Operations and the common cold

[Breezy23]

I'm due to have a minor op next week under general anaesthetic. One of the questions they asked at my pre-op assessment was whether I'd had a cold in the last 2 weeks. Well I hadn't then but typically I've now got one, had it for 10 days and it's just dragging on. Are there any medically qualified AB ers to advise whether I should be contacting the hospital now or should I leave it till the end of this week and see how it goes?

[kate1976]

I'm not medically qualified but I would ring the hospital and explain the situation and see what they say!

[milly143]

I'm not medically qualified either but have had several operations at the same time as having a cold and it never seemed to be a problem. In fact the general anaesthetic seemed to cure it! But yeah, you should contact the hospital before you go in.

[tinkertontom]

phone the hospital, better safe than sorry

[Goodsoulette]

also I think a lot of people mistake hayfever at this time for a cold, try some antihistimines too and see if this cures your syptoms.

[Breezy23]

Thanks for your answers, I'll give the hospital a call. Seems a shame to delay the op, taken long enough for it to happen - good old NHS. One good thing, at least the weather will have a chance to perk up so I can spend the 2 weeks off sitting in the sunshine. It's definately the bug that has been going around at work, with an irritating cough to match as well.

[alijangra]

Its very possible your op will be cancelled by the anaesthetist if you have any cold symptoms, particularly a cough or chest infection. I have seen it many times. The anaesthetist is responsible for your respiratory and cardiovascular well-being during an op, they dont take chances and a huge part of that is not putting their own neck on the line. You must contact the hospital now rather than get cancelled on the day so the slot can be offered up to someone else. These guidelines are issued for a reason, please follow them.

[Breezy23]

Thanks Alijangra, I suspected that there was some positive reasoning behind this and was hoping for someone in the "industry" to explain. I was of course going to do something about it and not just leave it to the day concerned. If that was the case I wouldn't have bothered placing this question.You will note that op is not till next week and my enquiry mentioned making a decision this week so don't really appreciate the tone of your lecture.

[alijangra]

It asks in 'last 2 weeks' so the way I read it, you are in that timescale. I dont agree you should put it off any longer. As I said already, the guidelines are there for a reason.

[Breezy23]

Just in case any of you find yourself in the same situation, I brought the relevant 'phone number into work today, called and spoke to the pre 'op lady and explained situation. She said to give it till Friday to see how I was and then give them a call back if bug hadn't gone. They probably wouldn't worry if symptoms were mild but if I was really bunged up etc they would probably postpone operation. She said that it was a bit hasty to cancel one week in advance and that Friday wouldn't be too late as they could always fill the gap with a cancellation for someone. Cheers to all you helpful AB ers.