wash your hands all the time;-) I hope things go well & look forward to your update! Best of luck!