I have to have a small op, or procedure. It's not related to my lungs but it requires general
Anaesthetic. I'm really concerned. I know they ruled out a lung biopsy to confirm sarcoidosis as it was felt to be too dangerous given how brittle my lungs were.
Obviously they aren't actually touching my lungs with this but I am worried about whether a general anaesthetic is ok for those of us with rubbish lungs?
Marie x
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hi Marie , i was concerned when i needed surgery,i asked if i could have an epidural,to which they agreed.but just before it was done,the surgeon said they would also do an anaesthetic,as he said i would find the procedure embarrassing, so .i had both,and was fine,
will you have an opportunity to speak to the consultant about your concerns ?the anaetheatist was very reassuring on the day of the op,and afterwards.
i hope you will get some reassurance too,and that all will go well for you. Madeline.x
Hi Marie,
Good question and one that I have wondered about too. I'm sure the helpdesk would be able to answer this. x
I might give them a ring. Thanks.
I'm sure there are lots of people who have operations when their lungs/heart aren't in great shape.
Marie x
Thanks Madeline. I know that they will take into account my history. I have been considering the epidural route but if I can have the general I think I would prefer it. I'll ask the consultant and see what he says.
Marie x
Meike hi Marie, my biggest fear is having to have an anaesthetic I feel much better about it having read what others have said . Thanks.
Hi Marie
I'm a lifelong non cf bronchiectatic and when I was 15 (many years ago) I had lung surgery, which was a big deal then. Had quite a few surgeries and yes it is worrying. Had a gynae op a few years ago, and after some reluctance on my part had a spinal. I have to say it is not embarrasing or painful at all. You have a cover in front of you and my anaesthetists and the team were a hoot. Was even asked what music I wanted on! So if your op allows spinal you might want to give it some thought.
Latest surgery was a gall bladder removal. My surgeon was happy to do the op and I was made aware of any possible complications. They wanted to do keyhole. However they need to pump you full of co2, - if my lungs didn't tolerate it they would revert to open surgery. He gave me an appointment to see my anaesthetist in out patients for the go ahead. Surgeon put aside an HDU bed, which I didn't need and all went well.
You might want to speak to your consultant about your concerns and he might arrange for you to see your anaesthetist before you go into hospital. Do you know when the op will be?
Diablo is quite right they will do all they can to look after you.
With best wishes for a successful outcome and please let us know how you get on.
Hi Marie
How bizarre to do both spinal and GA together. Had the anaesth already done the spinal before surgeon decided to add GA? Glad it all went well for you sweet.
XXX
Epidurals are only for childbirth and would not give you sufficient anaesthesia for surgery. It would be a spinal anaesthetic you need if it's appropriate ie for surgery below the waist. I've had them for similar problems to cofdrop and can't understand a surgeon saying a procedure would be too embarrassing. As she says, you can't see a thing. Even if you have a g.a., you still know the theatre staff are going to be seeing those bits of you!
If, as you say Marie, it's only a small procedure, ie not essential or an emergency, then they definitely wouldn't be doing it if your lungs weren't up to it, so I don't think you need worry.
However if you want to go down the spinal route I can tell you all the staff were very reassuring and kind on both occasions, chatted away and kept me entertained! You have to lie completely flat for a couple of hours afterwards, and not drink very much because it takes a while for your bladder function to wake up
FF x
I have pulmonary fibrosis (only cure is a lung transplant) and i had a lung biopsy and muscle biopsy under a GA. I did have a high dependancy bed booked for me after the procedure because they didnt know how i would handle the op, but after 24hrs in HDU i was back on the ward. Don't worry about anything the theatre staff will take good care of you.
Maureen
hi i am new on this site but i can tell you they would not do op if they felt you werent up to it i had a op five years ago which was cancelled by the anaesthetic twice even though i was already in gown to down to theatre in the end it was suggested by all parties to stay in hospital the nite prior to operation i was also give steriod injection dont know if this of any help but care is excellent as long as everyone know your full history regards x
I had to have gall blader removed,anesthetist was very concerned,especially as key hole surgery was not an option doe to other surgical scarring on my stomach,he insisted I had several lung function tests,and put me on a steroid dose 2 days before the operation.
The surgery went well the anaesthetist came to see me and told me there had been no problem with my breathing.
I understand your concerns but sure everything will be fine
very best wishes
Woody
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Just when you thought it was safe....
Still have no diagnosis to why I have breathing problems and pain in my lungs when i breath
When is an appointment not an appointment?
Can you have an allergy to Jelly Babies?
copd and general anaesthetic
