Guest guest Posted October 14, 2001 Report Share Posted October 14, 2001 Mia, If anesthesia is a primary concern, you can opt for an epidural. I personally feel that the recovery time from an epidureal is days where the recovery time for general anesthesia is about 2 months! I have had 7 suregeries, I was a heavy smoker for all but the last. One surgery, I was under for 6 hours with a general. I think that you should do everything in your power to reduce your smoking as best you can, and, as long as you know you don't have to go to zero, you will not go through that scarcity ...I have to smoke more and more due to anxiousness...that many of us obsessive compulsive personalities go through. Also, I do not like playing with fire. The DS is a heavy duty serious surgery. I really would not want to add any uneccessary risks. As such, I would tell the pulmonologist that I was smoking, but only a few cigs a day. I smoked for two reasons: one, to cut down on eating, and two, out of nerves...ok, and three cuz I was addicted! Laughing...perhaps you could get some anti anxiety medication for the short term in order to get off the cigs??? Keeping you in my prayers. Hugs, Theresa > I have a question, I hope that someone can help... > I know this is going to sound crazy, and I am so embarrassed about > asking this...but I need to know... > I have been a smoker for many years, usually 1 - 1 1/2 pack a day... > I started to quit about 2 months ago...I have really tried so hard... > but it seems like something always happens and I go back...This has > been such a horrible and strenuous time for me (i.e. - Sept.11....my > husband worked at the WTC...he got out and he is fine, thank God, but > we lost so many friends...there are still 72 people missing from his > company...all friends he has worked with for 18 years...the last > month has been filled with going to funerals and memorials), the > smoking has been so hard to stay away from...I do not smoke as much > as I used to...but still smoke from 4 - 5 cigarettes a day... > I am so upset because my surgery is in 2 1/2 weeks!!...I just can't > seem to control it...the more I worry, the more I want to smoke... > Now, I am worried that I will have a pulmonary embolism or die on the > table... > I am so afraid...Should I tell my doctor all this?...I am afraid that > if I do he won't operate....I am going for my pulmonary clearance on > Tuesday...should I wait to hear what they tell me then?...I just > don't know what to do... > Does anyone know if anyone has had this surgery while they were still > a smoker, and if so, did they survive... > Is the only reason for not smoking because of the anesthesia > issue...I had back surgery years ago and did not quit, and I came out > of it alright... > is there another specific reason for not smoking with this surgery? > Any feed back on this would be so appreciated... thank you... > Mia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.